Summary: First ever Atlantic crossing for us, was serviced well on a nicely appointed ship. Seeing the open ocean (versus Caribbean) from a low deck ocean view cabin was breathtaking. Recommended. Detail: We'd sailed twice before with Celebrity with no disappointment. Although at the end the length became slightly monotonous, we love days at sea (versus in port), so it was fine. The weather was much better than expected for early May (chilly on deck, but the solarium (covered pool) made that nearly irrelevant). On board activities (other than a moderately interesting historical lecture series and a few recent movies) was as tedious as ever, but we seldom pay attention to those things, anyway. Main dining room service was impeccable, meals there and elsewhere on board were good. Price was excellent for the length of cruise, ignoring the need to pay for an air return to the U.S. from the U.K.

Only real negative was the constant emphasis on hand sanitation and denial of direct access to beverage stations, forced by an outbreak of novovirus aboard during the prior leg. After a federal inspection, beverage station access was relaxed, however. Loved the ship -- considerably better than for the two Carnival cruises we've taken. The transatlantic itinerary ensured that there were very few children (mostly middle-aged and older couples, with a surprising number of older singles) -- which appealed to us enormously. No water slides or splashing around in the hot tubs.