We cruised on her Empires of the Mediterranean itinerary. From the beginning to the conclusion it was marvelous. This was our 14th cruise on a variety of lines. This was, by far, the best. The ship is small with a passenger load of 900. The ship was very well appointed and gave us the feeling of roominess. We never felt crowded. Our cabin was about the same size as others we've had. Because of our location, stern facing, it was very quiet and our balcony was a tad bit larger than others of the same category and the view was spectacular. A disappointment was that there was not adequate storage space for clothing that could not be hung [underwear] Also the closet was so close to the side of the bed, that it was difficult to access. Don't think that a single bed configuration would be able to access it at all. Our stateroom category allowed us to consume as much of the non-alcohol products and snack food each day for no cost. It was replenished daily. .The service by all attendance was very good. Always had a smile on their faces and strived to be helpful and fulfill any request. I think the dining rooms were similar as other cruise lines; nothing spectacular. We often enjoyed "The World Cafe" that had indoor dining where ever table had a good view of the outside plus tables on the walking deck outside the doors as well as tables and loungers around the small spa pool on the rear deck; the pool cantilevered off the back so you could swim and see the ocean below. On the lowest deck there is a large, varied spa area which offers a salt water pool with a sitting ledge, a small hot tub, a snow room where you can cool off in actual snow, a hot room and a steam room. There are ample loungers to simply sit and enjoy the warm quiet.

On the 4th deck is the Winter Garden, a large room with loungers, tables and chairs where you can sit under the glass dome which is opened when appropriate. Plenty of finger food to snack on while you relax. Also lots of private seating on the sides where you can sit and see the water passing by.

The shore excursions that are included at each port are very well planned, informative and arranged so that each group of 20-25 leave about 15 minutes apart so we were not all in the same place at the same time. Each of us had headphones so we could hear our guide. We took to additional cost excursions. The one to the Acropolis/Parthenon was not worth the time or cost.