It was 18 years since our last vacation, so this was a long time coming. We had gone on our honeymoon in 1990 and another vacation with friends in 1991. Both of them with Royal Caribbean. We always had a great time. We finally decided to take a family trip with our 3 sons and decided 12 days leaving from New Jersey (we are from Long Island) was less expensive than 7 days from Florida (airfare/hotel). So off we went. My boys had never been on a cruise let alone a vacation of such magnitude. It was the best family experience. A trip to remember forever. I have read most of the other reviews. I don't have any complaints and have booked another 12 day cruise for April 2009 on the same ship. Royal Caribbean is a great ship. The staff was friendly. The food was great. I thank Royal Caribbean for being so stringent with their rules and regulations for the safety of their passengers. While I agree that the ship can use some new TV sets, some minor updating and more tables in the Windjammer... these are not valid complaints to lodge against such a great ship.
We had encountered a little roughness on the seas and had to change a port of call. People might complain but the Captain and staff were able to get us to another port of call instead of canceling a port altogether. I think that was great. All the islands have changed tremendously since I was there in 1990. The poverty is terrible and the beaches have shrunk down to nothing in all the storms. Puerto Rico should be taken off the port of call roster and the private island should be incorporated on each cruise itinerary.
I would recommend this cruise to anyone and everyone. People who complain and expect perfection should just stay home. I would like to see you take care of 3400 passengers with such ease. Bet you couldn't do it. Oh, I just remembered one thing to complain about-- it was the passengers who were rude to the staff treating them like there own personal slaves. That I thought was disgusting and rude. People need manners. The staff is working their butts off to please you. We made great friends with the wait & bar staff as well as our steward.
cabin was on third floor ocean view, adjoining cabins. rooms were ok - we overpacked . room used for sleeping not for hanging out