First of all this was the first time my husband and I took a Holiday Cruise. Furthermore, we have never been on a small cruise ship such as the Empress of the Seas. Everything was organized very well from the embarkation to disembarkation. The dining service with Martha and her Assistant, Natalia were exceptional servers. Lovely people!! No complaints on the quality of the food either. Our cabin was always kept clean and freshly made up beds the minute we left our rooms morning and nights after dinner. The cabin crew was Doni. He was the best. The entertainment was outstanding. Never had a cruise director (Carlos) who not only held your attention with everything that was happening onboard but he was witty, funny and had a lot of charisma. To my astonishment, he was a performer as well. I would definitely will return on the same cruise ship and take the same Holiday Cruise. I just hope I get the same dining, cruise director and cabin crew member. Because the staff is what helps make your trip enjoyable.