Nice change from Caribbean.....Canadian Maritime. I would like to rate this higher but just can't. that said.... I'd give this a 3.5 score. NY Manhattan port, a little crazy. do not rush to port, can't board usually before noon, can be cramped seating, cabins not available before 1:30 -2:00. Disembark goes well, but craziness out on street. The ship was a pleasant surprise. Well kept, clean decent layout and the freestyle worked ok. We had a mini suite forward part of ship. Forward on ship much quieter, less traveled. Balcony was 6x10.....nice size. Bathroom decent size, with tub, separate toilet area. Good storage. Deck 11 can be a tossup location wise given the pool/gym, buffet area directly above. Choose wisely. Excellent cabin steward. Cast shows very good, featured good musicians, dancers. Freestyle..... wait to book your specialty restaurants reservations, lots of open tables all hours, but book them early on cruise. No need to book dining rooms. Food was ok, all venues. If you do specialty restaurants get the package; much cheaper than paying ala carte prices - very high. Service in all venues is good to poor. Not a lot of energy level in service staff. Can do sharing tables in dining room. No real friendly bars, that truly embrace you....Drink package is overpriced, drinks poor, bar service spotty. We find the individual prices high and with 18% grat... pushes most menu liquor drinks toward $13-$14 price point. Be careful.... Sept. - Oct. can get a lot of fog up there limiting good visual site seeing. Summary, we had a good time, not great time, did what we wanted, and even the few shortcomings didn't keep us from enjoying breath of activities and venues. We cruise 2-3 times a year, interdenominational cruisers. we have learned not to go with any expectations, and one might be pleasantly surprised.... experience has allowed us the perspective that allows us to gravitate to the things that better satisfy us specific to the cruise line, particular ship things we like to do. therefore we usually complain very little unless there is a total breakdown in decorum. go for it....explore.