Let me start off by stating that my wife and I have never cruised before and we are both in our 50s. We weren't quite sure what to expect. I value others opinions but also want to make my own decisions, so I sort of take reviews like movie/restaurant critics, where I like to use my own judgment. I view the glass as half-full, not half empty.

We booked the guarantee balcony and chose the Ultimate Beverage Package and 250 internet minutes (4 kids/work access). We were given a room on the 10th floor, just 1 room away from what was considered mid-ship. Our excitement for this cruise was over the top, just like when you were a kid on Christmas Eve. From the moment we arrived on Saturday, 4/9 until we left on 4/16, the entire cruise was amazing.

We had a variety of drinks (all great), including Guinness (in the can) in the pub, along with many frozen and premium cocktails. We ate in the Manhattan room 3 times, along with Savor and Taste 1 time each, the buffet (seafood night) 1 night and the pub 1 night. The food was quite good and you could get as much of what you wanted. Some nights we had 2 appetizers each and an entree, along with dessert. The service was superb, the staff was friendly and the overall experience of this cruise was memorable. Make sure you do the ropes course. It is well-worth the butterflies you will feel. It is a rush! Read more