I knew the minute we stepped on board that this was going to be a disappointing experience. I was right. Basically, the ship was tired and worn out. This was apparent throughout. On all eleven days as we moved about the ship I found myself bewildered at how this experience could be rated 6-Star Premium.

Service was very good, but no better than any other cruise we've been on. I don't understand the private butler concept because one butler worked many rooms. The first two times we called for room service we waited 50, then 40 minutes, for a simple order, which arrived cold and had to be returned. The butler apologized explaining that it was a busy time for him.

All around the ship it seemed to go unnoticed that things need upkeep. Poolside tables would not be bussed for long periods after a guest vacated. On several days we sat at a dirty table and waited an unusually long time before someone cleaned up the previous trash. The pool deck is surrounded with glass walls, which were beautiful the first day. But by the end of the trip these walls were opaque with salt film, unpleasant to look at and impossible to look through. I'm sure the glass was never cleaned. This was annoying when there was so much beautiful Mediterranean coastline along the way. Read more