Let me first explain that the rating I have given this cruise is from a very personal point of view based on what my wife (age 53) and I (age 52) look for in a cruise. We enjoy good food and the convenience of visiting a variety of locations (which we research beforehand and rarely take the organized tours). We are not interested in the on board entertainment, bars, disco, casino, spa, sunbathing etc. For first timers and those for whom money is no object then I can understand why they may award 5 stars (as one other reviewer did on virtually the same cruise date as us).
We went on the Northern Europe cruise in a balcony cabin aboard the MSC Opera from Copenhagen 19-26 May 2007. This was our 9th cruise but our first with MSC having previously been with 4 other companies. Our last cruises before the Opera had been 2 years ago when we did a 12 night Baltic and a 12 night round Britain (including Fjords) cruise both on the Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas. Our disappointments on the Opera were probably caused by being spoilt on the RCCL ship. Our main gripe with MSC (Moneygrabbing Shipping Company?) was that they were always out to extract the maximum amount of money out of you. I realize that all companies want to charge for as many extras as possible but with MSC it became a joke.
With having a flight to get to this cruise we would have to pack light so we decided not to pack smart clothes for dinner but instead take all meals in the cafeteria (based on our experience of the wonderful Windjammer on the RCCL ships). However, after booking I read that their cafeteria was not open in the evening and we would have to use the restaurant after all.