Jim Johnston

Age: 49
Occupation: Division Director
Number of Cruises: 2
Cruise Line: First European
Ship: European Vision
Itinerary: Eastern Mediterranean

We had cruised previously on Radisson and new it would be hard to top. But, we were pleasantly surprised with the vision.

The crew was just simply there to please. So gracious! (Being from the southern part of the USA, we like iced tea. After the first night, our eastern European waitress had it ready for us at dinner. She did well and it became kind of a fun connection between us) That is just one example of many with regards to the service focus of the crew.

I am in the food business, so I'm hard to please when it comes to dining. while the food was not as good &/or exotic as on Radisson. It was certainly very acceptable. I would certainly recommend the upgrade to the balcony suite. While the balcony is nice, the real benefit comes in the form of your own (less congested) restaurant for Dinner. This is a savior, other wise you are in a real battle for space in the other dining areas. Suite passengers also get tendered into port first.

Some Americans are concerned about these ships being predominantly European pasengers. My wife and I saw it differently.

If you just relax and enjoy the culture it gives you a break from back home.

Also, it bonds those English speaking passengers and you get to really know a few people.

We made some wonderful friends from the UK. We also had a chance to get to know several families serving in the US military at Aviano. This was a real treat. They make you proud!

While our Radisson Cruise was out of this world, the Festival/First European cruise was without a doubt the better buy for the money.

The crew was as good if not better and more gracious. The food was close. The cabin was the same size with a downgrade in amenities. The shore excursions were better (could be the ports, Greek Isles vs. Med.) and a much better value. All tours were in two languages. English and other. I actually enjoyed this, while the other language was being presented, it gave you a chance to look around and not worry about missing something being said.

While many passengers could not communicate do to the language barrier, for the most part all nationalities were understanding of this issue.

My only negative comment is they could be a little more organized at boarding and for the evac drill, otherwise, I would recommend this highly. It is a cruise, but it is also a bit of a culture study. You've not lived, till you've played Bingo in five languages or laughed till your side hurts at a French Ventriloquist or heard the cruise director announce the evening show in machine gun like verbage in five languages. This was a show in itself. What a trip!

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