We have been only many cruises including river cruises but never an expedition cruise with science lab, water vehicles etc. First the ship was beautiful & never crowded with 387 passengers. We only shared an elevator once!! The staff was the friendliest we have ever had & not stressed. I love the heated bathroom floors and drying closet (for colder, wetter regions). We are not water sport people but did take the Special Operations Boat which included boots, water proof pants & smaller life vest. Niagara Falls was on my bucket list as well as the Grand Hotel from the Somewhere in Time movie. The World Cafe (kind of like a buffet but not) was used for most meals except the two specialty restaurants we were allowed to book. Steak & lobster was available most nights as an example. Mamsen's was a smaller venue for interesting food. There were 3 different musical acts rotating. The Hide was an interesting venue for storytelling. There are plenty of movies and t.v. programs to watch. Room service is 24 hours a day & pretty fast. Embark & Debark was organized and fast.