We selected this cruise 18 months prior because of the marketing of it and the new ship. It was billed as a gorgeous ship and it didn't disappoint. After we had it booked and paid for we were seeing some bad reviews and were a bit worried but in our experiences, those were just not the case. We did purchase the Aurea experience which included a balcony room with the use of robes/slippers, exclusive top floor solarium unlimited use with a dedicated bar and hot tubs, UNLIMITED drinks- including soft drinks, bottled water, cocktails, wine, beer, milkshakes, gelato ice cream, hot chocolate (even at Venchis) and mock-tails, just from a card scan (no signatures). It also included a 50 minute message for myself and my husband, two sun tanning bed sessions, unlimited use of the thermal spa that comprised of two saunas, indoor and outdoor whirlpool tubs, two aromatic steam baths, multiple aromatic showers (warm/cool combos) a Himalayan salt room and warming beds. It also included priority boarding, which went smoothly and quickly as well as anytime dining which we found very helpful.

The ship was remarkably large and we never struggled to find a seat even at peak times for the buffet and the cruise was sold out. The crystal stairways were beautiful, the decor very elegant. It was lovely. The balcony on our cabin was good size and the cabin size adequate but could have used more/better storage for clothes.

Or wait staff in the dining room was above and beyond, particularly catering to our 13 year old daughter. We had read complaints about the food but it was delicious and if we didn't like something or worried we wouldn't, we just ordered two different entrees. They were extremely friendly and worked very hard to keep us happy. Read more