ABOUT THE SHIP ITSELF: We enjoyed the ship. At almost 4,000 passengers it is large and having first sailed in July 2009, it is new. It was very comfortable and most of the public rooms were decorated in a manner different from the major, N.A. cruise lines. Our tastes run to a more sedate style than is found on, say, most Carnival ships, but this one had its quirks with the Purple Jazz lounge being "interesting". The decor was generally a little dark with the exception of the main atrium which runs 4 or 5 stories and has a white theme but with brass elevators and circular stairs with the steps themselves made of shiny, crushed crystal. The couches and chairs often have unusual shapes and there is clearly an Italian flair to the interior design.

The water temperature in the pools was surprisingly cool considering it was still in the mid to high 20's celsius (approaching 80 fahrenheit), including the one fully covered pool. However, all 3 pools were nicely laid out and the two largest had several fountain-like features, including fake palm trees, to capture the imagination of the kids on board. There was an adult only area with its own pool which occupied the aft deck - unfortunately, I like an aft bar to enjoy sail-aways on with a beverage and so they layout of this deck (which did have a bar but no seating at the very rear of the ship) was not ideal to me; but this is a minor quibble. The ship has very nice lounges, the standard ones have adjustable shades for your head, including family wicker beds and other types.

Getting around the ship was not too difficult although in some areas there were limited elevators and in others you have to go up or down a deck to manage your destination. Nothing remarkable from most newer ships. Read more