We chose this cruise because friends were also going. EMBARKATION went very smooth. We waited until later in the afternoon to board and the line was short and fast. DISEMBARKATION was fast. It was my husband, myself and our 8 year old. We each had 1 carry on and left the ship at 7:30am with our bags in hand. THE SHIP furnishings have some wear and tear, cloth covered furniture was a little tired and dirty looking. OUR ROOM was appealing, clean and we had a balcony. More storage than we could use for 3.

DINING So disappointed in the food. It was not anywhere close to 5 star 4 star or any star. It was average at best. White table cloths, a proper place setting and clean drinkware this is where the fine dining experience begins and ends. The food is not worth mentioning but I will mention it here as a cruise I thought was supposed to have excellent food. The presentation was blah, no sauces which is very important for fine dining. Menu items were not creative in the least. Duck with orange glaze a signature dish from the 1970s and other blah fare. There was nothing here to impress anyone but those used to eating fast food. Of course food is subjective I’m sure the masses liked that they can gorge, but for us it’s about quality. The quality, creativity, and care was not there. Wait staff was professional and friendly.

The BUFFET was large and had the same items every day. Biggest station was pasta. They did bring out turkey once. The vegetable items limited and hard to find. Pasta, pizza, eggs, and deserts are plentiful. As are pancakes, waffles and anything with flour. Lots of pork items. Made to order (grill) items included salmon. Folks flock to the pizza, pasta and pancakes. Which tells it all. There is a “healthy” café that serves…wait for it…..melon and watered down green drinks. If you want something more than plain coffee, get a non-alcoholic premium package. Then you can get espresso, cappuccino, and the like. If not your stuck with plain coffee. I can’t believe we paid over $6K for this.