If anyone says to you - "Wow that is a big ship", well they are right. We don;t want to get too wordy as you know there are alot of critic reviews and the last thing you need is an essay! Here are the pointers: It is ok to get to the port at 12noon ish, we did and we were on board in 10 minutes - no joke. It was smooth and organized. Carry on you own luggage and it is there in your cabin when you need it - don't fall for the bell hops at the port who want to take then for you. If you can do it - carry your own. Book your entertainment on line - you want a guaranteed space. BUT if you find yourself wanting to go another time - stand in the standby line - we always got a seat! Hairspray and Frozen in time the ice show are the BEST!! Go to the Aquatheater on off show times and you can watch rehearsals - fun. Bring LONG pants if you want to ice skate. Remember the specialty restaurants are free for breakfast ands dinner. Go to the Solarium restaurant - absolutely wonderful and the best food (free breakfast and lunch and 20 for dinner. The atmosphere is perfect! Ask for Lorraine the Solarium Officer - she is great! Simona has been promoted to Chops :( The coffee cafes are a fee but the deserts and specialty sandwiches are free Shopping Shelby the port shopping expert is a bit over the top. The lectures are long and repetitive. For a chance at a tossed out gift sit on here right in Studio B. Sit high for Come Fly with Me to see the best view of the aerials. A good view of the parade is the Cupcake Shoppe - get their early for the best seat. Another good view id at the Schooner Bar. Instead of the usual photo shoots - as for a personal photographer to do your pictures - this is worth the extra money. There is a LONG line for the Captain's photo. He is there both formal nights. I noticed more formals and tuxes than previous cruises - perhaps the inaugural season or the holidays. Read the daily Compass fully and use a highlighter to stay organized. Over all the ship was very pretty. It was huge but did not seem crowded. However according to the officers - there were only 4700 on board (holds 5400 double occupancy) Have fun!