We chose this as a first cruise experience. There were rough spots of missing some ports and having poor shore experiences but these were all good for learning. The good ones were great. Ravenna (to see and kneel at Dante's tomb) and Pisa (the tower, cathedral and baptistry) and Barcelona (Gaudi is great) made the trip. We also had delightful hours in Corfu. I recommend taking a custom tour for Venice, Rome, and Naples. They were far from the boat and difficult to appreciate from a bus.

We loved being on the boat. The buffet was a delight. We did some of the upper level dining but liked the comraderie of the buffet. The music and entertainment was heaven. Top entertainment. I don't know if all the cruise directors are as wonderful as Aoibheanne O'Neil, but they have a high mark to hit. Exercise opportunities abound. We enjoyed exploring them -- Especially the pools. There were many opportunities to meet and talk to new people. We loved the staff we interacted with.

My one wish would be for a meditation room. The cabin was very nice but difficult to sit quietly.