We chose this cruise for value and duration and prior experience with Royal Caribbean and we were not disappointed. The embarkation point is a city familiar to us so we arrived there at the approximate boarding time. Arrival at the embarkation area was easy and the process was smooth and professionally handled. The smaller size of Empress made exploring the ship easier and the crew were all accommodating. Our cabin, sized as expected, was well kept and well maintained by the service person assigned. The shower experience leaves something to be desired but was passable. The dining was excellent although someone on a salt-restricted diet should plan ahead. All of the entertainments we attended were professional and enjoyable. We took part in several on-board activities and enjoyed them all. All of the service employees were very accommodating and friendly and the service we enjoyed in all aspects was more than sufficient. We had only two ports of call and took part in one enjoyable kayak experience in Key West. In Cozumel we did a bit of "gift" shopping and returned to the ship. Ours was a couple-experience; no children traveled with us. We would travel on Empress of the Seas again!