This was my 11th cruise overall and my sixth cruise on RCL. We chose this trip notwithstanding the weather (August in Florida and the Bahamas is so hot and humid that you come to welcome the intermittent afternoon rain squalls), but because my three children (girl-18, girl-15, and boy-13) were already visiting their grandfather in Tampa and wanted to take their first cruise. After visiting Gatorland and the Kennedy Space Center we drove to Miami to meet more relatives and take the cruise. We stayed at the Clay Youth Hostel in South Beach which also offers double hotel rooms with a/c and a mini-fridge that were quite adequate in a fantastic location for $60-80. A steal!

We arrived at about 3:00 p.m. There were no lines whatsoever in the reception area. After the lifeboat drill, my children explored the ship. Neither of the younger children was impressed by the kids club program. I nursed a mojito in air conditioned comfort in the Viking Club lounge. Having been born in Havana, I was dubious about the available "flavors." I settled for the original recipe which proved so refreshing (with fresh mint) that I had a second. The lounge was a beautiful location offering the best possible view of the scenery as ship left port. I was joined by my son who also remarked on the view of the parade of feminine pulchritude packing the pool deck.

Overall, the food was good. As has been my experience on every other cruise, breakfast never changes. It seems great the first day, okay the second day, and boring by the third day. Service in the main dining room was good, but not as excellent as on Celebrity. Read more