We were so looking forward to being on a real clipper and sailing around Italy. The Royal Clipper was a beautiful ship, meticulously maintained and our deluxe suite was very adequate with a balcony. BUT, the service was quite bad- no bartenders to be found on the pool deck except the last day so you had to go downstairs to get even a coke or water. Most of the waiters can hardly speak english and the meals were just okay. Nothing spectacular and most times the food came out luke warm, (must have been all pre-prepared). And if you ask for seconds of anything, they are a little surly about it. The dining room maitre-d just catered to people from his country. Wine stewards were just bartenders brought to the dining room. It was hard to get a drink at dinner as you had to chase them down. I will say the dining room was spectacular. The sloop shop has nothing really, movie selection for the room is extremely limited and old. The spa is in the fitness room and you cannot relax due to the high power music coming through the door.Our cabin steward was the best thing on on the ship- he got us whatever we wanted. The security to get on the ship is virtually non-existent. They just tell you to put your luggage thru the machine and no one marks them or anything. Most people did not even bother to do this as on one is watching. A little scary. I'll go back to the Windstar ships as they are spectacular all around.