Bermuda's newest cruise ship received a mixed report from a consumer travel publication.

The Crown Dynasty , which is due to start sailing here in May, was put under the microscope of editors from Cruise Reports newsletter during a recent voyage to the Caribbean.

And the ship, which carries a Bermuda theme in its public rooms, has local art on the walls and is due to have Island-style entertainment when it starts its Philadelphia-Dockyard route.

According to the February edition of the 5,000-plus circulation bulletin, the Dynasty wins for the quality of its staff, public areas and food. But it loses out when it comes to entertainment and activities for younger guests.

The vessel underwent a $1.5 million interior revamp in advance of its Bermuda itinerary but that did not impress some guests, who commented "staterooms need some work, carpet, mattresses, bathrooms need tile work and toilets need replacing''.

Other travellers said the casino was "poor, small and no action'', while desk staff came in for some criticism: "Staff at reception desk need to be better trained to answer questions''.

In addition, critics claimed the cruise director was "not very good at planning activities for people 35 and under'' and "no pool activities or night time things to do''.

Although the food won praise, other passengers were quoted as saying "breakfast and lunch buffets were boring and the same every day'' and "couldn't even get a shrimp cocktail because it wasn't on the menu''.

On the positive side, the crew were said to be "excellent and very accommodating in every way'' and the ship was "well decorated'' with a "simple layout''.

And on entertainment, a Cruise Reports editor commented that there were five bars, a library, card room and a variety of evening shows on offer.

The evening meals were also praised and the 20,000 tonne vessel was "easy to get around'' with a simple layout.

Uneasy sits the crown: Crown Dynasty (above) received mixed reviews from trade publication Cruise Reports recently.