As I often say, a review means little if you don't know the reviewer's prejudices and personality. So let me say that I'm a frequent cruiser from New York City. I go to the theater frequently, enjoy the NY Phil and dine out way too often. I like being around people, but I spend large chunks of time reading and don't like a whole lot of noise. Your mileage might vary.

This was my 18th cruise, all enjoyed over the last 13 years. For the past ten years I've traveled exclusively on Celebrity and Cunard, so the decision to return to RCL was made with some hesitation. I don't have kids by choice, and my tolerance for large groups of them is limited. So sailing during Easter week was asking for trouble. But we were with a group of 12, and this was the best time for the majority, so we took a leap. Here's the very good news: the ship is so large, with so many places to hang out, that you didn't have to be surrounded by kids if you didn't want to be. Actually, with the new dining options, you could make the ship feel almost intimate if you prefer.

Our cabin, a balcony stateroom on the sixth floor, was just fine. Nothing extraordinary, but perfectly comfortable for the limited time we spent there. We liked being on six, since you could easily walk down to five for the specialty restaurants, or continue to four for the complimentary ones. Speaking to friends who were located on twelve, our room rocked much less than the higher cabin. Something to think of if you're sensitive to motion. Read more