Chose Seabourn as have had two very good cruises with them. Rome to Venice sounded a great trip. Encore was new this year and wanted to see how a 600 capacity ship compared with the smaller Odyssey. Comparisons on the whole were good. Did not feel too busy (although the Pool deck could get congested) Restaurants first class. Colonnade for breakfast and Main dining room in the evening. Thomas Kellar Signature restaurant was not as good as the main restaurant, piped music really irritating, food though was very good. Service exemplary too although staff did appear very overworked. Was very impressed at how professional they all were. Ship well presented and maintained. Observation Lounge bar was super although incredibly busy at peak times like before dinner.

Cabin was a Penthouse and was fairly roomy and had good facilities.

Itinerary very much in keeping with an ancient history tour, especially liked Naphlion and Syracuse for that reason. Was a bit of pain though that we visited Katakolon twice in the 14 day trip.Great to be on a small ship and be able to get into smaller ports like Almafi and also Parga which was a change from the schedule. Read more