We chose this ship and cruise because of the itinerary - great combination of three days in Israel plus Greek Islands. Also, we are foodies and had heard the food was great, and finally, we do not like a super large ship or one that caters to lots of kids. The food in the main dining room was truly awesome every day - wonderful presentation and unique recipes. Also loved Toscana and Jacques. Did not like Red Ginger (freezing cold in there too) - recipes and flavors not to my liking - odd twist on Thai. We have outstanding Vietnamese, Dim Sum, and Chinese in our home town of Philadelphia - this was not good. Also, dinner up at the buffet area does not even come close to what is served in the other restaurants, soggy baked potatoes, lesser meat quality, soggy lobster tails. All of the restaurants are BEAUTIFUL with outstanding service, china, linens. Versace China in Toscana, for example. Fantastic decorating - Kudos. Lighting a little bit too bright however in some of them. The entire ship is spotless and very well kept and elegant. Not too large and easy to get around.

Maybe it was the itinerary - but it seemed that most of the passengers were frumpy looking in the way they dressed with zero style - Attention Walmart Shoppers- was sort of shocked by this. Even at dinner. A lot of "red state" passengers, many of whom were vocal about it at dinner - found this unpleasant and really not acceptable behaviour when you are dining with people you do not know (even if you do know them).

We found a mix of Americans, Austrailians, Brits and Asian passengers - mostly older as it has been stated. Read more