We did a back to back out of San Diego to earn enough points to achieve Elite status. Overall it was a great cruise on a lovely "older" ship. The demographics between the 2 cruises shifted quite a bit on the second cruise to a more "mature" profile.

So I read with interest "TucsonMoms" review and wondered if she was on the same ship we were? This most recent cruise just proves to me that the experience is completely personal and subjective. Everything about our 2 cabins (first Concierge and then Inside/Steerage) was perfectly fine-clean, great cabin stewards, everything stocked--repeatedly asked if we needed anything, etc. The ports we did tender were perfectly safe and assistance was (and in my experience always is provided)given getting on and off the tender--I didn't see anyone fall. We did the Select Dining since we love going when we want and are happy to share a table--we met some nice people one night and also had fun connecting with our Cruise Critic friends that showed up for the sail away after the muster drill. Anyway, we had Mario/Jumer in the Select Dining area and they were GREAT--service was excellent. One night we didn't like the fish and we were brought the lamb and it was perfect--the food quality was good to very good in our opinion including the buffet area--given that it's an older ship it did have some lines during peak times but the staff was responsive and food was good-particularly enjoyed the asian themed food-great spice.

The ports speak for themselves but we enjoyed zip line on Catalina and the urban wine trail (did it ourselves) in Santa Barbara. Also did Alcatraz in San Francisco--great experience. Read more