We arrived the day of the cruise after a very early flight from Boston. The directions to the transfer were good, BUT the wait for the transfer bus was kind of chaotic. No one seemed to go out of their way to explain how to line up in rows. One couple became quite irate when they looked like they were getting "cut" in the line. Once the bus came and we hauled our luggage out to the truck, everyone relaxed. The embarkation was a breeze as we had filled out the SeaPass on-line. Great to be on board so early. Good time to take photos. I wish we had just gone and put on our bathing suits and jumped in the pool. Instead, we headed for the Windjammer along with MANY others. We were told it would open at 12:00. Lots of HOT people carrying their carry-ons and not opening! Finally opened at 12:45 when folks were getting grumpy. Again, then we could relax. Tried to sneak a peek at our room but were redirected by cabin stewards until 2:00. Our luggage was there pretty quickly! The cabin was great... the ship is beautiful. This was our first time on this class ship. It is HUGE. Lots of walking! Staff was very friendly and helpful everywhere. We marveled at the promenade but couldn't figure out why anyone would want the rooms that looked over the action. No privacy glass!! Kind of noisy... to each his own. Our table mates confirmed these observations as two of the couples had these rooms. We went up to the Blue Moon formally the Windjammer lounge to informally meet with some of our new Meet and Mingle Cruise Critic friends. Some came and we enjoyed a drink together. The first formal night we had our actual Meet and Mingle. The ship sent us hors d'oeuvres and the lovely Jacinta to welcome us and offer prizes. We loved knowing some new friends around the ship. We found the food in the dining room to be quite good. Service was excellent. We have not had assigned seating for some time now as our last cruises were choice dining. We found it a bit restricting. I think we will go back to anytime dining again. Food in the Windjammer was good. We had breakfast in the dining room once and lunch once. Would have liked more opportunity to return. This was a very port intensive cruise. Entertainment was very good. The cruise director Mike S was GREAT. Not schmaltzy and very funny and all over the place! Don't miss the ice show. Good performers doing amazing tricks on a rocking ship!

Ports: This cruise we did a mix of excursions. Barbados - We snagged a cab and he offered us a tour with a single fellow from the ship. We enjoyed an informal tour and then went to Lobster Alive Beach. It was beautiful... quiet... and we met more of our CC members there! The port area has good shopping but we were ready for showers and air conditioning. St. Lucia - We booked Cosol recommended on these boards. Great trip highly recommend him but it is a long day. We swam at Jalousie Beach between the Pitons... Lovely...Antigua -  Just shopped a little then enjoyed the ship! Pretended it was a sea day as we lacked those! The solarium pool was just the ticket. We also enjoyed the frozen yogurt machine near the main pool area... mmmmm. St. Marten - Booked Bernards tours. Another great pick. He was great. Joe was our driver. It was a very comprehensive and flexible tour. Went to Orient Beach. Some of us ended in town to shop and some returned to the ship. A real gentleman! St. Thomas - We had been there before so we took the ship tour to St. John. Many told us we could do it on our own, but I liked the assurance of the timing. The boat met us right at the dock and we cruised over to St. John and then took a truck/bus to Trunk Bay. It is stunning. So peaceful and beautiful. Some of our CCers did it on their own and thought it was easy too.

Last day, disembarkation was a breeze. Well organized and uneventful. The transfer was much smoother too. Long lines at the airport. Friends did curbside check in and breezed on in. Also, I would take a cab next time instead of the transfer. Overall this was a great cruise. We were a little disappointed in the food choices in the promenade. Rather limited. Would rather the Windjammer was open more hours. Husband was craving a burger so we finally ordered one by room service. That was excellent. Good cookies too. We think we will head back to a slightly smaller ship next time. The crowds and THE SMOKE in public areas was annoying. Hard to enjoy some of the lounges and couldn't endure the casino because of the smoke. This is more personal preference. I think it was a good value... wish we didn't get hit up for the fuel charges!! Met lots of nice people, especially our Cruise Critic crew. Beautiful islands... blue green water, soft sands......