The ship is gorgeous...huge...clean...the food was very good...staff was kind and accommodating. We were a family of 4 (Mom, Dad, 2 boys - 14 and 11) in an inside family cabin. We cruised during spring break. We did not buy the dining package or soda package. My husband and I do not drink alcohol. Changes I would make for next time -
1). cruise when it is warmer in NY or fly to FL. We lost three days because of bad weather and the kids were bored out of their minds. Not much to do for their age group during those days (except play arcade games which were expensive - the clubs were packed).
2) bring more stuff to do in the room or in a common area- more downloaded movies, gaming stuff, etc. I didn't want my kids in front of a tv or monitor all week but, guess what?? The kids spent more money in the arcade than my husband and I spent in the casino!!! Definitely not enough activities for my kids' ages or tastes....*note: younger kids LOVED splash academy and the older kids loved entourage - my kids r at awkward ages - one is too old mentally for splash but fit into the age bracket and my 14 year old felt too young for entourage.
I love New York!! We live 4 hours away so we did not do anything in NY, but we had no problems getting to the port or finding a parking space. Next time, I'd like to spend the night before the cruise and watch a show.
Boat was empty -relaxed all day - weather was gorgeous - kids played on ropes and slides. I kind of wish we went to the beach. But, I was being very lazy and a little greedy with my space since it was the first time I felt like we had any.
Beautiful beach - lovely day - just chilled out and soaked in the sun. I've read to get the earliest tender off the boat and leave early - we did just that and got there quickly and back quickly. Others told stories of waiting an hour in the hot sun to get back, so, early bird definitely catches the worm!!
I lost at Atlantis