My wife and I were 1st time cruisers and I originally wasn't very into going. That quickly changed. After about 3 days I realized that for the first time in a long time I was rested mentally and physically. We said no to the cell phones and the email and work of any kind. We spent a lot of time on our little personal balcony off of our stateroom and enjoyed each others' company greatly. The service was cheerful (not a forced cheerful either) and we miss the little tap tap tap on the door delivering to us our breakfast each morning. When we wrote down the time we wanted breakfast, each time it was delivered promptly and cheerfully. Sitting on our balcony with a fresh cup of coffee, bagels, muffins, and salmon that was thinly sliced and beautifully shaped into a rosette,we watched the sun rise up over the horizon on the trip down from NYC to the Bahamas (for our cabin was located on the port side), and we watched the sun set on the horizon on our return trip.

We loved the anytime dining at the "Black Pearl Dining Room." The Service made you feel special and the food was delightful and the choices were plentiful. The service was lighthearted and yet dignified. We enjoyed our options for we came with a group of friends 40+ and we were accommodated to sit near each other when we wanted to meet as a group or "romantically" when we wanted a quiet dinner husband and wife style. One night we splurged oooh $35 per person and went to the Pinnacle Steakhouse for an extra special treat. It was magnificent. And during the day, between naps, the Lido Deck fair was just fine, I especially enjoyed the Deli aft of the ship, The Reuben sandwiches were wonderful.

We participated in trivia games, Karaoke (yip, yip), went to the shows at the Spectacular, watched the "love" game at the Spectacular, went to the comedy club and we danced. We especially enjoyed the Splendor show band which played in a small lounge in the afternoons. Because the seas were a little rough on our return, the dance show was cancelled one night and the show band and a few singers put on an impromptu show. For my wife and I and our friends, this was the best show of the ship. the singers were real, and put on a varied and powerful performance. Read more