Perspective: We are mid-50s active, and this was our third cruise, the first on RCCL. Our previous cruises were on Celebrity and NCL.

Embarkation: The suggested check-in time was 2:00 PM, but since the check-out time at our hotel was 12:00 noon, we arrived early. The baggage handlers were polite, and not pushy about tips. We waited about 20 minutes in line for check-in. The check-in agent was friendly and efficient. The actual check-in took about 3-4 minutes, and by that time, the gates had opened for boarding. We were on the ship in about another 10 minutes. There were plenty of employees there to welcome us, but curiously, none of them offered any direction. After asking, we were advised that our rooms wouldn't be ready until 1:00 PM, but the Windjammer buffet was open. By the time we finished with lunch, we had access to our cabin.

Cabin: The inside of our D1 Superior Oceanview cabin was clean, and in good repair. It was larger than the last cabin we had in a comparable category on NCL. The TV was an old-style tube model, but it worked well. There was only one set of towels. My spouse wasn't impressed with the bed, feeling that it was too hard. The balcony was larger also. The balcony was indicative of the need for a refurb: there was peeling paint, paint chips on the deck and the chairs. The wood rails were ready for some varnish, and there was some rust evident, but not significant. The bathroom was adequately sized, however the shower is small, and has a curtain. The shower curtain takes a lot of attention, because unless it is placed just right, you will flood the bathroom. Read more