I will try to keep this in order and stick to the points. We are a family of 3 with a pre-teen daughter travelling with another couple with a teenage daughter. We booked adjoining balcony rooms. Embarkation went very smoothly, we arrived at the port about 11am. We brought a case of water and a case of gator ade which the baggage handlers offered to take, tag, and deliver to our room. Reluctantly we let them take it, and it was delivered. Reading reviews, we were a bit nervous about not walking it on as hand carried. The lines were short at the time, and we were through and seated in the waiting area within about 30 minutes. I hand carried a bottle of wine on and paid the $15 cork fee during check in. No problems at all. There were many passengers who brought alcohol in their checked baggage, based on the line to retrieve what was confiscated upon return to NYC, about 500 people unsuccessfully tried this. Hint -- google shampbooze if you are trying to bring those items. Worked great for us. And the ship lost nothing, trust me, we spent plenty on drinks. Just like a drink or glass of wine while changing for dinner and watching the sunset on the balcony with my wife and close friends.

We were boarding the ship around 12pm and headed up to the buffet for lunch. I had received a tip from a previous cruiser that helped get started to a great day. Get your food and keep walking to the back of the ship. There is a great outdoor area partially under a canopy as part of the cafe eating area. It was beautiful to sit out there and watch everything going on. A fantastic view of the Intrepid from there as well.

At 2pm we were able to get in our cabins and drop off our hand carried luggage. The ship was very clean as was the cabin. I pre-ordered flowers, chocolate covered strawberries, and a fruit/wine basket for the cabin which were all there. The flowers looked exactly like the picture on the website and lasted the entire cruise. Our room steward never came by to introduce himself, in fact I think we only saw him twice on the entire cruise. The room was kept extremely clean, but the attention to detail was lacking that we have become used to on Royal. I had to ask for ice on numerous occasions, he would take the used water glasses and coffee cups and not replace them. I would ask for room service cards for coffee juice delivery in the AM and they would not be there. And on 2 nights the 3rd bed was not even made up. We did have towel animals, clean towels, and I will say again the room was kept clean. Read more