We are a couple in our fifties that do travel alot but have not cruised in many years. Trip Booking: an online agency advertising on this site was used. The service received from the TA was exceptional. Travel To and From Cruise: we drove from Ontario taking 2 nights to get to Port Canaveral and then had a leisurely drive back extending the holiday. Embarkation: we arrived at Port Canaveral at about 11:30, dropped off our luggage, parked, breezed through security, registration and were enjoying a Funship Special in a regular glass, a beer and grilled ruebens at a quiet table outside. We found the 2 outdoor seating areas on the Lido deck just behind where the pizzeria/grill is to always be quiet. At 1:15 the announcement came on that cabins may now be accessed.The locks have been updated to now accept the Sign and Sail card. Our inside Riviera deck cabin was immaculate, made up in the King bed configuration and we were very surprised at spaciousness and storage. We were just getting our carry on items unpacked when our luggage arrived. We were totally unpacked and settled in by 2:30.We then did a tour of the ship and found key ways to get around and had no issues after that...although there were people lost even on day 4. We actually did not find the ship to be as worn, tired or gaudy as has been mentioned. We do like purple!!! Muster drill: efficient and we were finished just as started departing port so stood on deck watching and enjoying. First evening: relaxed, strolled the decks, had a light supper outside agreeing with everyone that the Caesar salad from Pizzeria is excellent. Tried our luck at the casino...of course no luck. We found the Oak Room on Promenade always empty if you wanted a quiet spot to sit, talk,sip on a glass of wine. Had an early night with a very good sleep. The bedding is so comfortable. Day 1(Freeport): we did bring thermal coffee mugs(thanks to advice from these boards) and husband would go and fill them while I started getting ready. Love the hot water and good pressure in shower. We did the SeaView buffet breakfast, ate outside in our quiet spot then took the taxi(vans right outside the ship, $5.00/person) into Port Lucaya where we wandered the beach, shops and donated a bit of money at the Isle of Capri.We were back on board and lying in the sun on Sport's Deck early afternoon. The Lido deck area and pools were quite busy, crowded and more children there but Sport's Deck was quieter and at times I was alone in the hot tub. We never had a problem getting a chair. There were many children on board but we never felt that they were out of control or intrusive. One of our amazements was that for an almost sold out cruise we never felt crowded, did not wait any significant time in lines for anything and had exceptional service from everyone. Formal Night: we do enjoy dressing up and did so for this night's dinner. Met our tablemates and had a delightful meal with them. We were all in the same age group and there to enjoy ourselves. Daniella was our efficient, friendly waitress. We enjoyed a delicious meal. I absolutely loved the appetizer of stuffed mushrooms. We are not dessert people so I cannot comment on that aspect but overall we found the food very fresh, vegetables crisp and all items flavourful.WE did go to the 70's and 80's show which was very well done. We then had a great time at Touch of Class bar with Rockin Jordan as the piano player. It was such a fun time. A late night stroll out on the decks with a glass of wine and a beautiful full moon. Again we were practically the only ones out there. Day 2(Nassau): breakfast outside but this time we had the made to order omelets. Off the ship to explore and shop Nassau. We just walked around finishing off at Senor Frogs for fun and drinks. Returned to the ship mid afternoon, rested, read and got ready for an evening at Atlantis. Easy to catch a taxi outside the ship ($4.00)WE explored Atlantis, did a bit of gambling with hubby having some good fortune and then back to the ship for a late night stroll, glass of wine and yummy pizza. Oh another awesome day in paradise. A pig towel animal, chocolates on the bed, fresh towels... this is the life. Day 3(At Sea): we usually enjoy a busy vacation so I was concerned about this day. No need. Buffet breakfast outside, walk around, bingo, debarkation talk, hamburgers from the grill (yummy) with excellent side salads...love the sundried tomato pasta salad and the potato salad. Settle in on a window seat on promenade deck with a good book and it was soon time to get ready for dinner. Another enjoyable meal in the Fantasy dining room with our tablemates. On to the show Curves which was excellent. Yes the costumes were skimpy but this was clearly indicated in Capers and at beginning of show that it is PG13. On to the casino for some gaming fun and nice win or two for husband. I got to play but overall lost. To the cabin to do most of our packing. We chose to keep our luggage for debarkation and then a final stroll on the very windy deck. The ship was certainly rocking but we had no issues. Debarkation: 6:15 am for us to go through Immigration in Kaleidoscope lounge. We got there early , had our paperwork, breezed through. Final walk around on the decks, buffet breakfast at our fave outside spot.Time to get our luggage. Found a quiet spot on Promenade Deck (for some reason everyone was crowding into Fantasia Lounge)and waited for number 9 to be called. We were in our car and heading out by 8:40 am. Overall: we went into this cruise with realistic expectations: 4 day, on older ship and an amazingly low price. Our expectations were surpassed over and over. The cleanliness of ship with a funky decor, exceptional service, friendliness of staff, quality of entertainment.Tory was a "whoohooo" energetic cruise director. We always felt we had space. Yes there will always be rude people who think they are "special" but they were in the minority. Children were well behaved. Food was better than just good, bar prices in line and excellent wine selection. WE are not shore excursion type of people so no comment on that aspect. We also did not even bother looking at the pictures and our only onboard purchase was a Christmas ornament of the Sensation. Our cruise was also so great because of all of you on the cruise critic boards with all your tips. Thanks. Time to go plan the next cruise.