This is our twelfth cruise but first time I have decided to be a reviewer. Time to give back for all the help that other cruisers have provided me. Most of our cruises have been over our kids spring break or Thanksgiving. No exception with this one. Arrived on a direct flight from Los Angeles the night before. We got in around 10pm and went straight to our hotel by taxi. Stayed at the Tropi Rock Resort. Super clean, decorated nicely, with comfy beds, good a/c and easy on the wallet. Walked to a pizzeria called Primanti Brothers for for a late night dinner.
Embarkation : Still on California time, woke up around 11 and went straight to the pier. Check in was fast, I guess a little faster for us because we are now platinum and moved ahead on a line or two. There was a lot of this on the cruise based on your room status and membership level. It reminded me of Las Vegas. RCI saved several rows of seats in the ice show for suite guest. Seriously... show up on time like everyone who made a reservation months in advance.
Entertainment: The shows were the best we've ever seen in 12 cruises. I didn't like having to book them in advance but I do understand why RCI does that. Zip line was fun, didn't make it to the rock wall or flow riders due to lines. Ice skating was good only because how often can you say you have done that in the ocean. Line for that was also long. Only 50 people per session and apparently you can pre reserve that as well. Our room was on deck 14 overlooking the boardwalk. It had an amazing view of everything, ocean, shows in aqua theater, activity on boardwalk, zip line. Great to people watch. We had the Best room steward ever !!! Beds were comfy and we slept well. The 3rd bed in the room was a fold out futon single. Very uncomfortable. Our room steward but a single mattress on top of it and made it better than home. For those of you bothered by noise, This room is noisy. It is directly under the zip line landing. Even with the doors closed the boardwalk was loud. On the map it looks like it's just a walkway over head. I think the Teen lounge is also close by. It didn't bother us but if you are a light sleeper it might.