We traveled with two friends and for the four of us it was a first time cruise. We met several people who had been on many cruises and said that this was one of the best. So we just struck lucky! The stateroom was a revelation as we had thought there would be only a small bed and little room to hang clothes and store items. We never filled all the available space and the bed seemed almost queen size. We didn't go on any booked excursions but found our own way to Monte Carlo (on the train from Villefranche) and Florence (in a taxi which was quite expensive). As we stayed in Palma overnight and didn't have to worry about missing the boat we had a taxi to the lovely old station in Palma and caught the wooden train to Sollar and Port de Sollar. That was a fabulous day that we would all recommend. The staff were all without exception friendly and very helpful and the ship was very clean and shipshape! Only a couple of down sides it's unbelievable that you can go into almost any cafe or hotel and get free Internet access but it is so expensive on the ship. Also if you want a proper meal ie not burger or pizza there are only two included restaurants - which were excellent - the others have a surcharge of $45 or $50 per person. Saying that we have already booked our next trip on the Eclipse which is the sister ship of the Equinox!