Before I get started into the details of this cruise, I want to make one thing clear: I am a female solo cruiser. I have cruised about 10 times total on various lines. I am also, generally, a very easing going person who likes to experience each day as it comes along, and I like to "go with the flow." I enjoy quiet, but I also like the "freestyle" opportunity to mingle with the "partiers" when it's going on, and later when I'm in the mood, I while away an hour or more in my cabin balcony, and watch the sunset fill the sky. I'm a mature adult (50s) and have learned to experience the process of living more than having goals run my life. It's all about experiencing life -- not controlling it.
I cruise to get away from work on short notice (2-3 weeks notice), which admittedly means I sometimes have limited choice of cruise itineraries. I also usually choose smaller ships (about 2100 passenger size) and if I can afford it, a balcony. It all depends on the cost of the single supplement. But after cruising on the Escape, this may be my new favorite ship.
But like any large ships there are pros and cons. I found the pros usually won, however.
Stateroom12908 -
This room is a standard sized balcony stateroom with a Queen sized bed near the window. The closet is divided into 2 parts: one side for hanging clothing- the other with shelving and a safe. There is plenty of storage area. the bathroom is well outfitted with shelving, a large shower, and larger mirror. It also has a hard dryer that was adequate and a small refrigerator (you can ask the Steward to remove part of the "for charge" bar contents to make room if you want to use it). There was also a coffeemaker in my stateroom (made 2 cups every morning).
FYI - The Balcony was HUGE. It was large enough for 2 chairs and a small table, AND had 2 long lounge chairs as well! The balcony was my favorite place to sit. There is an overhang that shelters from rain, but when the sun is lower in the sky you can get direct rays from a very hot sun. There was minimal rocking for the 12th deck -- but to be honest -- the seas were also fairly calm (3-6 foot waves for most of the trip).
Embarkation was very easy so was Disembarking
I spent time on the ship only