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“We are not cruise types, but we wanted to visit the...”

Written on: 26/10/2010 by woodthorpepair (1 review written)

We are not cruise types, but we wanted to visit the destinations included in the Black Sea Voyager and were recommended this cruise by some friends who had been on it the year before.



We liked the ship, although it was old and had seen better days. In Istanbul we were moored next to a huge German cruise ship which was like a floating retail park - right down to the dining arrangements, from what I've since read. Instead of being able to wander off the ship freely in port, as you can from a small vessel like the Discovery, the two thousand passengers had to queue for ages to get back aboard. So if you want the experience of a smaller, traditional ship, grab it before Discovery is taken out of service, which may happen in the not too distant future. Another good point of Discovery is that as nearly everything including service is included in the price, your cruise is hassle free and the helpfulness is genuine - another big plus over some of the floating gin palaces.



Our inside cabins were basic, but adequate and clean. We were pampered by the superb Philippino crew, especially when one of us was ill (lots of coughs about on this voyage). We're not foodies, but there was plenty of well- presented and good food. We had good service from the ship's doctor when one of us had an accident. We went to one port lecture which we found disappointing and didn't go again. We didn't make much use of the entertainment as we weren't always well, but some that we saw was good, and we borrowed books from the library to read in the cabin. Socially we got on well with the other passengers we met and had some interesting conversations with the crew, whom we found very approachable.



We didn't go on many excursions because they were expensive and we'd been told by our friends we could do it ourselves.In most cases the places of interest were just outside the port. In terms of the destinations, the cruise lived up to our expectations.



Before leaving the ship, we'd already booked to go on another cruise with Discovery next year. So I think that shows we were pretty satisfied. customers!