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Wednesday 20th August 2008

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Shetland, Iceland & Faroes
Reviewed By: Callaghan, Milton Keynes on 12th Jun 2008
Cruise Line: Voyages of Discovery	Times cruised before: 6-10
Cruise Ship: MV Discovery	Sailed: May, 2008
Destination: Northern Europe	Age: 56-65

Having cruised with three other cruise companies, my wife and I decided to sail with Voyages of Discovery on mv Discovery in view of their published itinerary. Unfortunately due to unforseen circumstances we could not sail to the Norwegian destination of the cruise. However, we were informed of this in good time by the company and in my opinion fairly compensated. We were also informed in advance that there was to be a change of berth at Harwich which on paper appeared to be no real problem. On arriving at the Port of Harwich the car parking arrangements seemed to be lacking any form of communication between staff and passengers or at least in the two rows of queues that were prevelant around me. Once on the shuttle to the terminal we were just literally dumped by a lift/stairs and told to make our own way to the departure lounge. Again, a lack of communication. It was also noted that once check in had commenced there was no tannoy/speaker announcement other than to join what was a disorderly queue even though Discovery staff were in attendance. On finally reaching the ship via another bus shuttle service it was nice to be greeted by the smiling and helpful Filipino members of the crew and escorted to our cabin on deck 7. The cabin (7228) was immaculate and this was obviously down to our cabin steward. There can be no complaints in that department suffice to say the cabin tannoy system (as with other cabins) was virtually non existent as passengers had to open their cabin doors to listen to messages. It must be borne in mind that this cruise was more educational than razamataz and it showed in the lectures provided. We had no complaints on that score. Cruising is also about "Food" and there is no other way of defining it. The main restaurant (The Seven Continents) besides being a hub of dining activity I would define as pleasant in decor and surrounds. The food and menus were reasonably variable and improved slightly as the cruise progressed (please note that is only my opinion - others have disagreed with me.) The restaurant staff are another matter. From Maitre 'd to Busboys, they were outstanding, worked exceptionally hard and always with a smile and a willingness to help. I must not forget the chef's who work so hard to cater for their passengers but cannot be liable for their taste, mine included. The Lido Buffet though variable in menus lacked a little imagination especially in the salad bar, but always busy and a pleasant area to eat in. I will however comment on the use or non use of the anti bacterial hand wash facility. Many passengers failed to use this facility and there was no staff supervision to make sure it was used as done on other cruise lines. Some passengers were touching food with their hands and putting it back on the serving trays. Other passengers and myself included were appalled at this and made our comments known. It always appeared to be the same people rushing and eager to get to the servery first in case they missed out. Readers of this review may wish to add their thoughts on this regardless of what cruise line you sail with. The Yacht Club restaurant used for special evening/menus and pre-booked was nothing other than 1st class. The Oriental evening which my wife and I booked for was the dining highlight of the cruise. I can say little more than to give all involved a 5 star rating. Ports of Call and Port Lecturer. I will comment first and say that the Port Lecturer was excellent and gave interesting insights to our port of call. Its always difficult to know what tour to take and therefore a lecture is sometimes the best way to make your mind up. The ports of call on this cruise were Lerwick in the Shetland Isle, Akureyri, Isafjordhur and Reykjavik in Iceland and Torshavn in the Faroe Islands. Unfortunately we were at anchor at Torshavn and due to unstable weather the Captain decided that using the ships tenders were unsafe. This decision taken by the Captain was for our safety and I can accept that and that is part and parcel of cruising using tenders. However, what is not acceptable is a lack of communication to passengers from the Bridge and Cruise Director. I will clarify by saying that sometimes it is better to let passengers know that there is no change on a regular basis rather than to say nothing for two or three hours. There were many frustrated passengers whilst at anchor in Torshavn. Even on the penultimate day of the cruise,nothing was heard from the Bridge. The ship itself often looked a 'tired old lady' to coin a phrase. The crew were always doing their best to make her look smart both on the interior and exterior and from a personal point of view, maybe a refit is needed. Having mentioned the excellence of the Filipino crew it would be remiss of me not to mention the excellence of the Reception Staff. Always willing to assist and advise regardless. You cannot ask for more. Finally, in taking everything into account, the good and the not so good, overall I did not think the cruise was value for money and will not cruise with the company again. Whether that may sound harsh or even correct at the end of the day it is only one opinion.
Quality of Food
Yacht Club excellent. Seven Continents Restaurant and Lido Buffet lacked imagination on salads.
Entertainment
Show Company as per most ships of this size was average and the main lead singer of the company was very good. Educational programmes and lectures were there if you wanted them.
Shore Excursions
Iceland: All excursions taken were good and informative but as always cruise excursions can be expensive. Lerwick in Shetlands was interesting.
Staff
Do not like to single out just one, so the cabin steward, restaurant waiters and busboys and the Reception Staff get my vote.
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities
Could have had more choice during days at sea regardless of being an educational cruise.
Cabins
Yes without a doubt. Excellent cabin steward (Ernie) and Room Service.
Overall Rating

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Comment by Evans, Chorley (11 Jul 08 11:06) about this REVIEW.

Strongly agree with your comments regarding the staff on board. The food, i found ,was to lagely my taste in seven continents restaurant.Cooked breakfast was greasy. I must strongly disagree with the fact that we were fairly compensated for the failure of 1 of the engines. The subsequent alteration to the whole itinerary meant that we called everywhere a day early ,resulting in not being able to berth in Lerwick and Torshavn.To rely on tendering passengers ashore from outside exposed ports is a wonderful way of not visiting them.This ruined the atmosphere aboard and my holiday.There were very few announcements from the bridge adding to the frustration ,and you quite rightly comment on nothing from the bridge on the penultimate day.My GPS showed us cruising at 12.3 knots and being on a line with Cromer at 22.00 hrs, for an 06.00 arrival in Harwich.....a little slow progress? On a previous cruise with this ship an extra port of call was made ,due to a problem visiting a booked one.I too shall never cruise with this company again, you rightly say the ship is a looking "tired".

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Comment by Hornby, Rhyl (09 Jul 08 17:16) about this REVIEW.

Strongly agree with you regarding the handwash. On my recent trip on Discovery, the same problem was prevalent, with the 'BlueRinse meanies' so keen to get first pick at the food that personal hygiene was often given second place to sheer greed. I was glad I didn't live in any of their houses! On the whole though, an excellent cruise.

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Comment by Callaghan, Milton Keynes (03 Jul 08 11:25) about this REVIEW.

I understand your disagreement with the review I wrote on this cruise. I feel my comments were valid as far as Harwich was concerned however unfortunate the situation appeared to be. Other passengers mentioned this was a one-off so let me put it down to experience. My comments on the food were only directed at the 'salad bar' in the Lido Buffet Bar. The Filipino staff and the staff of Reception were second to none as previously mentioned. Also, I did mention that the lectures were good and informative as were the tours even though a little expensive (its the same on all port tours as is well known). My major 'gripe' was lack of communication to the passengers and this was backed up by several passengers. I research my cruises well via the internet, passengers reviews and the so called bible of all cruises by Berlitz. I do like small ships and I did read Discovery Today. However, we are all different and have different opinions and I thank you for yours. Likewise, I wish you happy cruising in the future.

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Opinion: Disagree Comment by Hatcher, Aldershot (03 Jul 08 10:41) about this REVIEW.

I disagree with this review..I have travelled with Discovery before on many cruises actually five. I was on this cruise and when I have my photos produced will be writing a review ! The weather was very unfortunate. As you say we were informed of problems before we sailed and compensated. Harwich also a let down for Discovery as they were not informed the process in this terminal 3, akways before in Termail 1 it was slick, the car park personnel were holding us up because the termal 3 was not yet empty. We had to wait for the ferry to Holland to leave and personnel were not told by Port Authorities what was going on and how they were to arrange their loading. This is the Port letting Discovery down ! We had wonderful food in Seven Continents Restaurant and superb service from all members of staff on board. This is an older ship. If you do your homework before you book a cruise you will find out which is a modern ship if that is your liking. The ship has a character she is warm and friendly. I have sailed on a ship which is modern and very large Star Princess. Good cruise but did not have the welcome of this little vessel. Yes she is tired as is QE2 and she has the same warm welcome. We had a great Iceland experience, superb lectures, superb food. BUT being mean wish that the problems with the engine had not been on our cruise. Being mean wish the weather was bad for another cruise not ours. BUT Discovery put on lots of extra lectures and events that we could not fit it all in. DID YOU read Discovery today in full and find out what was on? Happy cruising in the future whichever cruise you sail on and which ever company you cruise with.

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Comment by Whineray, North Shore (16 Jul 08 22:01) about a COMMENT by Hatcher (03 Jul 08 10:41)

The ship is running on three diesel engines following the failure (seizure?) of the fourth about April 1 around Ecuador. The cruise speed is now about 13 knots, instead of the normal 18 knots. This means ports of call are reached either late or bypassed. An interesting legal position for the cruise line. When, if ever, the engine is repaired is anyone's guess. The company is not talking.

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