Spent a couple of days in Rome before the cruise. Embarkation went smoothly for us and we were onboard within 1/2 hour. Overall the cruise was a good experience, a lovely holiday for a first cruise and most of the ports of call were good but some were definitely charging more for the captive audience of 'cruise ship passengers'. The ship was very clean, the food was mainly very good - an excellent menu choice. Unfortunately Chops Grill was a bit lacklustre for us and not worth the extra money as the food wasn't that much better than the main dining room food but Giovanni's was worth the extra cost - waiters were good in both.

The deluxe drink package made our holiday especially when cocktails and speciality coffees were included and the bar staff were excellent. Loved the self levelling pool tables and the putting green! A few things that I was disappointed in - 1. When we booked the cruise room service was free but by the time we got there they were charging for this service. 2. Balcony stateroom was lovely but not used much by us due to the non smoking policy so wouldn't waste money on one for our next cruise. 3. There was a large party of same sex people on board who were cheery and mainly polite but who also seemed to 'take over' in a large group in areas where we may have liked to enjoy i.e. the Solarium being one example - we felt like we were intruding on a private party when in there. Also didn't wish to hear about their sex lives (or anyone else's for that matter) that were being discussed openly, in loud voices, in the main pool with young families around. Disembarkation went very smoothly for us. Would use this company again.