This was my third cruise but the last one was ten years ago: they have "come a long way baby"! This itinerary was island-heavy which was great. With one day at sea at the end to chill, that was perfect. Lots of auto-hand wash stands as you enter ship and dining rooms. I was not looking forward to being with 2,100 passengers on board but guests are off doing their own thing so the cattle-herd scene I feared did not come to pass.

My #1 TIP: READ the "Cruise Compass". With so much going on, it's easy to miss some of the fun: Do not miss the Love and Marriage" show. It will be played all week on your in-cabin TV but you have to be there. Do NOT miss Quest.

My # 2 tip: hit MENU on your TV remote and view your bill every night. You WILL be shocked how things add up when you swipe your handy card for drinks: ($5.75 for gin +tonic $5.18 Bass Ale-tip included), photos (8x10: $19.95), and excursions! Read more