Chose this cruise because it worked well for coordinating schedules. The itinerary was good: Really enjoyed each port. Would have liked more time in Helsinki and Stockholm, but got a decent overview of both cities. This was our first experience with "Free Style" cruising and I am not a fan. The food on the specialty restaurants was good. Service in those restaurants was good. The other restaurant choices were not good and service was rushed and waiters did an average job. I'd compare the non-specialty restaurants to a meal at someplace like Golden Corral or Ruby Tuesdays: Not exactly what I would have expected on a cruise ship. We did not utilize any of the shore excursions offered through the Cruise Line, instead opting to use Alla Tours. (I'll write a separate review on a different site for them). One last item: We're currently sitting in Stockholm over 4.5 hours late for our departure with a mechanical on the ship. The last update we heard on that was 4 hours ago when we were told we'd be leaving in 2 hours. Mechanical issues happen, but the lack of updates is frustrating.