My friend and I booked this as a birthday treat, some sun before a couple of days shopping in New York. We flew from Heathrow, UK and landed in Newark, the lady who met us to arrange transfer for the overnight stay at Newark before embarkation was lovely, very helpful and we arrived safely if somewhat tired and confused with the erratic transfer. Doubletrees Hilton was ok, but $12.95 for wifi for I night?? Won't be going there again and also no breakfast provided although our holiday package was full board, $30 for breakfast, not a good start.

Traffic to the pier was heavy and slow, but check-in surprisingly easy, we arrived on the ship after 1pm and decided to eat, first of our mistakes as the Windjammer was manic, honestly you would have thought the people there hadn't eaten for a month! The staff tried to clear up but the passengers were like animals, we took ages to fine something to eat after being pushed and battered by the rush to get yet more food. The mess on the tables and floor was disgusting.

We returned to our cabin, the maid was a star, gave us valuable info, and kept our cabin spotless (7572). My luggage had arrived and I unpacked, the cabin was ok, tired and dated but clean and ok for us. My friend eventually got a call at 6pm, the crew member was rude, demanded she go to deck 1 for a security check on her luggage, it turned out that she was not permitted to bring an iron on board and received a safety lecture, where in RCCL does it say no irons?? But they are happy to iron for you at a minimum of $2.95 per item. Read more