Iona to Canary Islands October 2021

Interesting to travel on a new ship and very impressed by the decor. A lot of IT involved in preparing for the cruise, most time consuming being the Passenger Locator. Boarding the ship took a long time (at least 3 hours) due to long queue for Covid testing, awaiting results then check in procedures. A lot of the information that had to be completed on line prior to the cruise was duplicated at check in. On board passengers are required to use an app to book evening meals, specialty restaurants and shows in the main theatre. The app was not working on the night I boarded and by the time I got it working with assistance from very helpful Reception staff the only time available to book for evening meals was 5.30 pm which was really too early. I enjoyed the quizzes in Brodie’s and shows in the main theatre. However acoustics in the Dome ruined evening performances there and I found the volume of shows in The Clubhouse deafening. The 711 Club was pleasant as was The Crow’s Nest. I found there were few activities on sea days and obviously was not alone as the library was quickly denuded of books. I missed a card room and arts and craft sessions that I have enjoyed on other ships. There was only one speaker and his presentations quickly filled up each morning. Good weather saved the trip and I spent a lot of time reading. I appreciated all the Covid restrictions employed by the company and this might have contributed to the lack of activities and while it was lovely to get away I was really rather bored. It does not help that on a ship this size one rarely meets the same people twice.