We chose this cruise as the cost was very affordable, the ports of call were good and we had great experiences on previous cruises with Royal Caribbean. Although the Empress of the Seas is Royal's smallest ship, it delivered, as expected of Royal, with attentive staff through out the ship delivering excellent service -- Big Shout Out to Gladwin our stateroom attendant and to Bernice and Stevenson our dining staff in the Stralight Dining Room. The food was good (compliments to executive chef Junior for delicious menu choices and execution); the entertainment was fantastic and offered something for everyone. Memorable entertainment moments for us were The Caribbean Roots Band which delivered excellent reggae music by the poolside; the hilarious Love & Marriage and the Quest (adult) game shows. Pianist Billy Pando at the piano bar kept the audience engaged. Awesome job cruise director Carlos Torres and the entertainment and activities staff for the great line up! We were never bored! Our embarkation and disembarkation went very smoothly. We would cruise again on the Empress and will recommend cruising on the Empress to others.