The holiday was booked as a post-university examination/welcome work break for mother and daughter. The 'people-mover' from Piazza Roma to The cruise port is good. MUST look out for the free bus shuttle service from the people-mover stop to the cruise terminal - we didn't - literally just as you walk through the automated barriers on the road before the terminal gates.

The check-in service was good, relatively quick despite going at the busiest time (approx. 15 mins at 1:00pm). The cruise was booked before Xmas, and we decided to book the cheapest available room - unassigned - so on arrival we had to go to a luggage drop-off desk to have one assigned. We were prepared for an inside stateroom, Deck 4, so were pleasantly surprised by the 'upgrade' to an obstructed ocean view stateroom on deck 8. Moral of this tale is if you're thinking of booking the cheapest room take a punt on the unassigned option if you're prepared to take it and book early! The bags were delivered and room was made up before our arrival at 4pmish following our brief excursion into Venice.

If you are used to a ship with a large central atrium like Royal Caribbean, this does not have one, and thus leaves you slightly disorientated. Its not a huge issue when at sea when for some reason orientating yourself was easier. The lack of central focal point meant it was often necessary to think about where on the ship and where I was going - not much of an issue for us once we thought about it but could be an issue with children. We never attended any shows whilst on the ship, but did attend some of the evening trivia events which were fun (we won a pack of cards) and the towel-folding demonstration - which is worth popping in for, especially if you have children or were wondering how to make the animals left in your room. Read more