1. My Time Dining was perfect for us. We chose to have dinner at 5:30 (1st seating). Our table for two was a real table for two, not sandwiched between two tables of four. The table number was #168 in the Galileo Dining Room -- it is next to a window. You can (and should) visit the dining room on the first day to see where you might want to sit. We asked for a more private table, and they were happy to accommodate. You are given the same table each night if you so choose. Our waiter and assistant waiter (Brian and Milan) were absolutely fabulous each evening.

2. Finding solitude is not easy on a ship with 3,700 other folks. Our tip for this if you're an early riser: Go to the non-smoking side of Deck 4 between the hours of 6am and 10am. During this time of the morning, you can relax with a cup of coffee and listen to the waves as the ship passes through water. For us, this was the perfect time and place to relax. We have photos of us being the only two out there at times. The lounge chairs are reclining on this side of the deck, but you can grab a couple of upright chairs from the starboard (right side). Hint: Save a week's worth of unread newspapers to read while relaxing on the ship. After reading a paper, take it to the library for others to read. They will appreciate it -- trust me!

3. Do participate in the photo taking during the formal nights. There are several stations and backgrounds to choose from. We did this on both formal nights and then decided on the last day which photos to purchase. The photographers do a great job! We chose to purchase four 8x10 photos -- but we had 30 or 40 photos taken to choose from. You will love them and the price is right (average about $20 a photo). Read more