This was my 3rd cruise but the first for my two teenage boys (15 & 17 years old). We were all very excited as we were checked in at the Port Canaveral terminal. The agents were speedy, efficient, and very friendly. They made you feel like this was an exciting and special trip for you. Upon entering the ship for the first time we were amazed by the beauty and elegance of the "Mariner of the Seas". The lighting, the moldings, the stairways, the flooring - everything was shining and just beautiful. Each staff member greeted us with a smile and spoke to each of us as we passed (this was what we soon realized was standard procedure through out the cruise), making us feel special and like we were the only ones. We immediately set out to explore the ship and see what it had to offer. As we roamed the ship we were so impressed by how clean everything was, it was simply sparkling everywhere we turned. From the rock wall to the mini-golf course, to the main dining room - it all just shined from top to bottom. We were impressed with our cabins, we were on deck 7 and simply had an interior room, however the size was actually slightly larger than what we had expected. The furnishing were very updated and in perfect condition and as I was to discovered later at bedtime, the bedding was the most comfortable I had ever slept in. I am not sure what they made the sheets and comforter out of, but it was so soft - I wanted to just crawl inside of the bed everytime I went to our room (which with everything offered on the ship, was only to change and at bedtime to sleep). The food was so impressive. From room service, which was timely, beautifully presented, and free with the cruise, to the main dining room -which I am not sure there are enough words in the english language to describe, the food was just, to myself and my family, the best that there is to offer! The service was above and beyond what we have ever experienced outside the cruise ship world in everyday restaurants and establishments. The quality and taste of the food was cooked to perfection and as much as my two teenage boys could want or wish for! We tried every place that offered food - the dining room, the buffet, Johnny Rockets, and the Royal Promenade Cafe. Each place we went the service was superior along with the food and the presentation. We had such an opportunity to try foods we would never have tried before, and we could have as much as we wanted - for free! We had the main dining room seating, which worked great with our schedules (although one or twice after a day of excursions in port we did have to rush just a little) and in the mornings we had room service or hit the buffet. I just can't say enough about the quantity and quality of the food! The activities on the ship were abundant. The teen center provided the perfect place for my teenage boys to meet other teens their own age, from all over the world. There was mini-golf available 24/7, the rock-wall at various times, ice skating (yes ice skating on a ship, although make sure you have long pants and socks with you), inline skating, and tons of other activities and things to do. There were several pools, one just for adults - and at least 10 jacuzzi's all around the ship. The cruise director and his staff were young, energetic and kept the activities planned up-to-date and very entertaining. There were even parades down the Royal Promenade a couple of different times. Royal Caribbean definitely made this a trip of a life time! The expectations they require of their staff make everyone on the ship feel important and special, almost as if you are the only ones on the ship!