After three years of wonderful sailing on Celebrity Solstice-class ships, we decided to try the "world's largest cruise ship" for my 60th birthday. We made the most of it and enjoyed ourselves, but it was no thanks to Royal Caribbean. We will sail on Celebrity again but not the namesake cruise line. Ever.

Although I know some people love the design of the Oasis-class ships, we were appalled that the primary interior public space, the cavernous Royal Promenade on Deck 5, looked just like any generic shopping mall. It has no windows to provide even a glimpse of the sea and it's very gloomy, especially during the day. Because one of our favorite things to do is sit inside, in comfortable chairs, and read or play cards and have coffee while looking out at the ocean, this was a huge disappointment.

I'm an early riser, and the only place to get coffee and pastry that's open 24 hours a day is the Cafe Promenade off the Royal Promenade, so all we had was a view of the "mall." Adding to the gloom was the brownish gray wood-grain wall treatment used throughout the ship to poor effect. (Flashback to 1960s basement "rec rooms" with ersatz wood paneling.) Central Park, on Deck 8, is attractive but seating is limited and most of it quite hard and uncomfortable. The Windjammer Marketplace buffet was not open during off hours, regrettably. I don't know why it would hurt to leave it open, but it is what it is. Read more