We chose HAL as it was our understanding that this was a better standard than the Costa, Royal Caribbean etc we had been on before. This was our eighth cruise in total and sadly was on a par with our disappointing MSC experience 6 years ago.
We boarded in Rome for our 12 day cruise and the process was very smooth and speedy. The ship is lovely - recently modernised and tastefully decorated there is a nice ambience and flow to the ship. The housekeeping and dining staff also very very friendly. The same cannot be said for entertainment staff. Whilst skilled I witnessed three sarcastic comments that weren't meant for client ears.
Being brits we aren't used to constant air con and ours was exceptionally noisy. We asked whether this could be tuned off or down on our first night when still trying to sleep at 3am. We were advised this was controlled centrally and nothing could be done. We mentioned this again to the room attendant after being shown a friends cabin and the air conditioning was significantly quieter. One week and about 4/5 hours a night sleep later and not being able to wear contact lenses we again approached reception (in person) who sent a maintenance person who flicked off the vent in the ceiling and proceeded to twizzle a few bits and 30 seconds later the air conditioning flow and noise is reduced. Shame we had to wait a week for this.
Very very small despite paying for an upgrade to guarantee a minimum grade. It was however adequately furnished and the housekeepers kept it very clean. The size of the cabin wasn't actually the problem for us as we were using it for sleep only but the air conditioning was a big problem and virtually ruined the holiday for us as we are just back from a supposed relaxing holiday and are so very tired. Surely that's not how we should return.
Walk the F1 route - you get to see great parts of Monaco
Private city tour with Marco. Very worth the experience to be shown hidden secrets of Rome
Land train is grat value
Fabulous city with a lot to see and do - be prepared to walk here. Go off La Rambla for best food :-)