WHO WE ARE: This was our second cruise. My husband and I are in our late 20's, and our only other cruise experience was on the Tahitian Princess in 2004. We loved the Tahitian Princess, but wanted to try a bigger ship this time... why not the newest, biggest ship in the world? :)

EMBARKATION: We arrived into Ft Lauderdale on a red-eye flight from San Diego. We traveled easily on AirTran, but were very tired on arrival. We used RCCL for transportation to Port of Miami and it was all very simple and efficient. Like the other reviewers we arrived to the ship around 11:30 and boarded within 10 minutes. We carried our luggage on with us, it wasn't difficult and we had all of our belongings with us... ready to jump right into vacation attire and swim gear!

STATEROOM: We LOVED our room! We originally booked an 7th floor Promenade cabin, but prices dropped and we couldn't resist the balcony lure. If you can get room 6514, you are very very lucky! This is the lowest of the Balcony decks and the most FORWARD Balcony on the ship. Because of its location, you have an incredible view! Instead of frosted glass framing both sides of the balcony, you get one side that is completely covered in windows! Being in the lowest of the balcony decks, the design of the ship gives 6514 a balcony DOUBLE in length!!! RCCL does put a small bar across the extra portion of balcony, but it's EASILY accessible and feels like one HUGE balcony, at the same cost as the other "standard" balconies!! Because we were at the Forward end of the ship, we expected to hear the horrendous anchor drop at Labadee; but we never heard a thing. The room was very quiet, and the balcony's frost glass, made it completely private! BTW, we thought the beds were very comfortable. We like softer beds, and it was perfect. Our cabin attendant made fun towel animals every night! Read more