I traveled with my fiance, and this was our 6th cruise. We are in our late 20's. We just cruised on the Valor in Feb, and had a BLAST. We got a great deal on this cruise and though, why not?
We have never left from Galveston before, and I don't know if we will again. The crowd was REALLY rowdy, much rowdier than any previous cruise. People were smashed before we even left port and were extremely loud and obnoxious. There were also more children on board than I'd ever seen. Also something that was different (and may not matter to many) - I always bring on the alotted 2 bottles of champagne. I like to put a bottle into the fridge as soon as we board so we can enjoy it while we sail away. The fridge was locked this time. I asked the steward to please open it and explained why, and he said (very vaguely) that he can't until after the drill. I said okay. So after the drill, I asked again, and he seemed put out and said that he couldn't until after 6pm (2 hours after sailing). Okay, nothing I can do. So at 7pm when we return to the cabin to get ready for dinner, I expect it to be unlocked. Nope. So I have my fiance track him down, and this time the steward is clearly annoyed and quickly opens the fridge and leaves without a word. Then, on the last night, we come back to the cabin around 5:30 pm to change, and find the fridge locked, with all of out sodas and wine removed and set on the desk. I just found this really odd. What's up with the fridge police?
THE GOOD: 2 Slides instead of 1. A Tandori food station that was REALLY tasty. Ship did have a newer feel (it is new) with palapa style umbrellas and wicker seating. More outdoor areas to enjoy with pretty touches. (Fake palm trees outside Red Frog Pub, better seating, etc.) More hot tubs spread throughout the ship (some on deck 5). Quiet loung chairs on deck 5 as well.
We had room 9333, mid ship. The cabin was fine, what we expected. But it was really noisy at times. Being one floor down from Lido at midship, we could hear chairs scooting around at all times, loud thuds, running children above us, etc. For a light sleeper, I would recommend a different cabin.