I'm a mom of 4 and love planning events and researching the best deals I can get. So when we decided to take our two boys (8 and 6) and our two teenage girls (13 and 15) on a cruise, I was determined to get our money's worth and milk every ounce of fun out of every minute so that we would arrive home totally exhausted and have a lingering "fun-buzz". Got home last nt....everyone exhausted with smiles still plastered on faces...Mission accomplished!

Royal Caribbean is almost the whole package. We heard from many folks RC is "more regal" than the rest. We are use to the "Disneyfied" cleanliness w/ us being from Orlando and RC has it down pat. They keep this ship so tidy. I'm a neat freak so I really loved this aspect!!

Food- I love food. I'm easy to please and enjoy the finer fare as well as a sloppy burger from a mom and pop shop anywhere. I don't indulge very often but when I do I make sure I get the most out of my splurges. The main dining room is where you will find your best quality of food, including breakfasts. The Windjammer is a quick place to sample a variety of sub par ethnic foods, make a quick salad or get an average burger. If you are looking for good desserts, you better fill up at the Cheesecake Factory before you leave...you won't find anything like mom makes. I got a banana split thinking "they can't mess this up, right?" It was literally a melted scoop of choc. icecream w/ a split banana. That's it. No cherry, no whipped cream, just a split banana laying under some thin watery ice cream. All of the rest of the desserts around the boat had the same fluffy texture. What's with all the fully stuff in clear cups everywhere? Bring some Dove chocolates if you think you might have a chocolate attack. Or maybe if you spend extra money for the specialty restaurants you can get quality treats? Read more