We started in Stockholm, Sweden. We chose to explore Stockholm on our own for two days prior to sailing. For us it was better value for our dollars. We are adventurous so felt OK with the challenge of exploring on our own. Check in was easy, our bags were taken to our room. Our cabin was beautiful, roomy and very well appointed. Everything we could ever want or need. I loved having our own veranda. Plenty of storage for our stuff and a place to store our bags. The ship was beautiful and complete with anything we wanted. Staff was friendly and helpful. Our housekeepers were the best - sorry I couldn't take them home with me. Service in all areas was excellent! We enjoyed the entertainment and activities. I liked the TV with a good selection of movies. The food was always good whether in the restaurants or the world cafe. I liked that they changed the menu to match the part of the world we were in.

We did plenty of shore excursions and most were very good. I was disappointed that some of the excursions overlapped the panoramic tour of the city which was included with our cruise. We sometimes did not see our city because we had to choose something else. Our trip to Berlin was a challenge and possibly could have been changed a bit to better accommodate guests. When we arrived in Berlin we were taken on a tour of the city and saw many sights we would have liked to spend some more time at. Our bus parked in the city so we could explore on our own. The map we were given was poor and instructions as to how to get to a site was not included (IE, bus, walk, taxi etc) so we were at somewhat of a loss. It would have been nice if the bus could have served as a Hop-On-Hop-Off style bus and just circled the city until time to head back to the ship. Berlin, unfortunately, was not fun for us.

My manicure in the spa was less than satisfying and very expensive! I would not recommend it. My husband, however, was very happy with his haircut. Read more