Though this isn't my first cruise, it was the first for my husband. We went on this cruise as we had several family members that wanted to travel this ship and we were excited to see the Eastern Caribbean.
The room we selected was just amazing (see the review below) and the ship itself offered many options of activities for all ages. From mini golf, basketball and court volleyball to surfing, shuffleboard, the casino and everything in between. This particular trip was rather windy so having the larger deck of our room came in very handy. The pools on this ship are very small which means there are not as chairs around the pools as I would have expected.
Ship entertainment was better than expected. From the live music at pool side to the comedy and theatrical shows where were quite spectacular (and FREE, just book your day and time prior to boarding). The longest lines you'll experience on the ship will be entering and leaving the shows produced so just be patient (it's only a few minutes). Getting on and off the ship at the various ports was shockingly easy. Line ups were almost non-existant, just be sure to keep all your credentials with you and check your excursions to see if a passport is required.
Absolutely amazing value! Thanks to recent changes in the Star Alliance classifications, there are not a pile of worthwhile perks that come with booking a Junior Suite. This room in particular enjoyed an outcropping of extra deck space that allowed us to have both a small table and two lawn chairs. Coupled with a soaker tub, walk-in closet, sitting area and expansive room it was just an incredible value.
This room is incredibly quiet and offered sun all day on the deck while traveling towards the Bahamas, St.Thomas & St. Marten. It's a great floor to be on to walk out to Central Park day or night ad enjoy a cup of coffee or cold one while reading a book. A couple shorts flights down and you're on the Promenade with lots to see and do. Many of the live entertainment shows also had "reserved" seating rows for those in the Sea or Star class and they were typically center row seats (another great plus).
One of the biggest perks of all was being able to dine in the Coastal Kitchen each evening. This restaurant is reserved for Sea Class and up and is probably one of the best kept secrets on the ship. We did eat at a couple of the finest al 'a carte restaurants on the ship (including Chops and Sorrento's), but they honestly were no better than the dinners we had every other night at the Coastal. The staff were absolutely incredible there offering top notch 5 start service! So genuine and caring, we were on first name basis with them all after the first night. The meals, presentation, and dining room ambience were second to none!
Highly recommend sopping at the infamous Senor Frogs here in Nassau. We try to make a point of "bar hopping" when we have shorter times available on the island and found Senor's to be incredibly entertaining. Good food, great drinks and really outgoing staff will get you involved in ll the activities. Another notable was the Bearded Clam, for great hospitality and some hysterical t-shirts.
Beautiful island but difficult to get away from the "soliciting" if you're not venturing out on an excursion. Everything everywhere has a price tag on it including the chairs on the beach. Bring a towel and you'll be fine. Some great shopping deals a couple streets back of the main boardwalk. Lots of amazing pubs and bars to keep you fed and watered. It is worth a few bucks to take a water taxi to the far side of the beach and meander your way back.