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Airtours

MV Sundream

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Reviewed by: Pat & Linda Wallace
# previous cruises: 1
Date of Trip: June 7, 2004
Itinerary: Scandinavia

For a first cruise this was the ideal ship, the crew were fantastic and could not do enough for my you. We had a choice of 2 cruises on this ship, "The Icelandic Experience" or the "North Cape Voyage". We choose the Icleandic Experience, it was a good cruise but they could have left out the Faroe Islands. We arrived at Torshaun on the Wednesday, it was wet cold and really miserable, not only did the weather put the dampers on our trip ashore but most of the shops for all there was were shut.

When we arrived in Iceland, we found that the ship had no Icelandic Kroner and that in order to get into town a taxi cost 1,250Kr or you could walk about an hour or so to get in to Reyjkavik.

The public areas were clean throughout and although the ship is about 30yrs old the crew did their best to keep it up to a good standard.

The pool was on the small side but when sailing the North Atlantic/Sea it would have been a bit cold for a dip. The lounges were always busy with plenty of seating and a good variety of shows.

Our favourite area was the Midnight Lounge dancing away the wee small hours

We spent a lot of time on the Lido deck, helping ourselves to the ever flowing coffee. A good place for breakfast and lunch, never mind having to wait for the Restaurant to eat the food in the Lido Cafe was hot and very tasty.

The Restaurant itself was used only for diner in the evening and I must say the waiter service was magnificent especially the "Spice Boys" The restaurant staff are a highly talented bunch of lads who could do well on stage. the party trick was turning out lovely paper roses which the waiter would make for you at the table.

Gabriel our waiter was 1st class and made a fuss over each and everyone of us assigned to his tables, nothing was to much trouble.

We were at table 83, so if anyone reads this prior to going on the Sundream, Gabriel collects plates from around the world we gave him one from our home town.

As for the food in the King and I restaurant it was OK, I think that the chefs were set on trying to provide a good selection of food but in doing so the quality was lost. A shorter menu might be better.

The cabin was not huge but there again we did not go on the cruise to sit in a cabin, the shower was adequate but the controls were a bit fiddley.

We were in cabin B44 roughly midships and it was as quiet as a mouse, I was a bit miffed because I could not get the porthole opened.

Our cabin steward Dian was one of the unsung heroe's, he was a gem. He made up our beds turned them down and kept the cabin spick and span.

A big fuss was made of the waiters, the chefs and the entertainment staff, but never a word was spoken about the Cabin Stewards and to be honest they helped to make the holiday.

The entertainment was good and considering the size of the stage the sets were good with some very clever scene changes.

The guest entertainers were generally good but the crew were the best.

The duo "Desire" who were performing in the My Fair Lady Lounge" were excellent.

There was always something to do onboard, and for the young at heart the late night disco was great.

I have already mentioned Torshaun and Reyjkavic, but Reyjkavic once you have made your way in to town is worth a visit.

The ship organised excursions were extortionate, we were told that this was down to the onshore operators. If your doing this cruise look on the internet you can find trips that are a lot cheaper.

Apart from the Faroes and Iceland, we stoped at Trondheim, Alesund, Bergan and Flam.

Tip wait till you get to Alesund before buying any Norwegian woolies, there is a factory shop that sells direct to the public and the prices are good. The tourist information office which is close to the docks has the address.

Flam is heaven on earth and when I win the Lottery I will retire there with my husband.

There was a good mix of people, but unfortunately there is always one and this trip was no exception. I have encountered some rude people in my time but this one women was totally obnoxious and was unpleasant to a lot of people. So if you read this Flora stay ashore in future and let people enjoy themselves.

The joke on the ship was "Don't wory if you hear a scream and then a splash, it's only Flora going for a forced swim"