I have traveled on four other cruise lines and first time Cruise Critic user. I was able to meet up with people who made arrangements transporation for us to get from Rome to the ship and boarding the ship could not have been easier. Within minutes we were on the ship and locating our rooms. This was by far the easiest embarkation I have experienced.
The ship grand /main lobby is a little different to say the least. Not sure I like the living tree hanging from the ceiling, but overlooking that the ship decor was very nice. The lounge for the Martini Bar was beautiful and the Wine Cellar's dark paneling and upholstry set the mood for a great glass of wine and tapas for happy hour. The Wine Cellar I enjoyed the most, being able to prepay to try over 50 wines was a treat. The ability to try one(1) ounce to a five(5) ounce glass was a great concept for those who did not want to be tied into a wine package. This worked out much better for one person. Attended two wine tasting/paring events.
I went as a solo traveler and enjoyed a standard balcony cabin at the back of the ship. I enjoyed fabulous sunsets and complete privacy.
Great sunsets from here. Good view of the brige in Istanbul that lites up at night. At the back of the ship so it is a long walk to the elevators.