Embarkation: Arrived by train to port. Line was a bit choppy. Do this here, sign this there . In other words not one check in. Room was an obstructed view but at a bargain price. Can't complain, adequate. Close the curtains because the maintenance staff are often on the lifeboats. Cabin steward only saw him 2x in ten days. We had to put drinks on the floor for him to get the message we needed more. Dining venues nice but the back of the ship which was my hangout did not have enough tables. The back of the ship had fabulous vistas.Free drinks in my opinion tasted the same and the martinis presented in a small glass. I would have payed to have a beautiful martini!!!! Barman in the back did not take to my hints that I would give him a big tip if I got a better drink. The bar at the pool served better drinks. The pool deck area was gorgeous. The ports great. Crete and Siracusa were my favorite. We rented a car in Crete and Patmos (easy driving). The overall staff were friendly , kudos to Adel the restauramt manager who makes the rounds, but I don't know if this makes up for not having a maitre d. We just got off the Disney Magic transatlantic, the maitre d brought me fresh strawberries evry night per my one time request. Breakfast had no fresh berries for the yogurt or slivered almonds only big nuts.Picky I know strawberries does not make a good cruise but I guess I had been spoiled. The buffet at the back was not the best. Dinner in Aqualina ok. I am used to a real bouillabaisse perhaps not we all the fish but some croutons please, some saffron. The souffle was just ok. One of the reasons I hesitate to cruise is that nothing taste authentic. However, I must say the overall experience is a positive one. My DH and I perhaps ate too much local food and could not appreciate the ship fare. The entertainment was poor. the director tried hard but you could not see the stage and acts were not engrossing enough to capture my attention. Went to bed.

The ports and extended stays were fabulous. The fellow cruisers were Germans , Brits ,Australians,Canadians, and Americans. The amazing ev. cancelled at Ephesus. If I had known how horrible the substitution would be I would have cancelled. Not their fault though. I will be on Oceanea cruise in Nov. it will be interesting to compare. But for the excellent price, ports and cheery crew I will probably give them another chance.

Debarkation was smooth