Excellent first timers cruise from Rome for 11 nights. Embarkation was excellent and we had an early slot which gave us plenty of time to explore before everyone arrived. Acqua class was excellent with perks including free bottled water, access to Persian garden spa room and best of all access to speciality dining room blu. Food was excellent at all times and blu was fantastic for breakfast and dinner. We always got a table for two and food and service fantastic. Murano and quisin specialty restaurants outstanding and well worth cover charge. Lawn club mains good but service a little less than expected and only flatbread for starters. We didn't take the drinks package but signed for all to our onboard account which could be viewed each evening on screen in cabin. Drinks total for us worked out for us signifantly cheaper on the package price and we did not scrimp! Tours and transfers were overpriced and I was surpised how many people took them. Discerning cruisers booked independent tours or free lanced in ports using local transport which around the med was widely available. House bands and music excellent and variety of styles including Jazz, rock, easy listening and Dj modern and charts in range of venues to suit all. Overall excellent service and experience although tours overpriced.
Aqua class deck 11 midship port. This cabin was larger than we expected and excellent all round. It was described as partially obscured balcony view but as a first time cruiser it was perfect. Service was excellent and discreet and all staff polite and friendly. Room service on the balcony was fantastic and we took advantage of this free service on the early morning tours. Bottled Water was part of the acqua class package and great for taking off board. Canapés were also provided each afternoon to the room.
Took free shuttle into village and did our own walking tour. Beautiful village and windmills