In mid-October, 2013, we took a 4-day cruise of the Greek Islands (Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini) and Ephesus, Turkey on Louis Cruise Lines Olympia (formerly Orient Queen). We have cruised previously (a Russian ice-breaker in Antarctica, a medium-sized cruise ship in the Baltics, and large cruise ships in Alaska and the Caribbean) and have enjoyed all these experiences. We were sadly disappointed however, by Louis Cruise Lines. We chose not to upgrade our cabin because the cruise was so short, and are so glad we did not spend the money. If we had, we would have paid for the same tiny, cramped stuffy cabin with uncomfortable beds for one with a small porthole for $150 per person extra, or small window ($250 per person extra). The walls of the cabins were so thin that we could hear everything that went on in the adjoining rooms. The food was mediocre, especially in the dining room (my husband could not even cut, let alone chew, his steak). We were herded into the dining area and could not sit with friends unless we entered the dining room with them. Overall, the service was indifferent. For example, the bottled water in our stateroom was never replenished and we never knew who our cabin steward was.

Worst of all, cigarette smoking was not carefully regulated, and cigarette smoke permeated every hallway and room. I am an asthmatic and had an asthma attack the second night, causing us to miss our shore excursion in Rhodes. The only bright spot on the ship was our Gate 1 tour manager, Panos Kalmaris, an efficient, warm, knowledgeable man who supervised our activities and addressed our concerns to the extent he was able. If you choose to travel to the Greek Islands, we suggest another company other than Louis Cruise Lines.