VOYAGE OF THE VIKINGS |
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Reviewed By: hume, Knutsford on 20th Aug 2009
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| Cruise Line: Spirit of Adventure |
Times cruised before: 6-10 |
| Cruise Ship: Spirit of Adventure |
Sailed:
August,
2009 |
| Destination:
British Isles
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Age: 65+ |
| Cabin: Outside |
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We have just returned from our fourth cruise with the Spirit of Adventure and found the standards of service all round are still of the very high standards met previously.
For this cruise we were taken from home direct to the ship in Dover and returned home from Liverpool by courtesy car at no cost to ourselves, falling into the 300 mile free service being offered. Embarkation in Dover was totally relaxing even with a Jazz band and newspapers to pass the short time before joining the ship. It is good to be greeted on board by familiar faces who amazingly recognise you instantly.
THE CRUISE, 'VOYAGE OF THE VIKINGS'
The cruise taking in Norway and the Outer Scottish Isles had its first port of call in Stavanger where the ship docked right in the city centre, alongside the delightful old quarter of quaint houses but adjacent to the shopping areas. Second port was Bergen in glorious sunshine and an informal hike into the hills above the city organised by a cruise staff member was an energetic start to a day followed by a tour out to the home of the composer Edward Greig completed a rewarding day.
A first visit to the Shetland Islands was enhanced by good weather and a superb local guide as we toured a fair part of Mainland Island enjoying excellent coastal scenery and finally to a Shetland pony breeding farm.
Orkney Islands followed and a chance to discover the ancient settlements of Skara Brae and other stone circles predating Stonehenge.
No chance to relax on this cruise as we next reached Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides. I took the opportunity to join a small group who had an exciting morning on zodiac boats seeking out wildlife, hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs, zooming thro' cliff arches and pounding along at up to 35knots. This was organised and run by a Zodiac driver who had spent part of earlier cruises with the Spirit when she was in Antartica.
More discovering of Harris in the afternoon and some of the fabulous beaches to the southwest facing the now famous island of Taransey (BBCs Castaway)
Another day another island this one was Skye and we chose to visit the Trotternish Peninsular excursion with Museum of Island Life situated in a wonderful location facing our yesterdays location on to view some staggering sea cliffs and then an afternoon discovering the town of Portree. Next island was Mull and a chance to visit contrasting castles of Duart and Torosaybut in rather inclement weather.
Not to be outdone with islands it was then to Ireland itself and to Belfast where we chose to discover the city and luckily the Tall Ships were visiting so with the ship virtually alongside these mavellous old vessels it made a fitting climax to our final day prior to the run over to Liverpool.
The Ship
Life on the ship is rather like being in a superb hotel where every whim is catered for. The ladies are escorted to the table every evening by the waiters and the Maitre D ensures every passenger is seated with a suitable companion.
The food is superb and chosen by the Excecutive Chef and not from some faraway office therefore local dishes are often appearing when in interesting ports.
Entertainment is of a fairly low key and on our cruise had a Folk music theme with numerous high standard acts the best known being Roger McGough. In addition we had the wonderful singing voice of Anthony Stuart Lloyd. as usual the Spirit Quartet and Maestro trio were there for dancing and classically minded quests to enjoy.
What adds to the enjoyment is the quiet efficiency and dry humour of the Cruise director Neil and his staff who ensure
all runs like clockwork .
Cabins are not the largest but adequate for this type of cruising having fridge ,dressing gowns, binoculars and an atlas provided.
The library has a huge range of books and where you can borrow DVDs and down load Digital Pictures.
To enhance the cruise the range of lecturers cover in detail the type of location being visited and we had on board a BTO speaker along with a group from ORCA who spent hours identifying Fish and Mammels as part of continuing surveys of movements of these creatures.
Overall this cruise was completely satisfying very enjoyable much credit goes into the organisation of itineries and the tours offered on each cruise destination and mostly to the wonderful staff who ensure all passengers have a great experience.
A wonderful little ship and like many of our fellow passengers cannot wait to come back for more.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Excellent ,high quality and good choice eating mainly in the main dining room | | Entertainment |  |
| Fairly low key, a folk theme, but ok for dancers and a good piano bar pianist | | Shore Excursions | |
| Included thro'out and well organised. Toffees and a towel give a little personal touch to all excursions and having a member of staff with a first aid kit is a nice touch | | Staff | |
| Cruise staff such as Assistant Director Angela, Shanna and Jennie Plus each and every Waiter | | Children's Facilities |  |
| None | | Onboard Activities |  |
| Quizzes Deck games, Films, Lectures and an art class | | Cabins | |
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