Done a caribbean cruise in 2011 and left ship on 18th Dec whdn staff were putting up xmas decorations, always wanted to board on 18th Dec for xmas & new year cruise.
Whilst the ship was nice it lacked atmosphere, xmas decorations were fab in most parts not so in others, there were children aboard and yes they got to see santa on the day and i really cant speak for them but the lack of xmas spirit on board was really disheartening for us. No xmas songs throughout (got a couple in the nightclub on deck 11) and a choir doing xmas carols on xmas eve which was lovely.
i can't fault the staff or the food & drink, they were all good but I'd never do xmas again. The atrium needs more seats and a more updated song list, not all older people like old fashioned songs, dowdy ballads of unrequited love on xmas night sent me to sleep, it was apalling.
On 6th deck in centre, good cabin near coffee port, being in centre theres less movement. I got a tip on cruise critic to take magents (ships are made of steel) for extra pegs for clothes you dont really hang up beach dresses bikinis hats jewellery etc, brill tip. Cabin was bright & airey with a comfy bed and kept immaculate by Benjie & Leonor two happy smiling faces all the time, can't find fault with the cabin at all.