ABOUT US: My wife and I (in our 50s) wanted to find a cruise on a smaller ship without the masses of people since this was our first cruise. We have heard nightmares from the larger cruise ships and wanted to avoid the "hairy chest contest" cruise lines. In all candor, I was not looking forward to the cruise since i am not accustom to being in a confined or crowded location. We have high quality expectations when it comes to food and hotels rooms; however, we are not in the "high brow" country club crowd.

SERVICE: From the moment boarding the ship all the way to departure, the service was impeccable. I asked our butler (who was a bit over attentive -- I really don't need help unpacking or packing, pouring wine or doing laundry) to keep water and beer in the room fridge and he delivered on that promise. The great thing is virtually everything is included on the ship: drinks, tips, etc. I kept waiting for a bill for something that I drank yet happily did not get it. WOW! Everyone on staff was amazing and very accommodating...way more than expected or needed for us.

DINING: During dinner, we asked for a different wine selection and they were able to meet our request with something we liked and kept the glasses full, and no extra charge! wow amazing. The food was incredible and a huge selection of items for the seafood lover, vegetarian or carnivore! The informal "hot rocks" (cooking steak on a hot rock) on the pool deck is the best kept "secret" when you want to get away from the formal dinners. The buffet lunch was by far the best and we noticed the chef would visit ports to get fresh food for the cruise. WOW! Read more