I too had a very different experience on this transatlantic. I only put on 3 pounds! I made new friends, played a lot of trivia, found the hot croissants in the WJ, and just had a darn good time. This cruise was the most fun I have had in a lot of cruises. The food, to me, was the best I have had on a ship in years. No, it wasn't always the best food I have ever eaten, but I never went hungry.