I chose this cruise for the itinerary and it was the only week my adult daughter could go vacation. We have cruised numerous times on all the other lines. I was absolutely impressed. This ship is less than 3 years old and in fabulous condition. The ship was immaculate in cleanliness. The decor is classy not gaudy. The employees friendly. The food on lido deck was very good and plentiful in variety. The staff also provides table beverage service for water, coffee, etc. Silverware is wrapped in a cloth napkin on the table. We chose the late set dining time for dinner. The dining room food improved as the week went on with some delicious main entree selections and the desserts were fabulous the entire week. Our waiter and assistant (Alvin & Dian) greeted us by name each evening and provided exceptional service. I felt like they actually cared. The ship was easy to navigate once learned deck 7 was the pass thru side to the other side of the ship. We were on AFT so simply went up to the Lido dining and down to dining room. The pools really weren't in play this cruise due to the cool weather and some rain. However, The adult Sanctuary was beautiful though some of it does cost extra.

This was the first cruise we had an inside room as ocean view rooms were not offered on this ship. The room was small. but with the twin bed set up seemed roomier. We weren't in the room much anyways. Also had AFT room at the very back at end of the corridor (C733). Usually do midship but booked late. I would book AFT again. There was not any foot traffic. Very quiet. Only suites behind us at the back of the ship. The beds were too firm for our taste but better than overly saggy. The pillows were large and comfortable. The entertainment was very good. Broadway production shows, comedy and a passenger singing competition like The Voice. LOVED the cruise director Martin. He was a very funny man. He came out & did a comedy bit at the end of each nights show. He seemed to enjoy his job. The average age on this cruise was probably around 50 up to 80's. My daughter at 23 was one of the youngest. We didn't mind at all.

The terminal experience in New York (Brooklyn) was something I haven't experienced before because after checkin we were directed to sit and wait until our number was called. We waited for nearly an hour. Once on the ship we went directly to the Lido since rooms weren't open yet. The room was ready shortly after 1 and our luggage arrived very quickly and was put in our room. I liked this better than just being left out in the hallway. I highly recommend tipping the luggage guy well. I gave $10 for 2 bags and he put them in front to be loaded and you get them faster. I have had this happen on every cruise since I learned to tip higher. I always gave a tip, but now tip $5 per bag. Sailing out of Brooklyn was a great visual experience. Wonderful view of the NYC skyline and we sailed directly (just barely) under one of the bridges. Read more