We decided to take a cruise this year over Thanksgiving and while we liked the Disney Cruise, our daughter have outgrown the princesses and were becoming more independent. This cruise worked wonderfully for their emerging independence and interests, while affording the adults an opportunity to explore the nightlife and other entertainment which suited our tastes.

We enjoyed the Dining room, but agree that while the staff was very attentive and helpful, the food quality was consistent with mass dining--good, but not great. For example the lobster was a bit tough from sitting longer than advisable and other dishes had that pre-prepared feel to them. Still, if we didn't like something and were given something else or a second helping, it was often much better. For the restaurants, we tried the Italian restaurant (liked the Gnocchi--alot!), the 150 Park (much better wine pairings than the chef's table), and the Izumi's Sushi restaurant (which offered good sushi, but not good enough for us to return). We loved the hot dog vendor on the boardwalk and the the pizza on the Royal promenade was basic, but satisfying. The park Cafe, which had a bit of a line when we chose to go there in lieu off the Mexican restaurant which had a 40-minute wait, served nice grilled sandwiches and salads.

We saw Chicago and played bingo as well as participated in or watched a number of cruise events like the glow party, adult scavenger hunt, dance competition, Karaoke and others. We went to the art auction, but found it didn't suit us nor did the casino, but both seemed well attended. Read more