Our first cruise was an absolutely wonderful experience! We always had plenty of things to do, from hitting the casino to hanging out at the pool to special events like short trivia challenges and longer Broadway shows. We stayed busy at each port exploring the different islands, but our time on the ship was jam-packed as well! A typical day for us would look like this: -early morning workout as the ship rolls into port (only 3 or so days did we get up for this!) -breakfast at the Windjammer buffet - so many options and actually decent food! -off to the island for whatever excursion or plans we had set -back to the ship around 4 or 5, grab a few drinks at the pool before cleaning up back at the room -early evening relaxing in our room or wandering the ship if we were going to seated dinner at 830 -if not doing seated dinner, grabbing some dinner or snack food at Windjammer -cathing a show in the Theatre, watching a game at the Pit Stop sports bar, going to an event like the bartenders' flair show or a trivia game, listening to live musicians, etc. -crashing between 11 and midnight to get ready for the next day's adventure!

We really tried to explore all the different areas of the ship and see all it offered. Each day through till the end we would discover something new to do or see! We were worried about eating with 4 other couples who were strangers, and only ate at the restaurant about 4 nights, but it was good company. Food, good, not great. The advantage there was that you got served specific portions. We probably liked having a wide selection at the Windjammer better, and for a buffet it was pretty darn good food. Except with a buffet you eat TOO MUCH - ALL THE TIME! It was hard (for me at least) to control my portions. We didn't feel the need to pay extra to go to Chops or Portofino. The midnight buffet on one evening was not great food-wise, but the atmosphere and event was kinda neat. I'd just plan on eating earlier and then going for the atmosphere.

Our balcony stateroom was small compared to a normal hotel room, but you're on a ship - what do you expect? I thought it was pretty good sized for us. The shower is the only thing I would really call small. Definitely get at least a balcony though, it's worth it to have the extra space, serenity, and views. We kept the sliding door open somewhat each night to hear the sounds of the ocean - awesome! Only drawback - if you're near smokers, you'll get their smoke. I made this comment to the cruise line, suggesting to put smokers on one side of the boat and nonsmokers on the other. Read more