We booked this cruise as our niece was joining us from Canada and we thought it would be an ideal way for her to see some of Europe. After paying almost £5,000 for flights, two cabins and a three night stay in Rome, we expected a little bit of luxury for 7 nights.The cabins were very good and the ship beautiful and very clean. The waiting staff and cleaning staff were very pleasant and hard working but spoke very little or no English.Tea was only provided at breakfast and was extra at lunch and dinner, water had to be paid for.At dinner the food was of poor quality and the portions tiny,after one night we decided to stick to the buffet but in the evening the choice was limited and the same every evening. On Gala evenings the buffet was closed so again we had to use the Tex Mex which we had to pay for. After two days we found most passengers resorted to eating when ashore as we did. No drinks or water where allowed to be taken aboard, so all soft drinks etc., had to be purchased from them at an exorbitant price.We found the Italian staff on board to be distant and unhelpful, Everything was geared to getting you to spend money, all excursions priced at 50 euros or therabouts, no information given about the ports visited and buses from the harbours hightly priced.We left the ship at Rome, pleased to be finished cruising, and 400 euros lighter and we do not drink alcohol. All in all this experience has clouded our views on cruising as a holiday and we will not be recommending this to anyone.