After reading some negative reviews of this ship and the cruise line we were a little concerned - but need not have worried.
We sailed from Venice Oct 2010 to Bari, Katakalon, Izmir, Istanbul, Dubrovnik & returned to Venice.
Embarking was quite easy and the usual 30-40 minute wait after checking in until you are on board - but we could go straight to our cabin and then buffet lunch with a glass of reasonably priced wine with views of Venice.
Good cabins sizes with nice modern en suite shower room. Would benefit tea/coffee making facilities.