When we booked our cruise we were a bit weary with all the negative comments especially about the comments regarding the condition of the ship. We found it to be in good nick considering that it is due to go in to dry dock for a refurb. The food was excellent,we ate in the Windjammer for breakfast and lunch and dined at the Great Gatsby in the evening which was a lovely experience thanks to Debra and Raul. We could not fault the service. The barbeque was good on the sail days. Our stateroom was small but functional and very clean. The entertainment was very good especially the resident entertainment team. There was a great scottish female vocalist on the first week and Jonathan Ansell a vocalist from G4 on the second week he was fabulous, we managed to get are photo with him at the end of his performance. There was always something going on in the day and at night.
We enjoyed most of the ports of call, we didn't get off at Palermo as we have walked in to the town before and found it un-interesting as there is not much there. The only negatives were that the ship docked quite a long way from each town and was quite along walk if you choose not to take the RCI shuttle that charges 10$ per person return or 25$ each for three trips. There are port buses that are about 3-4 euros each which works out a bit cheaper, we personally have never had to pay with other companies, the shuttles have always been complementary. Another negative was teen club with regards to my teenage daughters who were a little disappointed that there wasn't a separate room for the younger children,they had to stay away certain times so that the younger children could use it for certain activities. The teen club was closed for maintenance few times and were not told were to go when activities were meant to be running in here. Also the public toilets were often closed for maintenance so e often had to go to a different floor. There was a terrible smell in the evening by the stairs on deck 2, I think this may be due to blocked toilets. I am sure that once the ship has had it's refurb all these problems will be rectified.
The drinks are rather expensive after the additional spanish of 8% vat and 15% gratuity is added. If you get the soda package you can have tonic water and ginger ale in addition to the sprite and coke.
It would be better to have a glass screen instead of curtain in the bathroom, as the floor gets soaked if the curtain is not tucked in properly when having a shower. Also our suitcases would not tuck under the bed and had to put them on the sofa. Great use of space, excellent storage even for a family of 4 in a small stateroom.