This was my second cruise ever. The first one I did as a teenager 18yrs ago so it can't be a good reference point

I didn't stay in a hotel the day before the cruise which was a mistake. I flew a redeye and then boarded the ship later that afternoon. I was travelling with a 2yr old. She couldn't sleep on the plane so kept the rest of us up. Besides making us irritable it ruined the first day for us because we slept and skipped the shore excursions and other activities. So for those people that have to fly to the embarkation point I highly suggest spending the money for a hotel so that you will be rested and good natured on your first day on the boat.

There were plenty of activities to do. However we didn't do much of the adult activities. We were constrained by the schedule of our 2yr old. The children's activities were very comprehensive. Sports, science/learning, general playing, storytime, crafts, movies, videogames; they also had some children walk onstage, representing the 7 dwarves during a Snow White number which I though made the cruise really special. They also did a good job of providing something specific for all the ages. Read more