My husband and I are veteran cruisers - 10 plus over the last 20 years on other cruise lines with other adults, but never in the summer when school was out, so the heat and children were new to us. Our expectations were not real high but we were a group of 20 plus and family of all ages ranging from mid sixties to under 2, so we boarded with a good attitude and were determined to have a good time. We should not have worried!

The dining options were largely "no extra charge", varied, good at the least and delicious often. We had My Time Dining and had the great fortune to have Alvin and his team the first night. There were 10 of us that first night, and he came to the table, spoke to each of us by name, knew exactly who was who without introduction - meaning he had gone to the trouble in the 5 min we were seated to pull our cabin numbers (they record them you enter), look up our pics, and get us all straight before he ever came to meet us. The team never forgot our names, our preferences for tea or coffee, or the fact that we had other family members close by. We saw Alvin several times outside the dining room setting - he always addressed us by name. We asked for him each night and were successful 4 in all - and for the others he always came to speak to us. Do yourself a favor - ask for him. The other nights the service was adequate but his team was over the top.

Six grandchildren were along with us, aged 8 to almost 2. The children 2 and over went to Camp Ocean much of the time. When being picked up for naps or meals or bedtime, there was much begging to stay. Unfortunately, our one under 2 was not eligible, and there is little to do with a 23 1/2 month old on the ship. Staff was wonderful to him but no swim diapers in the pools, no activities for little ones, and so not much leisure for Mama. If you do bring a baby or toddler, don't forget the stroller. Read more