The ship was great, clean, the staff kind courteous and helpful without exception. Didn't love the food, but I only tried 3 speciality restaurants, so can't speak to the ones I did not try. La Bistro, the french restaurant was the best. Disappointed in Jeffery Zacarans' restaurant, Ocean Blue. We had to pay an uncharge for it as well. La Cuchina, the Italian restaurant was just ok. The complimentary restaurants were good. The buffet offered a large variety of foods, but didn't really like the "feeding frenzy" atmosphere. There was a lot to do on the ship, but unfortunately due to doing an excursion at every port we didn't get to enjoy it as much as we should have. The shows were entertaining, as were the things going on on deck 6 where there was always something happening. "Lets make a deal" Trivia, movies, etc. Joined the Thermal Spa which was a lifesaver, well worth the money as the weather was to cold to use the swimming pools. Also enjoyed a massage special.

As for the excursions, would have definitely done it differently if I had known better or our travel agent better advised us. The two day tour of Russia was exhausting and not necessary. One day would have sufficed. The tours in the smaller ports could have easily been done with the "hop on hop off" bus and a good tour guide book. Berlin was a totally waste. 2-1/2 hr. train ride then a 4 hour tour bus that only stopped once or twice then 2-1/2 hr. train ride back! Best to have stayed and toured the port we docked at in Germany. Boarding the ship and leaving the ship was a breeze. Very organized and impressive. Took us all of 15 mins to board and get off. The tour guides were just ok with the exception of the tour guide who took us through Russia, she was good. The bus drivers on the tours were great drivers, but not one got off the bust to help those passengers who needed help taking that last large step off the bus. No step stool was provided either. The only reason they got off the bus was to smoke.