This was our 6th cruise in 6 years. 1 on Carnival (never again(, 1 on Princess (too many senior citizens) 1 on Celebrity (my personal favorite) and 3 on RCCL (Mariner, Jewel and Serenade) Embarkation: Very Very Smooth - We flew in from Charlotte to San Juan the Friday before we sailed. We spent the night at the Embassy Suites in Carolina near the airport and about 15 minutes away from the port. We were on the ship by 1pm which was less than 10 minutes from when we arrived at the port.

Cruise: Very island intensive. We sailed to St. Thomas (there on a Sunday so the shops closed early), St. Maarten (if shopping for diamonds, do it there. St. Maarten is tax free and duty free. St. Thomas is part of the USVI and tax is incorporated in their prices.) Antigua, St. Lucia (we arrived on a national holiday so all the shops in Castries were closed. There were very few stands open at the local outdoor market. All the islands are absolutely beautiful, but St. Lucia was special to me because of the Twin Pitons. When we left the island, the captain went to the side of the island were the Twin Pitons were and did two 360 degree rotations with the ship. It was spectacular. We went on to Barbados. This was my favorite island as far as beauty. We took an island tour. I will say, I wasn't thrilled with the folks on Barbados. Some appeared to me to act like they were doing me a favor by selling me their wares. I did run into one very nice young lady while we were waiting to take our tour. We had 1 day at sea and man was I glad. I was so tired I really needed that relaxing day at sea.

Food: OK, but not great. After sailing on Celebrity (Millennium) all food on other ships are sub standard to me. RCCL is not known for it's food and I could really tell on this ship. We were on the Jewel last year and the food was better. Again, not great but better than the Serenade. My husband enjoyed the desserts very much. I will say the first night I had the salmon, I liked it, but when I ordered it another night, I was less than impressed. Read more