We were looking for a winter getaway to warm climate and relaxation. We could not have been more pleased. We arrived at the port by taxi and were on the ship in less than 30 minutes. The Concierge luncheon in the MDR was lovely, and a welcome change from the crowded OVC we've frequented in the past. (The luncheon didn't exist when we cruised on Connie in February.) Our cabin was ready just about the time we were done our lunch and our baggage arrived quickly. This was our first time on an S class ship, we've previously sailed M class. We were concerned that we wouldn't like the larger ship and larger passenger load, but found that the spaces seemed less crowded than on the smaller M class ships.

We had traditional late dining, and our wait staff, Irfan and Sumandi were outstanding. They could not have been more pleasant, attentive, and willing to please. The meals were well prepared served hot and presented well. We dined in Murano as well and it was as lovely and delicious as always. The OVC was laid out much better than on the M class ships (probably because of more space) and the traffic flowed well. The omelet station was operated very smoothly with a great system, as was the toast and the eggs benedict station in the mornings. Lunch offered a wide variety of choices and the beverage service at both breakfast and lunch was very available. The staff kept everything immaculately clean. Chairs at the pool during sea days were readily available and beverage service was also attentive. We would have liked a bit more live music at the pool and a bit less of the silly pool games, but that's an individual preference, and we enjoyed our days at sea.

We enjoyed the cruise director, Eddie Jenkins. He had a dry, somewhat sarcastic and self-deprecating sense of humor without the corny typical CD nonsense. The entertainment cast in the Theater was the most talented group we've seen on any cruise. The voice of the male lead singer was Broadway quality, and there was not a clunker in the group. The dancers were the best we've seen as well. We enjoyed the production shows (and that's saying a lot for us since we often walk out of those!) Although the plots of Topper and Chandelier were a bit bizarre, we enjoyed the singing and dancing. The 3 Divas (or should I say 2, since one got snowed into Minnesota and didn't make the ship) were great. We did miss having a little more variety for the shows, maybe another comedian would have been good. Almost every show was musical other than the late-night comedian and the Not so Newlywed game. We walked out of the show with the flautist. Although I guess he was talented he was not our cup of tea! (I heard others enjoyed his performance) but we found it tedious. Read more