Background This was our second Voyager-class cruise, our first having been aboard Mariner's sister ship Explorer of the Seas. On both occasions we traveled to the E. Caribbean, last time out of Miami and stopping at San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Nassau. This time we sailed from Pt. Canaveral and sailed to Coco Cay, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. This time we brought along 4 other staterooms of my family, all first-time cruisers. My niece got married aboard the ship in St. Thomas.

Booking Royal Caribbean seems to be one of only 2 cruise lines that actively encourage folks to book their own travel, as opposed to going through other websites or travel agents. I have nothing against travel agencies but I want to control my own arrangements. RC makes it easy with an incredible website and awesome folks at their 800-number call center. I would suggest getting all the info you can via www.rccl.com and then CALLING to make your booking. The phone staff is very knowledgeable and really tries to help you have a great cruise experience.

Another resource I highly recommend is using CruiseCritic.com, especially their member reviews and Message Boards. You will pick up an amazing number of tips and sound advice on the Boards from other cruisers on your exact same ship/sailing. Also, RC offers CruiseCritic members a special opportunity for an invitation-only, onboard event known as the Meet & Mingle, which is a great, fun way to meet the folks that you've been interacting with online long before your cruise. Read more