This was my first cruise so I really didn't know what to expect after reading some of the reviews. I was doing back to back cruises with the second week being on the Preziosa out of Venice. I flew into Venice then flew to Genoa and took a taxi to the cruise port after staying a night in a hotel. I was so pleased to find that embarkation was an absolute breeze. There were no queues, no waiting around, it was all so smooth and quick.
My cabin was lovely. It was spacious with a couple of armchairs and a table as well as the usual dressing table, cupboards etc.
They made the effort to sit people who spoke the same language together for dinner and I sat with a table of fellow Australians. However, I had all my breakfasts and lunches in the restaurant and it was great to sit with other nationalities. Mealtimes became quite international! I only went to the buffet twice. I can go to a buffet anytime at home so why on earth would I want to forego being waited on in a restaurant - and the waiters were so attentive! The service was excellent and I didn't see any crew members who weren't smiling and pleasant.
The cabin was spacious and very comfortable. It had two armchairs and a small table and plenty of drawer and cupboard space. It was clean and well looked after by the cabin stewardess. There is a safe in every cabin but I didn't use it and felt quite safe in leaving valuables in one of the drawers. NOTHING went missing!