In my opinion Holland America sets the standards for cruising, and I rate it a 5* out of 5*. Infinity I rate a 4*.

The ship's management and staff were all first class. The entertainment guest selection was outstanding, as well as the ship's singers and dancers. There were many selections of activities on board to satisfy almost everyone's desires. The 5 ports we visited exceeded our expectations. The food and presentation for breakfast and lunch was very good, but the evening meals were disappointing for the two of who are on restricted diets. The other 6 people sitting at our table were well satisfied with the "meat and potato" selections, but after 3 tries we gave up on the fish presentations consisting of; salmon, Pollock and Flounder. It is difficult to "mess-up" Salmon and Flounder, but the chief found ways to destroy the flavor of each of these fish.

The ship's crew needs a little training in the maintenance of the ship. Our veranda had paint smears and drips from previous paintings. Also, about a week out an odor of fresh oil based paint was apparent in the second aft stairwell that was very irritating to me and my companion. May have been a coincidence, but my companions sinus' became inflamed by the next day. The odor persisted for the next 3 days. The aforementioned inconveniences did not materially affect our overall satisfaction with the ship's crew and the cruise. Would definitely cruse with Celebrity again. John G.K. Ferrell jgkferl@bellsouth.net