What a perfect cruise for first timers! Traveled with my DH, 20 yr old DS and his GF. The GF was the only one in our group who had cruised before. Flew out of Newark to Miami. Nightmare experience here. Got to the airport 2 hrs prior to take-off as recommended (8:30 am). Flight was delayed until 5:00 pm!! Good thing we decided to fly out the day before embarkation. Flying is so unpredictable, it is best to go the day before to ensure that you don't "miss the boat." We stayed at the Marriott Airport in Miami. Very nice accommodations and they procured a van taxi to take us to the Port of Miami. The restaurant was very pricey and if we had it to do over we would have chosen to eat at the bar. The service was good and although the food was good, it wasn't worth the high price tag.

Heard horror stories about embarkation. It was a little scary handing off luggage to porters at the dock but we tipped them generously and asked that they please make sure that all of our luggage arrive on board safely. All the luggage made it on!(We did pack a few outfits in our carry-ons in the event the airline lost our luggage and ordered tuxes which were in our staterooms when we arrived and fit our men perfectly. Saved us having to pack suits and dress shoes. Definitely recommend using this service) It was easy as can be from that point forward. Register on-line prior to embarking and print out your sea-passes. My DS & GF had passports which I recommend, but DH & I used birth certificates & drivers licenses without a hitch. RCCL staff was friendly, patient and helpful from the get go. Once we traded our printed sea passes for sea pass cards (also double as cabin keys) the fun began.

Dining: We were directed to Windjammer for lunch. Amazing selection with a spectacular view. People always fail to mention the view in their reviews. GF is a vegetarian and always had a variety of healthy fare. DH was in heaven as he was expecting sandwiches and instead discovered this amazing buffet that include Paella, his favorite. There was a salad bar, pasta bar, dessert bar, beverage stations and so much more. There were chicken dishes like Chicken Picatta as well as meat and fish selections. The food was very good. There were sanitizing stations at the entrances. Let's keep on the dining thread. Sorrentos had pizza that the kids raved about and was available at all hours. The Compass Deli had a wonderful selection of paninis and wraps. We chose the late seating for dining which was perfect for our group. We didn't have to rush back from ports of call, got to view the sunsets and dined without small children about. (I love children - been there done that - In fact, I run a childcare center, but I was on vacation with adults.) Our table mates were a mother and daughter, Sandy & Jennifer who were wonderful people. I only regret that we didn't exchange e-mails to stay in touch with them. The food was great. The wait staff was friendly and attentive. Enrico our waiter was phenomenal. There was a fabulous selection of food every evening. You can order as many appetizers, entrEes and desserts as you wish. The staff remembers your preferences such as who prefers tea over coffee or what your favorite breads and rolls are. GF and I love Indian food. Every night we ordered individual entrEes from the selections and shared the Indian entrEe for the evening. Desserts were decadent and delish! Enough about food. Oh, but I must mention free ice cream machines at poolside. Read more