Converted from a scientific ship to cruising. Cabins are small and the doors can't be locked, deck has tarp-covered obstructions, decks have no service or chairs. Often hoses or equipment in walking areas. Not organized for exercise - minimal gym is on floor 2, sauna on 5 (and is often not turned on), hot tub on 6 and massage on 3. Gift shop is just one cabin with a few shirts on hanger, a table with some gifts and is seldom open. . Very few refill supplies, i.e., toothpaste, deodorant, etc.

Getting luggage on board and identifying yours was pure chaos. Five hours into the cruise and the passenger luggage was still in the halls. Some of it was still there the next morning. The boat drill was treated almost like a joke and was VERY inadequate for someone not familiar with emergency cruising procedures. Exact details for the planned excursions were not revealed until that day's breakfast. Timetables were often missed and trips shortened to compensate. The trips did meet expectations although by no means spectacular.

The food ranks as the worst on any cruise I have taken. Breakfast was always standing in line cafeteria style. Massed produced eggs in warming pans with previously frozen croissants and sweet rolls. Lunch was also usually cafeteria style and some days it was pack your own lunch for excursions. The first dinner was lobster and mine took 1 1/2 hours to be served at 9:30 PM. Late starting (7:30 PM) & slow service often meant finishing dinner shortly before bed time. One desert choice. The only dining area was very loud and roughly equivalent to my high school cafeteria in appearance, The lounge/bar is very small, noisy and not designed for inter-mingling. If you are looking for a cruise with none of the frills, average food and service but emphasis on scenery and excursions this would be your choice.