We have cruised about a dozen times with IOS being our largest ship to date. We had concerns about the size of the ship, fearing that the cruise would be impersonal. We had additional concerns about the ship being full of kids on spring break. The ship was full, there were plenty of kids but for the most part the cruise, the ship, the staff, far exceeded our expectations.

Embarkation was very busy as Port Everglades had a half dozen ships going out the same day. We had no problems with the porters or with the check in since we had done everything on line in advance.

Our cabin (E2 hump balcony) was roomy, well thought out and had a sweet balcony. Our steward introduced himself the first day and we barely saw him again but the room was always attended to on time and he answered our every request. My DW was disappointed that we did not know in advance that all we would get would be shampoo (in the shower) and soap for toiletries. She wished she had known that we were not entitled to lotion at the E2 level (or robes). Minor thing which was a source of irritation. Read more