Embarkation went really well. There was a huge line at 12:30, but it only took one hour and we were on the ship. Easy breezy. We brought on the two bottles of champagne and some soda as per guidelines. No problem there.

Balcony room 7431 was terrific. Starboard (right) aft (back of ship). Very good location - staterooms above and below, no casino, disco or restaurant noise to worry about. Two flights up to Lido deck and grown-ups only back pool area, two flights down to casino and lounge areas. Just a few doors down from back elevator and stairs which were never crowded.

Back pool - no children allowed, period (they do enforce it). Two great hot tubs, bar, pool and terrific music all day. Spent a lot of time here on sea days. So easy to grab some food (right through the doors), bring it to the pool area and enjoy. On the day it rained, they closed the glass roof and we were still able to enjoy the area. Read more