This was a "warm up" to see if our family likes cruising and a reward trip for our 7th grader who completed a stellar school year in every respect. It did not disappoint, and I am giving it 5-stars overall, but there are still a few quibbles. First, you have to understand, this is a BIG ship; therefore, it hauls a lot of people--and there were plenty aboard this quick-trip to Bermuda and back. If you can't stand crowds, don't book aboard this ship; but, if you don't mind lots of people--and there's plenty of space, that's not a problem--and like a big party atmosphere, this ship will do just fine.
The ship is gorgeous, with lots of amenities. She is also immaculately clean and well maintained. She is going into dry-dock early 2016 for an upgrade, and she needs it as she's fraying a little bit (worn mahogany in spots, a torn curtain here and there, etc., but nothing major). Your kids won't notice. She rides really well: first night out, we had 60+ knot winds an 15 foot seas, and it was like being gently rocked in a cradle. There was an activity going on all the time, something for everyone, and the shows (except one) were very good. The Ice Show was spectacular--best one I've ever seen--and you're right up close to the skaters. The final night show, a send-up song-and-dance review of "Saturday Night Fever" was mediocre at best.
The crew is friendly and very helpful, but only our cabin attendant warranted, we felt, a gratuity greater than the standard gratuity every passenger is charged. The food was, overall, excellent, but not spectacular. Plenty of it, all day and night. Breakfast was a horror show, though, with 3,000 plus people trying to grab what they wanted and finding seats. That was the one and only not-so-good thing. Otherwise, great trip and for the money and time, well worth it.
Excellent--larger than I though it would be and the balcony is a huge plus.