We did a family cruise of 17 members traveling from different places. We booked early to take advantage of the buy one, 60% second passenger, and had 10 balcony cabins. We linked all of our accounts via Royal Caribbean directly so that we could sit together at two round tables for all of us -- this worked even with folks that didn't book directly with the cruise line. This cruise went to Bahamas, St Thomas and St Maarten and 3 days at sea. We had birthdays and anniversaries to celebrate. Unlike other RCI ships, the walking track is on deck five and the spa is in forward deck 6. There were amazingly healthy snacks in the vitality spa, and we tried smoothies for $5, and fresh, crushed juices for $7. For folks looking to buy a spa treatment, I highly recommend on the first or second day to reserve a spot at the Ladies Pamper Party. You get extreme discounts to apply to any spa treatment -- I tried the 6 salon sampler for $99 + 18% gratuity and the seaweed wrap (it doesn't smell like seaweed) with 1/2 back massage for 20% off. I was happy with both treatments.

For excursions I did my research before hand, on Bahamas we did Rainbow Reef Snorkeling for 3.5 hrs. It was amazing that the hosts sprinkled food really close and swarms of tropical fish flooded the scene. They provided flippers, life jacket, and snorkel gear, unless you bring your own. They also provided drinks and you could purchase chips for $1. Bring an underwater camera!

On St Thomas, we did our own thing and snorkeled for 4 hrs at Lindbergh Bay Beach at the Emerald Resort right near the airport. We saw squid, fish, sea urchins and the water was warm and clear to swim, and enjoy! Read more