Exceptional staff all the way around. Smallest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, but as they say onboard, the biggest heart, and I agree! Docked next to Oasis of The Seas in Cozumel, the largest and smallest ships in the fleet next to each other the difference in size was dramatic. Although there is more amenities, dining options, etc. on the Oasis which we were on our last cruise, the Empress is an excellent value for a 5 night cruise. We took my wife's sister and mother who had never been on a cruise, and they loved it! Entertainment was really good and the dining in the main dining room and Windjammer was super as well, with great service once again in both locations. Easy to maneuver around the ship due to it's small size. Cruise Director Elvis kept everything going and had his own Zumba class in Bolero's on sea days. Every cast member you came in contact with was very friendly and there to provide the best service they could.

As mentioned in other reviews, the rooms are on the small side and quite possibly the smallest room we have ever had on our 12 cruises. But, really, you are not there in the room that much anyway and were functional for what they were used for, sleeping and showering. Pool was definitely small as well but did not use that much either. Loved the big screen monitor on deck for movies at night and ice cream machine on deck that was pretty much available all the time.