We chose this cruise because it was roundtrip San Diego, and because we were going with about 30 friends. Most of us had sailed extensively on Seabourn, so the comparisons were inevitable.

Boarding was slow with long lines, which turned into more long lines to book the specialty restaurants. We were not allowed to go to our cabin, but instead were routed to the Windows Cafe--which was very crowded--where we were served lunch. The outside of the ship, and the public rooms we saw on the way, looked old and uninviting. All kinds of things were being hawked as we progressed--special meals, etc.,--which we found to be very tacky. For what we paid for this cruise, everything should have been included, and I mean everything. If a line that seems to be aspiring to luxury, one should not hear the word "package." Talk about absurdity: if you took a can of beer from your mini fridge it was free, if you took a bottle of beer it would cost you $2.75.

Our "suite" was actually a large room, very nicely decorated and (as we found out) comfortable beds, beautiful linens, great lighting, a quiet climate control system, and a small bathroom with one sink. A bottle of sparkling wine, fruit, and flowers awaited us. The cabin was quiet except in the roughest of seas. We loved the verandah. Read more