This was our first cruise and we really enjoyed it overall. We (DW,12 yr old son, and myself) arrived in Miami Airport @ 9 a.m. and stayed at the airport til the RCI shuttle took off at 10:45. We arrived at the port around 11 and got on the ship 12:45 - and purchased our soda card before heading to Windjammer for lunch. There were alot of tasty choices and even our finicky son found something to enjoy. After lunch we explored our way from top to bottom (Windjammer to deck 2 where we were staying). When we arrived there at 2 pm our luggage was already there. It was into the suits and off to the pool and "the rays". The pool area was very clean and we hung out there by the one pool that was open (from day 2-4 both pools were open). We were concerned about muster (trying to keep our son occupied) but it ran very smoothly. The departure party was a blast and the music was just right. It was fun to listen to our ships horn battling the Celebrity ship's horn as we left the harbor - a foreshadow of the humor that was a part of the crew's makeup. Went to dinner in the main dining room second seating and meet up with our dinnermates. Our table consisted of a single mother from NY and her 2 sons (11 and 17) and 2 couples traveling together (1 from England and the other from Ireland). We were a diverse group and enjoyed each others company. I was very glad to sit at this table of 10 - it was very enjoyable and a nice way to socialize.

The meal was delicious but was served a little slow and it took three requests to get a drink order placed and I was 1/2 way through dinner before I received my cocktail. Seconds on dessert were requested by some at our table and they were delivered very quickly. After dinner DW and son went rock climbing (they really enjoyed it) and they went for pizza at Sorrentos. They were pleased with the service and quality. (We would end up there 5 times and walked away happy every time). I went to the casino and watched the first night of action for the new "virtual hold-em table". I watched it be installed earlier in the day and it took a little while for the crew to get adjusted to the new system. The crew and a rep from PokerPro did well explaining the system and eventually started running single table $50 tournaments. Being the first table in the front of the casino it drew alot of attention all the time. The first day ashore was in Nassau - the weather was cloudy and a little cool. We did the sea-ray feeding excursion through the cruiseline and enjoyed it although the cool air temp (65) meant more beach time than snorkeling time. We took a $20 horse and carriage ride through town that was entertaining. Maurice our buggy driver was extremely friendly and very informative - worth the $. We strolled through the town on our own and walked up the "queens staircase" and ended up at an old fortress overlooking Nassau. The view was great the history we heard from the natives was incredible. I highly recommend this area for history lovers. We hit Bingo in the afternoon and had a blast with Rachel "the Bingo queen". Although we had the attire for formal night we were too tired to dress up so we schlepped over to Johnny Rockets for dinner. The onion rings were great but the rest of the food was just okay. The entertainment : singing and dancing was very enjoyable. The ice sculpting demo around midnight was awesome. I loved the foo-foo drinks in the pineapple shells.

Wed was CoCocay and it was fantastic (79 temp). Snorkeling was awesome as they had pre-set shallower areas to look at (10-15 feet) or you could swim over to the deep area on your own (40 feet). Lunch was a traditional BBQ menu and was fine. The water flotation park was enjoyable. I now know why they limit the park to an hour at a time - very tiring. Son played volleyball and enjoyed the tournament they ran. We did parasailing here and it was a blast. We went up about 150 feet and our son LOVED it. He is now over his fear of heights. After winning at Bingo ($52) I felt like splurging at dinner and bought a nice bottle of champagne. From then on I was treated like royalty from the headwaiter and our server (no more waiting for drinks for anyone at our table). I was not really excited about the dinner menu and instead ordered 4 appetizers and was delivered one after another - that was sweet. Dessert was also awesome - white chocolate pudding served over berries. Love and Marriage show was very enjoyable. I enjoyed participating in Quest and was glad that my son never got to see the show on the ships tv channel.(Enough said :)) Treated DW and myself to "relaxing" massage. Instead I was very "tight" so Kim insisted on a Swedish massage and proceeded to kick my ****. Would have preferred the relaxing massage. Key West was pretty enjoyable. My son and I went and redeemed every Savvy Shopper free coupon while DW did the island by herself. Lots of history for her to see and lots of free stuff for us. The last night was enjoyable - Boogie Wonderland was cute. Dinner was superb and I made out well ($) in the casino. Baggage pick up was smooth as ours was gone before I made it to bed that night. Breakfast was the same as we had done 3 other days - GREAT tasting food from Windjammer. The only disappointment was it could have been a little hotter. Disembarkment went well. We had a late flight and started the process at 9 am and we were on the bus shuttle by 10:20. We had such a good time we are ready to book our next cruise for summer 2008 for Western Caribbean.