we chose this cruise because the ports of call were the ones we were looking for. also since the ship was smaller that most cruise ships, We were able to pull into Ports with very shallow Harbors. Therefore the ports of call were very unique. Rarely did we pull into a port where You were competing with one of those mega-ships anchored outside a harbor. the service was exceptional. i think the crew to passenger ratio was at least 2 to 1. the crew seemed very stress free and it was reflected in the their service. on many cruises we've taken the crew would seemed to be to busy to help us out. most excursions on this cruise were included in the cruise fare. Getting the opportunity to dive in a bathyscape was a once in a lifetime experience. the paid excursion to a small olive oil factory in Parga Greece was 798$ for 2. we enjoyed several courses of freshly cooked courses, but it was still overpriced.