We chose this cruise because it left from NY City so we did not have to fly. The length of 14 days and itinerary were also attractive. We had previously cruised on the Gem for a 10 day trip and really enjoyed that. When we got on we were immediately disappointed that there was no large forward lounge like the Gem. The front section of the ship is restricted to Haven passengers. The next disappointment was in the public seating. The cushions were hard and most seats were too deep to support your back. Most seating was in very busy areas so it was difficult to find a place to curl up with a good book; particularly on the first and last sea days when it is too cold to be outside.

The food in the complementary restaurants was generally good and of sufficient quantity if you ordered two appetizers. If you want something like Prime Rib or a Surf and Turf you have to pay extra. The service was OK. Cagney's steak house was superb.

The entertainment was a bit of a disappointment also. The theater seemed small for a ship with so many passengers; only one level. This resulted in the two signature shows, Rock of Ages and the 4 Seasons tribute to span several days so you lost entertainment nights that way. There was no production company on this cruise. Most of the other shows were one person comedy or vocal acts. The Cirq Jungle Dreams was an extra cost dinner show ($59 pp I think). Read more