Timing and destination were our reasons for this cruise. embarkation was a fiasco due to a last minute change in ports due to weather.. poor or no communications between staff and customers and we had to wait in line for 5 hours. sometimes in the cold! poor cooperation with italian port security made getting back on board after an excursion a real hassel. overall the staff was excellent, very attentive and a pleasure to know. food was very good and plentiful. sometimes the main restaurant in the mornings was chaotic. We finally gave up and went to the buffet in the mornings. evening meals in the restaurant were organized and a pleasure. the pool grill was a standout feature--always busy, but the lunch time casual dining was a real treat. most of the evening entertainment occurs too late for us to enjoy. the ship is beautiful, but still working out a few minor glitches. they need to have more time in valletta, malta. we would sail again with viking.