Well, its hard to know where to start. Right from the beginning is a good bet I think. I will try to be as honest as possible on all aspects of the cruise.

This was the last time we seen our cases until we reached our cabin. Once off the bus we qued for a few minutes in a 'large shed' type building where we were given our cruise cards ect. By this time everyone was getting excited and couldnt wait to embark. Once past the photographer (who, believe me, you will encounter a lot on your cruise) it was a blast of alcohol gel on the hands (another thing you will get used to every time you go into a restaurant or gym on the ship) and up the gangway. This took us straight to deck 5 where the main reception area was and it looks very impressive. We were in cabin E142 which was an outside cabinn deck 6, therefore not far to go.

Right, now for the food. There are 4 restaurants on board. the waterfront and plantations are where you have most of your meals from breakfast to dinner. We liked to eat in the Waterfront as it was better laid out and felt a little better than Plantations which was more like a cafe really. Plantations is where the 24 hour food is. When main meals are not served, like at 1.00am you can grab a snack but you do get bored after a whlie with the same things, burgers, hot dogs ect. Mind, if you like deserts youre in for a treat. Plenty to choose from. Our only real concern with plantations was sometimes the food had been out a little too long and was only warm at the best. This also occured in the Waterfront but not as often. As we were there there for 2 weeks we also tried La Luna and the Bistro twice each and believe me, the small extra charge was well worth it. The first week James Martin was on board which we had not expected but sadly and much to Dawns dissapointment, even after hours of stalking the place we did not see him. The Bistro has 2 menus which change weekly and the food is fantastic. The whole set up is in a completly different world compared to the Waterfront and Plantations. The brochure stated there was a cover charge of about £15.00 each to dine here. We infact found the price to be £12.50 or if you book in between 6 and 6.30 you could take advantage of the Early Bird offer of only £9.50 each. Well worth every penny. The same can be said of La Luna. we dined there twice and found the service to be excellent along with the food.

The ship also held several art auctions. Im a person who has never been into art, however, my credit card took a £3500 hit after buying some Peter Max and Wyland fine art. Its still causing arguments in the house but I see it as an investment.....hopefully.

Next for us was Genoa. We tried the 'taste of Italy' tour. It cost £45.00 each and we were bussed to a local restaurant and taught how to make real italian food before eating it. This was followed by a trip to the town of Rapallo where we had an hour to walk along the beack and take in the sights. Not a bad day at all we thought and by this time my tan was getting even better!

We decided to leave the next trips until the following week as my ship account was looking very unhealthy, what with the art auctions ect. I am sure my bank manager tried calling my mobile a few times. Oh well.

Our last trip was in Corsica. This was to a Tortoise park and then to a small town for an hours shopping. We both agreed that this was the best trip of the holiday and at only £22 each it was a snip. Corsica is a real lovely island and we found the locals very friendly indeed and if you still need to get those last minute presents there were a good few shops selling those all important tatty things we all bring home for the loved ones.

The last thing I can think of is the bars. Connexions seemed to be where most people hung out. Most nights you will find singing there or the comediens. Its not a huge place and seats are limited. Best bet is to get there an hour before the acts start or you have no chace of getting a seat. Same goes for the Marquee. Get in early or get a crap view of the stage. I cant really say much about the other bars as we rarly used them, other than the Oval. This is set up like a traditional english pub. Great if your feeling home sick.....aye right!!!

On the whole we both found this to be a really good holiday and good value for money. We got an outside cabin and it cost under £2000 for us both for 2 weeks. My advice is to start a diet weeks before going though. I put on 9lb and Dawn refuses to even get on the scales. There is a gym on board which we vowed to use daily. In fact it lasted for 3 days until we got sick of it and resorted to the sun loungers instead. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday with no rules on how you dress for dinner and you like to wake up to a new place eackhday then go for it. We enjoyed it and will be booking next year again. One last thing I forgot to mention, the staff on board. They were lovely people who always had a smile and were very friendly anf helpful.