I have planned this cruise for my niece since 2009. We wanted to go to the Virgin Islands for a graduation gift. I had only cruised once before, and was nervous after reading all the reviews on this ship. Although we did have some issues, overall it was a wonderful experience.

We flew in the day before and stayed at a hotel. We took a taxi to the terminal. Although it was raining, we were not ever left out in the rain and had a great time. Considering this is an enormously large ship, the embarkation was smooth. Yes, it was crowded in the holding area and no seats were available. However, once they started boarding the ship, that soon changed. "Move your feet, lose your seat" Boarding was simple, and once our group number was called it was a somewhat slow but yet steady walk up the ramp to the boat. Once on the ship we explored. It never once felt crowded. From that point on, the cruise ship didn't disappoint. The items we ordered were in the room, luggage was brought in as promised, room was always taken care of with towel animals to greet us in the evening. The seas were calm and never felt the motion of the waters. Finding places to use the "soda pass" was always a cinch. Even in the main buffet area there was a small bar when you first entered, and soda could be found there.

I loved the H2O. We found it quite relaxing away from some of the crowds around the main pool area. I was surprised that the pool was so small considering the amount of people and that there are 3 days you are at sea in warm weathers where a pool would have been nice. Read more