14 Nights Norway Cruise

Excellent First Cruise

This was our first ever cruise (OAP age) and we loved it. My wife has mobility issues and the coach travel, embarkation and disembarkation were as smooth as they could make it - just need warning about the walk from the coach to on board and return. The cabin was clean and spacious and although dated it didn't bother us a bit. Only difficulty was getting in and out of the bath/shower. We generally had breakfast brought to the cabin and it was very fresh and tasty. The Horizon Buffet was as expected. The cold dishes and patisserie were particularly good but the hot dishes di vary a bit. We had evening meals in the Alexandria Restaurant at a set time and they were very good. The waiters were very friendly and attentive and we had the same two throughout the voyage who were excellent. We didn't do a lot of the activities on offer but the entertainment was good, and we enjoyed the late night quizzes in the buffet. Nice range of bars to relax in and enjoy the view. We would not consider going on a larger ship and we enjoyed the ambience of this one. Yes it is a bit dated and could do with a spruce up in places - which is starting as we speak - but that didn't reduce our enjoyment of the cruise. Minor niggles - the small bath was difficult to get into, even to shower. The cost of the wi-fi package was expensive. The shore excursions we went on were good but perhaps a little overpriced. The quality of the TV picture was a bit variable.

Norway/fjords 12 nights

The smallest but friendliest ship I have cruised on. Embarkation was an absolute breeze. Cabins ready early. Bags at room before us! NEVER short of seats or sun beds. Always got a seat in theatre even at 5 mins to go. Theatre company the best I have experienced. Dining in MDR was a little disappointing. Portion size - tiny. 3 out of 7 main menu dishes vegetarian and usually 2 fish/seafood so not much choice. Even less on formal nights. The food we got was nice but so limited in choice. MDR Alexandra’s was a little cramped and often very warm. Cabin absolutely fine if a little dated. Bathrooms need updating. I was in an accessible cabin and the automatic doors took so long to close anyone could have entered so had to wait until closed before heading off. Adult only always a bonus!! Friendliness of staff was the best thing. Disembarkation also a breeze. Have booked again!

Aurora great ship

Very easy to board loads of staff to help. Easy drop cases off. Through customs and on. Muster was as you get on so done quick. Cabin great. Bathroom needs update but clean,and white company handwash etc. nice fridge that kept wine cold. We bought bottle wine on each. You can bring some cans coke we bought 6 each. Easy to find way round ship. Always somewhere to sit. Buffet we loved, you must be fussy if you can’t find something to eat! The restaurants included were excellent. Staff amazing is I can say. So nice made our holiday. We didn’t get drinks package as had couple of cocktails which were delicious Pimms ! And took a glass of wine from our bottle in room to dinner. The silent disco was funny. We played bingo. Had dance. About 12 am we went to buffet which people seemed to do. Which I loved. Our cabin was looked after by lovely man every day. Booking another for next year. We’ve been on MSc and the breakfast in aurora restaurant was better than yacht club on MSc ! Nice to have a pool with steps going in as had 2 hip replacements. I think it’s being refurb next year. We loved it.