Value for money

Western Med and Balearics. Excellent service starting from collection from home.
Ship and our “standard cabin” was extremely comfortable and in first-class condition and the service was the best we have ever experienced and that includes QM2 last year. Everything is included in the fare so we had a nil account at the end of the cruise. Some of the theatre entertainment by visiting artists (a comedian and a magician) was not very good I.e. in our opinion but the lectures were entertaining in the main. The lounges and dining venues are extremely good but with some weird design chairs to avoid. Not enamoured with the fact there isn’t a quiet lounge at night as the entertainment by trio’s etc in or near the lounges was quite loud so conversation difficult perhaps they will pay attention to that. Dining experience, freedom dining for all, was really good and had no difficulty getting two bookings in each of the three speciality restaurants. The best food we have experienced on a cruise ship (not used Princess Grill class on Cunard). Expensive cruise on first appearances but when you cost in the transport to ship and return, all gratuities, specialised dining, coffees, soft drinks, premium alcoholic drinks (e.g. 5 top brands of Scotch malt whiskies and 10 gins on offer – e.g. QM2 drinks and coffees are extremely expensive and 4 free panorama tours of destinations which were good it worked out extremely cost efficient. The library was stocked with a good selection of books we thought and was a popular area for a quiet coffee as was the rear of the ship area. The promenade deck (3 laps a mile) is wide and a great feature. Hydrotherapy pool a boon for my back.
The collection service is really good and our cases were lifted out of our house and back in on return thus we never had to lift a case. One down mark was the driver on return was very aggressive in his driving having a spell of accelerating and braking hard when having overtaking another taxi, his ‘vehicle collision imminent’ alarm was constantly employed. I drive Mercedes so recognise the alarm. Tailgating also is not very pleasant to be a passenger. The check in at Portsmouth was so easy, covid certs not asked for? We enjoyed so much we have booked for next year.
The main selling point for us was the great friendly service throughout the ship by staff who seemed to enjoy their jobs. Well done Spirit of Discovery.