Being a retired Navy pilot, let me tell you that cruising on any cruise ship is far more enjoyable than on an aircraft carrier. Anyone that complains about the food or the accommodations or the entertainment needs a reality check.

Adventure of the Seas - been aboard twice and April 2013 will be my 3rd visit. This is a great ship. Our first cruise aboard this ship was in 2003. Our waiter was Charanjeet Singh. Excellent service performance along with the quality of the food. On our next visit, Charanjeet was now a Head Waiter. And he remebered us. On our upcoming visit, we expect him to be the Lord and Master of the Dining room. Entertainment - our first visit - Beatlemania. Everyone was dancing in the aisles. Jacuzzis - many, and the water was clean and hot. And no children in the Solarium. Ice skating - think about it. You can ice skate near Aruba or Curacao. And the show is nothing short of excellent. On the Promenade, you can buy a cupcake for $8 - the shop is run buy TWO Broke Girls. But the pizza is free, even the Tony Soprano style. The beer in the Sports Cafe and the Schooner Bar is always fresh and bubbly.

Most of the ports of call on the eastern side and the southern side are interesting and the excursions are not that expensive. St Maarten - you can shop on Front Street like a maniac, then walk 1 block to the west and relax on the beach. $20 will get you 2 chairs, and umbrella, and 2 cans of Heinekin. Cruising is great. I get so bummed out after disembarkation.