We took advantage of the upgrade offer to the penthouse suite a few days before embarkation. Wow! Am I gad I did, it was worth every penny! We were treated VIP from boarding, to breakfast to room service and dinner service. We never had to wait for anything. Sitting in the hot tub in your room overlooking the window as the ship leaves port every night was just amazing. The champagne and hors d'oeuvre waiting in your room when you return from excursion was a very nice touch. We had the unlimited beverage package and 5 specialty dining option included as well. Dinner at Cagney and Le Bistro was phenomenal, from 18 Oz Tomahawk steak at Cagney to the Cote de Boeuf at Le Bistro. Windows main dining room was good as well, food was served hot and to order rather than lukewarm as on many larger ships. The only disappointing venue was Shogun and the Raffles Buffet. It was worth getting the specialty dining package.

Perfect timing to explore the Mediterranean, weather was just nice between 15 - 20 degrees Celsius and the crowd was not there!. Jacket and comfortable running shoes was all that we needed, we saw so much in 2 weeks. Planning the excursions through Roll Call on Cruise Critic was the best way to keep the cost down, we average 60 Euros per person for each port. We met some very nice people through Roll Call, Smart Cruise Travel was excellent for Italy, Lovely Amalfy was amazing for Naples and Amalfy Coast. We used Aegean Travel to go to Oia in Santorini by boat, and they bus us back to Fira.

I love this older ship, the decorations are real and classy, it feels cozy and surprisingly not showing its age. The passengers are the best, very friendly and multi national. Non stop activity in the Galaxy Lounge until late every night, even though we have to leave early for excursions most mornings. Just missing a comedy club like the one on the Carnival ships. Read more