First time cruise for our family; high school graduation present. The trip included me and my husband, our 3 children (ages 20, 17 and 15) and the graduate's girlfriend (age 17). Our trip in its entirety was booked thru a local travel agent. We were in 2 rooms on the 8th deck (outside),at the very back. Location was great--close to stairs and elevator--but not noisy. We had 3 to a room--females in one room, males in the other. Rooms are really small but we managed fine. The stateroom attendant did a good job.

Flew from NC to Ft. Lauderdale the day after graduation. Flight left at 6 am...Return flight home (this time from Miami) wasn't until 4:30 pm although we were off the boat by 8 am. Next time I will make my own flight arrangements. Royal Caribbean people easily identifiable at baggage claim. Bus to Miami port. Had printed out SetSail Pass so embarkation was easy. Festive, giddy atmosphere on board! Meals were all very good as was the service. Nightly, we talked with the headwaiter (from Lithuania), the assistant waiter (from Nicaragua) and the waiter (from India). They did a very good job. We ate in the dining room every night. Mostly ate breakfast in the Windjammer. Lots of food choices. The challenge was not to overeat! We had main seating which was from 6-8:30. Saw the 2 comedians' shows. Both were very good. The first night, Steve Schaffer, was hilarious. The 3rd night, Jeff Tevvagio, was an awesome juggler. Not as funny but his juggling skills were exemplary. Teenagers didn't get into Fuel but at least it was an option. Oldest son kind of did his own thing. He did kind of feel like the 5th man out. They liked the pool, the gym and the climbing wall; also, Johnny Rockets and the Freeze (ice cream with toppings). We really enjoyed the excursions: Dolphin swim and America's Cup in Nassau, snorkeling and jet skiing in CoCoCay. The snorkeling was awesome but it was difficult to walk in some parts of the teal green water because of rocks/shells. Pool shoes would be really helpful here. In Key West, we toured the Little White House (on our own not thru the ship) and then went snorkeling off a barrier reef (3rd largest in the world). Had lunch at Sloppy Joes--a must for any Hemingway fan! Beautiful sunsets from the deck of the boat. Also fun to watch the boat dock each day if you can get up early enough! Walked thru the casino and talked about playing but never did. Only us and the 20 year old were allowed to participate. Also talked about playing bingo but the cards were $15/each. (They were giving away a 7-day cruise to the winner.) My husband and I had a "date" most nights before dinner in the Crown Victoria room on the 12th deck. They try to take your picture lots of places and that got a little annoying. Of course, they had the pictures for sale and we bought a few--good memento! Able to prepay and get unlimited soft drinks and juice plus a free cup. One son and I did that. Took way too many clothes--about 3 outfits is all you need: one dressy outfit, one "smart casual" with maybe a change of shirts, your bathing suit and some shorts and T-shirts. Don't forget sunscreen and hats and a bag to carry your stuff in during the day when you're off the boat. Since this was our first cruise we don't have anything to compare it to. We had a great time. It was a treat to "dress up" each night for dinner and have a nice, relaxed meal together every night. We are already planning one for next summer to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary!