This was our second ever cruise so do not have a lot to compare against BUT we had a fantastic time. I had read a lot of reviews and had lowered my expectations but need not have worried.
First impressions. The boat was larger than I expected sitting on the dockside.
Checking in was a breeze, even by leaving all the paperwork in my suitcase which had gone off for delivery! Not a problem for them. Being greeted with a lei was a lovely touch. Could not work out if they were real or not, trust me they were.