We sailed, along with 21 other family members, on the IOS from 19-26 Jul 15. This was our 8th cruise on Royal Caribbean. Overall, we had a great time on the IOS. A few things were disappointing. We didn't meet our room attendant until day 3, which was a little strange; Normally we have met our room attendant the first day. Also, disembarkation seemed to be the longest of any cruise we have taken. We had an estimated time of departure at 8am, but we actually didn't depart until after 8:30 because we were told that the customs service did not have enough agents in the terminal. Also, luggage is arranged by whatever group number you have for departure. We were in group 2, but yet when I went to find our luggage in the terminal, it was not in group 2, but located in group 1. Again, this was an anomaly in that we never experienced this in the other cruises.

Our stops were San Juan, PR; Phillipsburg, Saint Marten, and Bassaterre, St Kitts. We didn't do any excursions in San Juan because we didn't arrive until 4pm and departed at 11pm. This was the first time that we had a port stop that was in the evening, and to be honest, most of my family members were disappointed that we stopped in the evening. We have been to San Juan a number of times, all arriving in the morning and departing late afternoon / early evening. I would probably not book another cruise that stopped in San Juan.

Our second stop was Saint Martin and we booked an independent excursion with Soualiga Destinations Boat Tours and Captain Bob that was by far, the best excursion in 9 cruises. It was a 6 hour boat tour of the island, that included lunch and all drinks. We were able to swim, snorkel, relax on the boat and watch airplanes land at the airport. Read more