Fantastic weather (13/14 hot sunny days), interesting places to visit, good company, good, food, excellent service. Who could ask for more? Well apparently some of the moaning minies who shared this trip with us. I have to wonder why some people bother going on a cruise when all they want to do is find fault (and most of it unjustified). Just let me get this out of my system. I have never found any Princess staff unhelpful or rude- quite the opposite. Even the deck hands say hello. The only rudeness encountered is from some fellow cruisers. The ship was not dirty or threadbare. Wherever you go on the ship you see people painting, polishing, hovering, and clearing up- often late at night or early morning when the moaning crew are still asleep. My cabin was clean and well appointed and the steward Daniel attentive and always happy to stop and chat. I read about the burger served on a formal night. What the reviewer fails to mention is that this is always on the menu, among at least 10 other delicious and sometimes unusual dishes, for those who prefer plain food. Before readers think I have rose tinted spectacles or am being paid by Princess, there were a couple of below par aspects of the cruise experience. Firstly embarkation was in a different location and was not as smooth or as comfortable as previously experienced. Secondly, as others have commented, the entertainment was patchy. This in my view was down to the cruise director, who should have retired and left the job to his more enthusiastic helpers. Creaky comedians, too much repetition, and not enough variety in the bars were my problems with this aspect of the cruise. Other than that we had a fabulous time. The port stops on this cruise were varied and interesting. There was no need to use Princess organised trips in any of the ports. We went with Alla Tours in St Petersburg and were happy with the organisation and itinerary at a fraction of the Princess charge. (300 dollars each). There are lots of independent firms out there. Just look at people's reviews. Overall I would rate this as a great choice of itinerary at a reasonable price, with an above average cruise line. If you want to spend your holiday moaning there will always be something to moan about, but while not everything was perfect, surely life's too short to be negative. Get out there and enjoy!