We choose cruises for the ports of call or destinations. This was a 24 day back-to-back cruise, leaving from Harwich and finishing in Boston. The weather was dry and sunny throughout and we enjoyed all the ports we stopped at. It would have been nice to have a day in Greenland as we passed so close, and it would have broken up the 4 days at sea.
The ship is getting a little faded and shabby. Even the centrum which looks spectacular in photos is a bit cheap and tacky in real life (lots of flashing coloured lights). There was cleaning and maintenance going on most of the time. Most of the staff were polite and cheerful.
Embarkation was quick, efficient and easy. The fire drill was well organised - more like an aircraft safety drill, we didn't have to put on our life jackets. The cabin was well equipped and very comfortable and it was kept very clean and tidy. I was concerned that the ship had no coin operated laundry as you need to take enough clothes to cover different types of weather for 3 weeks. However there was no poblem washing clothing in the bathroom, there is a retractable washing line in the shower and a metal rack over the toilet. most items dried fairly quickly.