We went during Christmas week, which is a great way to avoid the holiday hassles. Embarkation was smooth--arrived around 1, were on board before 2 and some of the wait involved my husband parking the car and putting on his seasick patch before boarding. Cabin was completely ready and lunch was waiting. Disembarking was even better--we got a late morning time but told the guest relations desk that we had an 11 hour drive and they changed us to the first time. We were off the boat and in our car in 30 mins.

The whole cruise was really terrific. We had been on only one other- S. Caribbean on Galaxy and this cruise seemed much more fun. Maybe b/c we had our kids and there were many other families, so more lively than late January. Definitely these ports were not nearly as pretty but the ship experience was great!

Unlike some of the other reviewers, our cabin thermostat was very responsive, beds were very comfortable and we all slept like logs. Absolutely no movement in the cabin the whole time. Entertainment was a full range--there was one absolutely fabulous show with four guys doing Motown songs which was a concert I would have paid a lot to see. also a very funny comedian and some good variety shows. My 15 year old loved the game shows--Love and Marriage--and the Quest and trivia contests, pool games etc. For teens, the onboard mini golf, climbing wall and ping pong, shuffleboard are great activities. Food was good--not great, but good. Breakfast in the dining room was my favorite b/c it was quiet and fast service. Also loved my daily fruit plate and lox and bagel. Dining room at night--our waiter and assistant seemed to have too many tables and we often had to wait for courses a little longer than normal. Also our assistant waiter changed three times so no one ever got to know our preferences. Staff were all very friendly, professional and responsive. Ports-- Couldn't dock at Caymans, so skipped it. Belize--private cave tubing-FABULOUS Cozumel--6 ships in port--way too crowded for me. Paradise Beach also too crowded for my tastes but my kids loved it Costa Maya--wonderful ship sponsored beach snorkeling tour--great reefs Read more