We booked this cruise because of the online deal and we had always wanted to do a Mediterranean cruise. We arrived a few days early into Athens, stayed in the Plaka area to do the touristy stuff on our own (walk Ermou St., Monastariki Square, Syntagma Square) and using the Hop On-Hop Off bus (Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, ..etc.) We arrived at the Piraeus Port via the highly recommended "Welcome Pickups" taxi service around noon and the embarkation process was quick and easy. We headed to the Horizon Court Buffet for lunch and when we headed to our cabin around 2pm, our luggage was already waiting for us outside. Of all the times we cruised, this had to be the earliest time we have received our bags.

We had a Deluxe Balcony cabin way forward on Deck 16. We were worried about getting motion sickness, but it was smooth sailing throughout the whole trip. The cabin steward, John, did a nice job cleaning our room several times a day. The balcony had two lounge chairs and a small table. Inside the cabin was a small sofa, coffee table, desk, chair, sizeable closet, drawer space, a safe, adjustable thermostat and a hairdryer. The bed was very comfortable and we slept well. The power in the cabin included a standard U.S. 110v and a standard European 2-prong 220v outlet. The bathroom was standard with sink, toilet, shower, and shelf space.

We alternated between eating in the dining room and at the Horizon Court Buffet for all our meals. The buffet area was huge, divided into several sections, and confusingly laid out. Other than the salad and dessert areas, the two main sections did not have duplicate foods so we had to visit both to see what was being served. I asked a waiter on the first day about how the sections were divided and he said, one section was for the lighter/healthier foods and the other section was for the heavier foods, but I saw a mixture of both in each area. Read more