Before embarking on our first cruise, I read every review I could find online. Some were so negative that I began to worry. I discovered that some of the complaints may have been because the traveler's expectations were too high. This is a cruise. Things can go wrong. When you consider what it takes to sail a huge cruise ship, stock it with food to feed 4,000 (including the crew)people for a week, load the baggage, get 3,000 tourists on board, feed and entertain them, then get them off the ship while cleaning and preparing for the next 3,000 waiting in the terminal to board, you realize that things go amazingly well!
One complaint I read over and over was how long it took to board the ship and get to one's room. Remember that all those passengers returning from their cruise have to disembark and go through customs. The staff has to clean the rooms, change the sheets, and lay in supplies for the coming week. (It takes about 7 hours to load all the food for the week.) My advice is to not go to the port too early. Arriving early will not allow you to board early. There is a suggested boarding time on your cruise paperwork. Believe it.
When we got to our room, we unpacked and watched the welcome aboard video on television. Being first time cruisers, we were unsure about what to do next. After the safety drill, we noticed that some people were already in the spas enjoying their first tropical drinks! Next time we will start our vacation the minute we are onboard. I think the Champagne Lounge would be the perfect place to start.
Stayed in a grand suite. Plenty of storage, huge bathroom, great balcony, very quiet even though it looks like it is near the elevators in the deck plans.