Prospect of interesting Ports of Call were our reason to book this cruise. Embarkation in Dubai was very efficient and we enjoyed a fantastic sail away from the city. However we were hit by the noro virus on board soon after and could not land for 7 days so missed Sallalah and Jordan. However this was compensated by fantastic two day stay in Haifa. Visited Jerusalem during Passover and Masada on the Dead Sea, which was spectacular. Shore excursions are expensive. The ship was due a refit after this cruise and it needs one. My husband found the gym equipment he wanted to use out of action and having to take classes in ballrooms or even worse rooms down near embarkation points not ideal when extra charges were being made of $13 per class. We hope the gym will be included in the refurbishment.

Food in the Queens Grill excellent and most requests can be catered for with sufficient notice. We did not pay to eat in speciality restaurants. Age demographic is for the newly retired and older and entertainment is catered for that market. Disembarkation in Southampton was less organised and our cases were is different locations and there were no trolleys available.