Returned on 3rd Sept 2022 following a week on Iona going to the Norwegian Fjords.
Spectacular! The service was polite, friendly, attentive, everyone said hello and asked if they could help or if you were having a good time.
The food was amazing – lots and lots of choice and quick service.
Good quality wines and cocktails – yes, they did run out of a few things, but it did not spoil anything for us.
The cabin was very comfortable and quiet, could not hear neighbours at all ( 9th floor, forward, balcony) On the balcony yes, we could hear them chatting, but it was nice to pop a head out and say hello.
The facilities! The bars, restaurants, central atrium and entertainment venues were all sparkling – loved the Central Atrium so much – could’ve spent the week just sitting there watching the waves go by.
Only point I’d make is the glass in the many windows – esp Crow’s nest – it was dirty from the sea splashes and that did spoil the wonder of all that glass.
We saw the automatic glass washers a couple of times, but I think they could be used more.
The entertainment we mostly liked.
The musician comedian we thought was not too good – it looked like he’d lose it at any point.
Matt Terry was very good – almost too powerful for the venue.
The 710 band were EXCEPTIONAL we saw them 4 times and some had seen them every night.
Very talented players, very personable, great little show, different every time.
We did 4 excursions – 2 were fabulous – coach into the heartlands of the Fjords.
1 was OK – the tour of Stavanger, we could have done that on our own, but the talk was very interesting.
(Watch “A state of Happiness” to see how Stavanger developed from a very poor fishing village to the Oil Capital of Norway – Fascinating) The 4th to a lighthouse was delightful, the tour guide told us lovely stories of local people and the waffles were super.
We did love the Norwegian story telling from the tour guides – and not all of them ended in a death!! – Norwegian film Noir!! We dressed up smart or smart casual every evening, although it was not strictly required, but why not? I drank only cocktails and (bottles of) Prosecco – it works out less expensive and one can take the bottle from venue to venue without a blink of an eye.
My hubby didn’the same with a bottle of Red.
The weather was very kind to us, warm and sunny throughout – we kept the balcony door open all night so we could hear the sea (and wind) The ship is magnificent – cannot fault it – loved the no touch WC door opening, the decor, the glass, the pools, the hot tubs to highlight a few.
And the Fjords…
They lived up to expectation, stunning – what more can I say!
