We traveled with another couple and we opted to spend two days in Rome prior to embarkation. We were glad we did this at the beginning of the trip. We had a driver take us to the port for 220 euros for four of us with luggage. The check in process was very quick and efficient, no long lines. We were delighted to learn upon check-in that we had been upgraded from a balcony room to a mini-suite. Thank you Smartcruiser.com.

The ship was built in 1982 and had been totally refurbished. The cabins were very tastefully decorated, flat screen TVs and very good storage space. The first two days we were at sea and there were ample activities. One of us participated in Bridge lectures and games, photography lectures, line dancing and port lectures. We used the fitness room and walked laps on decks 6 and 7. After the first couple of days we opted for breakfast in our room. The menu choice was lighter and it saved us time on excursion day. The morning service staff were excellent and always prompt. We did use the buffet on the Lido deck for some lunches and afternoon snacking when returning to the ship. For dinner we chose anytime dining. We thought this would work well on excursion days when returning to the ship sometimes late in the afternoon. We ended up most evenings dining at the same restaurant at the same time and then catching the late show. We gravitated to the same staff in one particular section who took very good care of us. Technically we were doing traditional dining but on our schedule! The food was excellent and there was only one night when we felt Chef had not outdone himself. It was my husband's birthday on the trip and we did go to the speciality restaurant "The Crown Grill." While the food was excellent the service was not what we expected and we probably could have had as memorable an evening in the Portofino restaurant. Overall the food was of excellent quality.

The entertainment was good with variety, comedy and on the last evening the "British Invasion" which was an excellent show. While we did not do "Movies Under the Stars" on the top deck we did catch a Pavarotti concert late one afternoon while sipping their drink of the day! We went to their nightclub twice and they did a good job with Karaoke although it conflicted with our dining time and or show time. Read more