Other friends were taking the cruise and it was easy to get there as we all live in Los Angeles was one of the main reasons for taking this cruise. The ship was the best one I have been on and I have taken 4 cruises before this one, Alaska, Mediterranean, Baltic and Caribbean. The entertainment and the theater were exception on this trip, from the singer/dancers who performed 3 different shows to the comedian and guest singer who were both amazing. The sound and lighting system in the theater is state of the art. The ships decor is are very beautifully done. We had an interior cabin which is always too small but if you want to save money it works for a 7 day voyage. The dining room waiters were absolutely exception people, they really were a pleasure to see every night and attended to our every desire. One of my friends would order 2-3 main course every night! The food was very good and some of the dishes were superb, but I did get a case of diarrhea on night which was not much fun. I think cruise ships in general need to do a much better job with food safety and this is one reason I do not take more cruises. You can get food illness anywhere but cruise ships are notorious for this problem so just beware. The ambiance of the ship was great, the pool ares, the gym and the open feel of this ship was really nice.