We just returned from our first cruise and had a very good experience. The Emerald Princess was in good shape, but in need of some TLC.The food in the dining room was very good and the staff was amazing. The buffet food was horrible as was the food at the fast food areas. The pools were never crowded but could have been heated the first two days out of Houston. Our room steward was Florentino and was exceptional. He attended to every need. Karino from Peru and Ferdinand from Portugal in the dining room were always with a smile and good cheer and gave great service. The negative was the shopping staff. Vince in his speech said diamonds are mined in Belize, cut in Costa Maya, and sold in Cozumel. I have never heard of diamonds being mined in Belize? Also not sure if the savvy traveler coupon book was worth the $25.00 paid. Beware of the sales pressure and fast talker! But the rest of the staff was amazing- with no problems not even a funny look. Kelvin, Dan and Mark were at the top of their game, always entertaining.The ship with 3,000 passengers never seemed crowded at all. If so inclined the shore excursions were easily booked once at port and were much more reasonable than through the Princess Lines.