We have taken 40+ cruises in the last 10 years and wanted to try the Astor as there are few options from Fremantle. We are used to very large Royal Caribbean ships but have also sailed with Princess, Celebrity, NCL, MSC and Cunard. We went with an open mind as we knew this was a very small ship with limited facilities. However, this was more different that we expected and certainly not for us.

Embarkation took 2 hours and was slowed by the fact they don't have credit card details at online check in stage.

We had a Premium Suite on Atlantic Deck - it was clean and spacious and had a great full sized shower. The bed was comfortable and the room was our sanctuary away from everything else. The decoration was very dark - navy furnishings and dark mahogany wood everywhere so quite austere. It did make us laugh that we had a traditional room key and massive fob to lug around your Seapass (or whatever CMV call it) doesn't work as a door key.... never none that before! Read more