Unfortunately, although the quality of food was good, it always arrived cold.
The fitness facilities were woefully inadequate whereas the gambling facilities were the opposite.
The entertainment facilities were also inadequate and very loud. The quality of the entertainment was variable.
Most of the staff were very courteous yet we found the lady on the restaurant booking desk rude and condescending.
There were queues lasting hours to embark but disembarkation was very smooth.
There were also large queues for reception and some reception staff were not particularly helpful.
The shops were mainly jewellery based so not much in the way of souvenirs aboard.
The destinations were very good especially Glacier bay.
This was chosen for itinerary. Because the ship never tied up all going ashore was by RIBs sitting on the rubber edge which couldnt go if more than a ripple, hence we missed a lot of ports of call. The ship was noisy and not good in not all not that very rough sea. The cabin very Spartan with no drawers and bed so high my wife needed help to get in and out. The ship needed to make long convoluted journeys at night with much tossing about and clanking.We are seasoned sailors and not bothered but some were very anxious. When questioned it was to discharge “grey” water. Surely this didn’t need doing every single night. There were a lot of people on board for the itinerary element not the expedition. The food was good. When boat was tossing about buffet meals were put on. Great fun watching poor souls with crutches trying to get to their seats and then getting food. The waiters were willing to help but with a buffet you need to know what there is. One good point of the trip was we actually got to St Kilda but after that …………
The passengers seemed to be divided into Hurtigruten afficienados and those of us who couldn’t wait to disembark. This was the worst cruise we have ever been on
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This was a tour round the Eastern Mediterranean over Christmas and New Year. It’s a small friendly ship, with only a few dining and entertainment choices on board, but that was all I wanted. The crew were brilliant too. Maybe it won’t suit those who want a luxury holiday resort aboard. I was much more interested in the ports of call and excursions. Only slight downside was that some excursions weren’t running, not the ship’s fault but the time of year. But most did run, including the ones most important to me. Christmas Eve in Jerusalem, wow!
They’re doing the same trip next Christmas, so anyone can check it out. I travel alone, and the solo price was very good. Cabin was comfortable and roomy.
It was a cruise to Iceland stopping off at two Scottish ports during the cruise.
The ship is very smart and elegant. Sometimes the staff were found lacking but I got the impression that they were not trained properly, example evening dinning- instead of waiting until everyone was seated to give out the menu’s they pounced on you even before you were properly seated, small enough but after a week of this it got annoying.
That aside the cruise was great
MS Spitsbergen
MS Spitsbergen is a medium ocean ship sailing with HX Expeditions.
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