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My husband and l were very fortunate to be able to go on a Radisson Seven Seas Cruise. Initially my husband wasn't overly keen, his excuse was that he wouldn't like being confined to a ship. What if he didn't like the people, what if he felt sea sick.

My previous experience of a cruise, although beautiful, was overwhelmingly huge and far too noisy.

However were we in for a treat. This was the first holiday we had taken as a couple in years, so l was determined to make it extra special.

We flew with BA from Heathrow to Nice, where we were met by the representative of Radisson Seven Seas cruises. A porter quickly took our bags and we were ushered along with several other people off our plane onto a waiting air conditioned coach. Our first thoughts were that we were the youngest people there!

A beautiful drive along the coastline from Nice to Monaco, with its stunning coastline and we were taken to a very quiet check in area of the port. So very different to the long queue, heat and noise that was the last cruise. We checked in quickly and efficiently and were taken on board what was to be our home for the next 7 nights. The Navigator of the Sea. This is not a large ship with only 450 passenger capacity. It has a ration of 1 crew member to every 3 passengers, so luxury was very much the word.

It's an 'All Suite' ship and we had a lovely balcony cabin. The cabin was huge. Apart from the balcony we had a sitting area, large super kingsize bed, a large walk in closet with safe, trouser press and lots of hanging spaces and draws. Also a really large bathroom complete with shower cubicle and bath, which is unusual on ships.

We could choose our favourite alcoholic drinks and these 1/2 litre decanters were filled up as we used them. On arrival we had sparkling wine, fruit and chocolates. This ship is an all inclusive ship, so all meals and drinks are included. After a safety drill we were welcomed aboard and it was time to make ourselves at home. .

We sailed that evening and after a sumptuous meal, (it is open dining so no set times and you can even have room service at no extra cost), we woke up in time to see us docking into Civetiveccia. We did our own thing and travelled into Rome via train. We had a great day exploring Rome and arrived back to our ship in time to freshen up have a cocktail or two and have a wonderful meal.

The following morning we awoke to the stunning scenery of the Amalfi Coast. Here we opted for an organised excursion at a very reasonable price, and we visited Pompeii. Our tour guide was excellent and really funny. We got back to Sorrento in time for a wonder round this beautiful town, before taking the launch out to our ship. The following morning we woke up to see us sailing into Taorima, Sicily. Our first view of Mount Etna was breath taking. We took a launch into Taorima with complimentary transfers upto the town. Here we opted to explore ourselves and had a fabulous day visiting the Greek theatre, exploring the tiny streets and shops and enjoying a wonderful lunch overlooking the main square, whilst listening to music.

The day was spent at sea, but there was plenty to do to keep us entertained. We arrived into Kusadasi. We decided to do an excursion to Ephesus and Sirenci; what a fantastic day, we ending up eating in the home of a local in Sirenci. That evening we enjoyed a 4 tenor concert by the pool under the stars.

Next morning we awoke as we came into the harbour at Santorini. Again we decided to explore ourselves, we had an amazing day and were sorry to leave such a stunning island. We were met down at the jetty by the crew serving us cold drinks whilst we waited for the launch to arrive.

The following day we arrived in Pireaus. At which point my husband asked if they would notice if we just stayed on board and did the entire trip in reverse!! We flew home from Athens and both admit this was probably the best trip we have ever had. Good food, great ship and crew.