After reading reviews, we had fairly low expectations but chose it anyway since we really wanted to see Cuba. We found the cruise much better than overall ratings.

What we liked: Quick and easy embarkation. We thought the ship, while older, was in outstanding condition. It was always easy to find seats by the pool. Staff was very friendly and they had just the right amount of activities by the pool. We had the anytime seating and service was outstanding - we had the best waiter and assistant waiter - better than any other cruise. Food was okay but not great. Loved the fact that people were from all over the world and it was great meeting them. Two of the three excursions we took were very well organized and a lot of fun (Cozumel Beach and Havana tour). We had a suite which was just a tad larger than a balcony cabin on most ships but was very nice. My wife loved the walk-in closet. Never heard noise from other cabins. Cuba was the highlight of the cruise and we loved it - found a great restaurant with a waiter who spoke great English and really got to know him a bit - funniest waiter we ever had.

What needs improvement: Guest reception was unresponsive and seemed like they had no systems for follow up so we had to call or stop by multiple times. Bar service is hard to find and slow, though the staff was nice. Entertainment a bit below most other cruise lines but not bad. The vintage car tour in Havana was disorganized and it was about an hour and a half before we were in the car. While not a tour, in Jamaica, they advertised in our nightly newsletter a $20 ride to a "hip shopping area" which we took only because the weather wasn't great. That was a long bus ride in horrendous traffic to a shopping center with about 25 overpriced stores. Read more