We are not big cruisers...we have been on Celebrity, Seabourn and Sea Dream Yacht Club. But we know we enjoy smaller cruise ships and chose the Star Pride for our dream cruise of the Eastern Mediterranean. It did not disappoint.

We opted for a cabin with a French balcony. We knew this meant we couldn't sit in chairs outside, but we loved it anyway, as we could open up the doors and enjoy the fresh air and the sound of the sea. The staterooms are designed well so that you are sitting on the sofa or chair in the living area and can look out to the sea. There are also heavy drapes that separate the sitting area from the bedroom so if one wants to stay up and read and the other go to bed, there is no problem with lights or noise.

Service was exceptional. We can't say enough good things about the staff...many from Indonesia and the Philippines as well as Poland, Italy and Ireland! The staff went out of their way to be of service and knew you from the first day--what you liked to eat, drink, and much more! Read more