This cruise on the Indy was a music charter called 70,000 Tons of Metal, including 60 bands on 4 stages on the ship, with each band performing twice. A giant stage is constructed on the main pool deck and the pool itself is drained and decked over, creating the largest stage at sea. This was my second consecutive year attending the charter, although last year's journey was aboard Liberty of the Seas. This was my 8th cruise overall, and my third on Royal Caribbean. My other five cruises have all been on Carnival ships ranging from Fantasy-class up to Conquest-class.

Because of this, I'll compare this year's cruise with last year's charter on Liberty OTS, and I'll compare some aspects of the trip with my prior Carnival cruises. Some aspects, like the itinerary, pricing and "regular" cruise activities (live evening entertainment) can't be compared since this was a special charter.

As I've done for my last 6 cruises, my friend Derek and I drove down from Atlanta to Ft. Lauderdale, stopping on the way each direction at a motel in Macllenny, Florida, which is about the midpoint for the journey. (I refuse to hurry about on a vacation, and the extra time really helps in case of bad weather, flat tires, etc.) Read more