This was my first cruise with RCI and I was not disappointed. Check-in was smooth, although we had to wait for about half an hour to board once we'd got through customs. The cabin was very clean, although smaller than I'd expected for a verandah cabin, but the balcony was lovely with enough room to easily take four or five people, with a table and two chairs. The bathroom was tiny, but if one person was in the shower, and the other person at the sink, it was ok. Downside of the shower - no shower/bath gel, only a bar of soap. There was a wall mounted shampoo dispenser (which got knocked off it's perch very easily)but you could ask the cabin steward for shower gel and conditioner and body lotion, although it was annoying having to ask for these as they weren't automatically restocked. There is plenty of cupboard space and an in-room safe. The bed was extremely comfortable and soft, with an egg carton mattress topper. No tea or coffee facilities but you could get 24 hour food/drinks from any of the dining options open and bring it back to your cabin. We also used the free room service for breakfast most mornings (tried Windjammers for brekky once and the noise and multitudes sent us scurrying back to our cabin for peace and quiet!). The ship is really amazing, very beautiful inside and lots of dining options. We mostly ate in the Adagio (main restaurant) under My Time Dining - word of advice, always book your table and time under this system otherwise you'll have to queue for a long time. We tried Samba's Brazilian steak house ($40 per person) but that was very disappointing and the meat was tough and inedible. Otherwise the dining options offered a great selection of food and we tried out most of the free dining places.

The shows were all amazing and so well choreographed - they run for up to five years without changing but the Headliner act changes every few weeks, we had a ventriloquist who was OK but the hour long act could have used another person to help carry it along. The comedy show was brilliant - I haven't laughed so much for years and the Ocean Aria was breathtaking. I pre-booked all the shows and so had a seat - definitely don't leave it until you're on board because you probably won't get in.

There was absolutely no need to hog pool chairs with towels/books etc as there were plenty for everyone. Space was not hard to find and for a peaceful reading area, go to the Viking Lounge, which was lovely. Read more