After my family booked this cruise I started reading the reviews - and got scared. But its better to be prepared then not, I always say. I had cruised previously only 3 times, my husband never and my parents have lost count (seriously!) So this review encompasses three different points of view from people 45 and up. Embarkation - the best and the most organized I or my parents have ever seen. The ship - GORGEOUS - extremely clean and well appointed. We had a balcony cabin and it was a little small but well worth the upgrade. True that the shower is very small not like other cruise lines. The food - pick Italian every time. They feature every night a different region - its not a 5 star meal but not shabby (this is from a person who does not mind spending $300.00 for a dinner.) Order the steaks rare - you will get medium rare. The soups and desserts were great. Went only twice to the buffet and yes, people heap up enormous plates and you have to wait a little bit - that is why it is called buffet line - every place is the same. The service at the cabin excellent, the dining room not so. The problem seems to be the training and the language. If you get lucky, you get an excellent waiter, if not, you just have to repeat yourself a lot. We had a little bit of both due to the fact that for breakfast and lunch it is open seating and they seat you where there is space available. For dinner, you have an assigned table and you get the same waiter and ours was decent but not great. Ports of call - the only dissapointment was with the ports of call as there was not enough time in each port. I wish that they will get the ability to arrive early and depart late. Miscellaneous - yes, they confiscate the liquor that you buy on the islands, but deliver it to your cabin on the last day. Pre-book the wine package it comes out a little less expansive. We do not drink sodas so I can't speak for that package. The spa is great and the massage is very relaxing. Plenty of things to do and music is everywhere - good music not the rap crap. Disembarkation - well organized. Overall, it was wonderful cruise on a beautiful ship with an excellent company.