The ship is a very beautiful ship. It is a Carnival Destiny (Sunshine) class ship that has a slightly different layout. The decoration is very well done with some odd art work here and there. The cabin was standard to all other ships I have been on. This was my first time on an Italian ship. I have cruised on British and American ships more times then I can count. The ship did pick up an drop off passengers at every port which I had never experienced before but did not affect our vacation in any way shape or form. The biggest difference was of course the language for all activities (except the production shows) were all in Italian (Production shows were fabulous by the way)... which is understandable. I'm not much of a dance lesson, trivia contest guy anyway. The dining was the biggest not so good surprise... The food on this Italian ship is the most different then any other ship I have sailed on ... The breakfast was always continental not the typical huge American/british fatty breakfast. The pizza and ice cream which is normally free on the American/ british ships was an upcharge (our kids were disappointed). There was not a free coffee, tea, water dispenser available all day like other ships... It was only available for buffet meal times which kind of forces you to get the drink package... The food in general compared to carnival, rccl, norweigen, celebrity, etc. you could see how this cruise line pays significantly less for quality and if you do want the quality food you have to pay an upcharge (do not expect to get a free lobster night and chocolate molten cake). On to the service... The service from waiters, bar staff, was wonderful... The room steward service on this ship and all other ones I have been on gets worse every time I sail so that was not surprise. All the workers I met spoke English along with Italian, and other languages so was very impressed and humbled as I am in the typical American that only knows English. I admire anyone that can learn other languages. The ports are the main reason why we picked this ship... We were in a port every day except one and got a chance to explore castles, cathedrals, and beaches. We chose to travel on the busiest month in Italy so we did pay extra for that but it was the only time work permitted average was $1000 per person. I do overall recommend this cruise line but as an American and having cruised on more American and British ships... I will go out of my way in the future to make sure the next cruises we go on are American or British mainly because of the comfort level of the language and food make the whole experience way more appealing and on a vacation that is very important. That is why I gave this ship an average rating... This ship was lacking overall a feeling of southern hospitality if you know what that means then you will understand... All other ships and lines I have been on have a deep feeling of southern hospitality but this one did not. That is the best way I can describe it.