As first time Cruisers my wife and I (55,53)didnt know what to expect really, reading reviews expected it to be good but it exceeded our expectations. We had done the deal that had a week in Florida, a 7 day Cruise and 4 days in Vegas. After the week in Orlando we drove to the Port, a little confusing finding the Hertz drop and a map would have been useful but eventually found it and entered the boarding area about 1.30, a little later than we wanted so the queues were a little long. It took about 45 mins to get through the desk which was quick and efficient as we had booked in online which is worthwhile. I think about 1230 would have been perfect to board. From here we went to the Cabin, it was perfect, 7584, which is in the middle of the ship, plenty of room and a Balcony. Couldnt fault the cabin, an iron would have been good but they are not allowed. The Cabin was immaculate and the stewardess kept it spotless all week. We had chosen deck 7 because it was away from the noise and it was perfect. From here we explored the ship until late afternoon, the bags arrived about 5ish giving us time to unpack ready fro the evening meal. We had chosen "My Time Dining" which was excellent. Its on the 5th Deck but just a normal dining room like the others. No pre booking necessary just turn up when you want in line with your plans for the evening, up to 930. We always asked for a table for 2 and within minutes they accomodated us every night, if you didnt ask you may be put with others but it wasnt not an issue getting a table for 2, lots of couples asked for it. The service and food was excellent, pleasant staff, they seem to know where you sat the night before and placed you in a similar section every night so you got used to the staff. We had pre-booked a Wine Package and this was stamped on our card on the first night in the dining room, all we had to do was choose the wine each night. On the packages, we prebooked the Water, 8 bottles, these were good for the days out, it saved you shopping for them. These were in the cabin on arrival. We also prebooked the Soda package but this wasnt necessary at all !!. Unless you have kids who are going to drink Coke all day then dont bother. They gave you free soda at every meal time, including Windjammer, so it was wasted on us. With my Time dining you prepay the dining tips, at the end of the week they gave you Prepaid vouchers to hand out to the staff but on this floor they seemed to share them, unless one in particular pleases you and then you can give them extra if you want. We even had a prepaid voucher for the Stewardess but we gave her extra, she did a good job. I was surprised on the Casual evening how casual it was, no real dress code at all, no shorts but jeans and t shirts were common. On the Formal nights (2) most people had suits or tuxedo on and the ladies nicley dressed. Just a point though, the Captains dinner on the second night is the MORE formal of the two, so wear your best gear for the first one. We prebooked "Portafino" which was out of this world, about 5 course served immaculately, the nicest meal you will ever have and "Chops" a little less formal but wonderful steaks, both places were worht the extra. The ship has everything, you could eat all day long and stay up to the early hours every night. Casino is really good and friendly and helpful, as we were going to Vegas so it helped us learn before being thrown in at the deep end. All the Shows were good, "Love and Marriage" is a must see as is the "Ice Skating" but they were all professional. With going ashore 4 days you dont get enough time to sunbathe and relax really, first day or two you are just getting to know the ship, then at the end you are desperate for a rest and some sun. Having not cruised before we had a lot to learn but without a doubt the second time would be more relaxed. On our Cruise there wasnt many kids so that helped, good time of year to go this, but you do risk the wather, a couple of days ashore were cloudy and it had thunderstorms, still warm but one day we went to Chankanaab and it rained which was a bit of a wasted day. Apparently there are normally about 50 ships round the Carribean at any time but in september this week there was 6, so quieter everywhere. The Tenders going ashore could be hard work, particularly Labadee where everyone went ashore about 930 and the queue was long, so get ashore early or queue for about 20 mins or so. Other reviews have talked about the Lifts but we didnt find a problem, couple fo minutes only before you got on any of them, or walk the stairs, no big deal. In summary, loads to do if you want to, or you can just relax on the decks, food amazing, staff friendly and helpful, shows excellent, Cabin perfect. Considering we were going to the Airport for a 1630 flight to Vegas we ended up getting off a bit early, 730. They give you tickets the night before with your time on and call you to get off at your scheduled time. In hindsight i think we could have changed this to a bit later but didnt bother. Some people were going to the airport at this time for a 1730 flight to the UK, so they had there bags with them all day until check in and couldnt go anywhere. We went on standy for earlier flights so got rid of the bags, that was worth it, eventually caught an earlier flight and our bags were sat aside in Vegas at the airport ready for us. Im going to review the trips seperately because some of these were only ok. So enjoy the Freedom,its brilliant !!!!!!LABADEE First port of call- basically RCL's own peninsula. The tenders drop you off and you have a beach day. Plenty of activities on the beach, a ZIP Line that looked good, plenty to keep you occupied or just sit and sunbathe. Sunchairs are free and the staff helpful. At lunch there is a Barbecue in the covered building which was good. Enjoyable day really. tenders were hard work but it doesnt take too long. Some local traders as well to browse round. Overall a really pleasant relaxing day !