This was our first cruise since the late 80's, when we cruised quite frequently with our young sons on the Premier/Disney lines. This trip was a gift from my boss. I would have never chosen 7 days; it was too long for me, but I had determined to make the best of it.

If you are looking for a ship that is attractive and well-decorated, this is not the one for you. I wondered each time I looked around if the designer had purposely made the interior as ugly as they could! The Amber Palace, the place where most of the on-board activities took place, is just too ugly to describe.

I felt as if I needed to keep my hand on my wallet for most of the trip - ten bucks for a bingo card, would you like to buy a rose for your wife at the formal dinner, sign here to include a gratuity for your yoga instructor.... What? A tip for fitness professional? I don't know, maybe it's just me. Read more