This was our first cruise, so we relied on reviews and friends' experiences to prepare us. The ship was very nice, and our deluxe balcony cabin was clean and comfortable. The staff was for the most part friendly and accommodating. The entertainment was excellent.
We were, however, very disappointed with the quality of the food in the dining room--average, at best. Next time we will try the "specialty restaurants." We were also very unpleasantly surprised at the cigarette and cigar smoke on what was supposed to be a nonsmoking ship, with a few designated smoking areas. Obviously, the ship did not enforce any restrictions. The entire sixth floor, where the casino was located, was very smoky. In the evenings, guests smoked at the bar in the centrum, and the smoke drifted up to the upper floors. One entire side of the pool area was smoke-filled. In addition, it was very difficult to find a lounge chair at the pool area. Guests would leave towels on their chairs to save them for extended periods of time--another policy not enforced since cruise material stated that chairs could not be left unattended for 30 minutes or more. The music at the pool was at times much too loud.
We went on two cruise-sponsored shore excursions. The 3-1/2 hour beach excursion was a waste of time. We basically paid big bucks for an uncomfortable bus ride to a small crowded beach. The other excursion was a short panoramic tour. The tour guide was knowledgeable and funny--a much better experience than the first tour.
The cabin was clean and comfortable, with plenty of storage space in the closet and drawers. Housekeeping was always on top of things.