The more times you cruise, the higher your expectations get - in my opinion. The inward facing balconies and huge size of this ship was a unique experience, and one worth doing. Deck 10, cabin 727, second from the back facing the boardwalk was a great choice for viewing the shows, seeing some ocean, and watching the boardwalk.
In providing different and unique insight, we discovered that some cabins have the bed nearest the balcony and others have the couch nearest the balcony. They are back to back in pairs, so its a bit hard to figure out which is which, but, of course, 727 had the bed near the balcony, and, of course, we would have preferred the opposite - or was it just that the grass is always greener? - - - .
The buffet was not ALWAYS packed, but some planning helped find the less-busy times. The tips and tricks page we compiled before our trip was useful in picking activities, although you have to watch for old, out of date information in some postings.
Fine. Couch arms a bit worn, but overall very clean and comfortable. The long walk to the elevator is very real, but that's the exchange for the rear view, and worth it. The PA system, on boarding, was so loud and distorted as to be in the TORTURE category, but that may have been a malfunction, since it improved when we set sail.
Our 2 foot power strip was a great accessory - so many things to charge.
Private island - cruise ship prices AND only one bartender for hundreds of people? I am sooo glad I did not have a drink card and had to wait half of the time for a refill.
The picnic lunch was decent, but sit at the picnic tables to eat while leaving stuff on your beach chairs that is not valuable - or they will get re-used by someone.
The shuttle cars did not go to all of the stations on their chart. They skipped the last one nearest the ship and started back around instead.
Take the ferry ($7 round trip) and walk along the beach. Cheap beer and people watching is fun -- or sit out on the beach.
Embarkation was fast and easy, getting back involved a long line, as the last time we cruises Ft. Lauderdale.