One thing I forgot to mention, was that Tui don't really have formal nights. It's called dress to impress so you don't necessarily need to wear tuxedos
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We were on the ship within 20 minutes of entering the building. We were a bit concerned because we had read on some reviews that people had to wait for 3 hours to get aboard and were even collapsing in the queue. I asked about this when we were on board and apparently those problems were experienced at Newcastle where the shore staff aren't so experienced as those at Southampton
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
All inclusive drinks are superb. As an example Bells and Teachers whisky, Heineken, Fosters, John Smiths, cider, pinot grichio and merlot, some cocktails plus many more are included in the inclusive deal, and those that aren't are just £2.50. On deck and when you are waiting to go into the theatre, they have a table with a variety of drinks and you just help yourself. Food is ok but lacking a bit in variety, but there's no need to go hungry. We don't do speciality restaurants so can't comment on them.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Being an ex RCI Ship it had mini golf and rock climbing in addition to shuffleboard, which were all good. Didn't use gym but it looked good. Pools and Jacuzzis were fine
Entertainment
3 out of 5
The shows were good with excellent scenery, costumes and choreography. However it was the same singers and dancers for 7 of the 8 nights, so it was a bit " same ". On the other night there was a Scottish comedian Anthony Scott. Not very good and apparently on his late night show someone shouted out " why don't you tell a joke" because all he did was taking the mickey out of guests. Of the groups in the live venue and show lounge we didn't think the B12 group were particularly good. They were ok when they played songs that people knew (majority of guests were 50 +) but imo they played songs that most of us hadn't heard of, so consequently the lounge was often half empty whereas the Taylor Made group with Leah Hall played to a packed venue every night because they played popular music. There was a saxophonist who played in the Antrim every night and he was quite good if you wanted easy listening . Games shows were quite good with several games we hadn't seen before, and the hostd were good.
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Top notch
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
layout and design good as you would expect from an RCI Ship but does need a but of TLC
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Bit small and a bit overcrowded . Didn't really need the sofa in it as it didn't give any room to get round the bed. We had a double bed and the bedside cabinet had to be jammed sideways down the side of the bed so you couldn't use the drawers. But hey, it's cheap, and you only need it to sleep and shower in.
Ship tip
Go on with an open mind as we did and you will enjoy it. We've been on in excess of 20 cruises with different lines, and this is up there with the best fir value for money
If you do nothing else here, go to the Thus is Holland venue. You walk through central station and on the other side there are ferries that taje you across for free and they go every 3 minutes. It's 16€ each, lasts about an hour and most of it you are in a flight simulator that takes you across Holland through all the seasons , with smells from the tulip fields and rain drops when the weather is bad . Don't do it if your scared of flying ,because it feels as if you are flying the plane. If you want to do the Anne Frank house you MUST buy tickets online before you go. None available any day.
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