August 7-11, 2008. Adults 6th cruise, kids 2nd. Kids hated the Disney cruise - too old. So, we wanted to give them another try at enjoying cruising. Got connecting cabins, they loved this, made them feel very independent, they are 16 and 12. We did purchase 4 walkie talkies beforehand, so we were always in touch w/them, as the walkie talkies worked through the entire cruise.
First day was exploring the ship, and our first dinner. They matched us w/another 16 year old girl, and all three kids bolted after dinner, for fun around the ship. They seemed to enjoy this free time very much, since neither of my kids were interested in the club activities. 16 year old is shy, and 12 year old felt too confined by the clubs, wanted to be independent.
With walkie talkies, we were fine w/all this, and enjoyed casino and bars together as a couple, and not being Mom and Dad!
3rd room from elevator. This was not a problem. Didn't really have a lot of hallway noise, just drunks now and again! U58 and U60, shared room between us and kids. Could use more shelving in the open room area, closets had some but wanted some stuff out. Larger than typical room, did not feel I was stepping all over someone to walk to the closet!