Just returned from a great 4 day cruise on IOS. It was me (39), my husband (44) and son (9). I was unsure what to expect after all the mixed reviews, but we had a great time and wouldn't hesitate to go on the boat again.
Embark - So easy. We arrived about 11am and were on the ship by 11:20. I did find the check-in desks REALLY crammed in so it was really hard to crowd around the desk to hear information. But we just checked in and got right on.
Room - They were ready right at 1pm. 8514 was great. It was our first time being up front on a ship and loved the location. Very quiet and pretty close to stairs/elevator. Easy to get upstairs to 11/12 for the food & activities and easy to get downstairs to Promenade, dining rooms, etc. Room attendant took great care of us - got us extra towels and pillows and always had the room made up/turned down while we were out. We never came back and had to wait for her to finish.
We were really pleased with how big this outside view was. We had a lot of room to walk around the bed. The pullout couch was the biggest (and most comfortable) we have ever had. It was almost the size of a double bed when pulled out. Our 9 year old son loved it.
The beds were super comfy - but probably because we had an egg crate on ours - we didn't even have to ask for it! We were surprised to find it as when we cruised on Brilliance of the Seas in November we were told they did not have egg crates anymore due to health reasons.