Even though we are avid travelers, from our military assignment experiences around the world, this was our first cruise. My wife and I set this up as a 20th Anniversary gift to one another. When we are on vacation get-a-ways we usually go very light on "tourism" excursions and do our own thing, so as to add an independent flare to our trips. But this was an absolute treat to not be hindered with a lot of sightseeing planning. We loved the periodic port excursions, but the ship events were the best because they kept us very busy and entertained. If you have done extensive travel you know that "real" people are unintentionally rude to travelers at times but this was not the case with this trip; the locals at the ports were delightful treats in every aspect of the excursion outings. The food and drinks were far better than expected, even though the drink packages were way to expensive. The service attendants, dining and room, attention to detail was impeccable and we loved the care that they took to ensure great service and comfort. We loved the cruise so much that we have already planned a weekend family cruise this spring and an extended family trip as a gift for my daughter's HS graduation gift this summer.