Just returned from our first cruise. If asked on the first, second or third day if we'd ever do another, the answer would be no. But as the week went on it did get better. Nothing specific that was bad, just not all that everyone bragged about.

First major shock was - you definitely feel the movement of the boat. First night at the sail away party we looked to the rear and saw that tail end going up and down - a lot. By the end of the week, we were quite used to it and thought nothing of it. Would never be able to pick out anyone who had too much to drink, because we were all stumbling around walking.

We went with 3 other couples on this trip. They were on the Riviera Deck and we were on the 6th floor, can't remember the name. We had a balcony and would recommend it to all. It was wonderful to hear the ocean as well as be able to sit on the deck and enjoy the sea air. Worth every extra penny. We never were introduced to our room steward, and neither were 2 of the other 3 couples. One couple got to know their room steward very well and thus tipped accordingly. He was wonderful -- greeted them by name. In fact one night we were walking to their room, he saw us coming down the hall and called out "are you here to see Randy?" We all laughed about this, since our stewards wouldn't have known our names. Our rooms were made up nicely each day -- but no extra service like we had been advised. We did receive the towel animals on days 2 - 6. First night I tried to contact the steward 2 times in the evening - don't even remember for what but never got a response. We also were the only couple to pre-pay our tips -- so since the others experienced the same service don't really attribute it to this. Read more