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Airtours

MV Sunbird

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Reviewed by:Martin Stilwell
# previous cruises: 2
Date of Trip: March 13, 2000
Itinerary: Caribbean

This cruise was excellent value for money. Although not in the P&O 5* bracket, neither is it in their price bracket. The Caribbean cruise visits many islands that are interesting with either 1 day or 2 days at sea depending on the week (itineraries rotate on a 2-week basis). It pays to upgrade to a de-lux cabin as it has extra space and double bed but at present avoid penthouses as plumbing is a problem. Beware the toilets though! On our cruise, somewhat less than intelligent passengers were putting nappies (diapers), sanitary towels, face cloths, plastic bags and even a bath towel down the bowls which operate on a vacuum system as in aircraft. This constantly blocked the system. Finding a working toilet was sometimes a problem. The situation was not managed well by senior staff. 9th deck cabins (penthouses) have a separate issue - see comments below boat.

The public areas were spacious enough and never too crowded. The two entertainment areas were quite large although the main one could have been a bit larger when a good cabaret way performing. Casino good and there are 2 smallish pools on top deck. Plenty of deck areas for power walkers and joggers. Gym poorly equipped but there are saunas.

Service was almost too efficient. Cabin service was superb and waiter service was fast and efficient - sometimes a bit too fast - plate would be cleared before you've swallowed the last mouthful! Drinks waiters walked around promenade decks all the time the sun was shining. One problem that annoyed many people was the lack of enforcement of dress code for dinner. Wives spend hours getting ready only to find some American kids in t-shirts and baseball hats being let in. Suggested dress code for each night (Smart Casual, Smart and Formal) was publicized.

We had deluxe cabin and this is an upgrade. Well worth it. We were on 7th deck just above all facilities and just below pools and top decks. Our large window overlooked lowest promenade deck. Lowest decks (2 and 3) had small rooms but then the cost is less. We had no problem with noise but water pressure sometimes was a bit low this high up.

Patchy. 2 cabaret artists were excellent, others struggled a bit. Resident entertainment artists were good. Singing duo excellent and they sometimes played up at the pool. This created a good atmosphere. Cruise Director super smooth. Lots of things going on all the time.

Plenty of activities laid on. Shore excursions aplenty but care needs to be taken regarding value for money. Often cheaper to negotiate your own taxi. Plenty of details each evening on nexts day's trips. On-ship newsletter delivered each day.

Mixed bag. Plenty of pleasant retired people. 50/50 Europeans and North Americans. Euros mainly Brits with some Scandinavians. Majority of N.Americans were Canadians. They got on with everyone. Some Americans were annoying - particularly with their lack of dress code and protocol. Met many pleasant fellow travellers.