Chose this for the itinerary that we were interested in and recommendations from others who had traveled on the Riviera. We spent several days prior to the cruise in Barcelona and that was one of the reasons we chose this particular cruise as we wanted to visit there. Service was terrific, staff couldn't have been nicer, food excellent, particularly dining at La Reserve. Beauty salon was also well staffed and very helpful. We felt that on a ship of this level that the laundry room should have been free of cost. As we did not buy a drink package the cost per drink was extremely pricey and this too we felt was beyond what it should have been. Tours offered by the ship are very expensive, best to make your own arrangements, use Cruise Critic Roll Call to meet people of mutual interest. Go to afternoon tea, that is a must..