Each cruise we have had a special meal by ourselves instead of eating in the usual place. Despite the cover charge (£28 each) we went to the Jamie Oliver Seventeen restaurant on board. And had a great meal. The food was artistically presented, and there were unsolicited courses (a teacup of green soup and a dessert). Less of a conveyor belt than the Oriental Restaurant (on these cruises I am impressed by how much work the poor staff do). Eating as it should be (except for the prowling photographers who seem to think we go on cruises to be snapped and pay exorbitant amounts for the privilege).

The only downside was that I was thinking as we went that at least here we don't have to worry about sharing the restaurant with the screaming kiddie who 'enlivened' our Oriental Restaurant experience. The adults with him didn't seem to mind as he tried his best to smash through a window with whatever came to hand. I did wish him good luck. Scarcely had we sat down in Seventeen but they turned up! An appointment in Samarra!