A ship with a trip that ticked all the boxes

"The thing about this ship," says Alan, pausing for a brief chug on his bottle of Peroni, "is that everything is just right for us. That's why this is our tenth time with Marella Cruises, and the last four being on Discovery 2*." (asterisk to be explained)

- DEAN MELLOR

We've just embarked at Limassol, Cyprus, on the Discovery 2's Aegean Delights itinerary, and I've just struck up a conversation with my Aberdonian pool deck sunbed neighbour, gauging his opinion of this 70,000 tonner.

Later at the pool bar, a chat with Coventry cruiser Peter, a five-time Discovery 2 stalwart, goes along similar lines, and it doesn't take me too long to see what they're getting at.

I've been on quite a few cruise ships in my time, some wondrous in size, and each with their own areas of excellence, but this particular vessel seems to tick all the boxes.

For a start, while still no minnow among the world's ocean cruisers, it's no massive bewildering behemoth either. With 918 cabins it's big enough to encompass many different bars, places and restaurants, yet still easy to find your bearings very quickly. And then there's the gorgeous gastro-grub, exquisite entertainment and exciting excursions that just synergise to make for a week of fun, frolics and fulfilment.

Marella cleverly taps into what many British cruisers look for - an all inclusive experience. So the price you pay back in the UK covers everything, including food, alcoholic drinks, entertainment and, quite importantly for many Brits, all tips! Of course there are extras you can add while on board, but we'll come to that.

The ship has just had a recent makeover and oozes opulence, with an Atrium resplendent in marble, gleaming metal and glass, meticulously polished timbers, and contemporary furniture and fittings that seem incongruous to the flip-flopping of your footwear as you explore this 11-deck vessel. Some of the staterooms have been upgraded too, with fresh and modern looks.