We travel as a group of 12, booked 1 year ahead so we could have rooms all in a row. The balcony is extra nice when they open the divider between them so we all have extra living space. Registration process was a little long and tedious, but once we all got through there, everything was fine. Our rooms were ready as soon as we got on the ship so we could drop our stuff and run up to lunch. The Lido deck buffet is pretty big and did not seem crowded as the first lunch usually does. Good choices, easy seating. By the time we stopped back in our rooms, the luggage was already there-- fastest ever!! We were mostly unpacked by the safety drill. We chose fixed dining so we could all eat together and that worked out fine. We ate in the Pinnacle Grill one night-- very good as usual with excellent service and wonderful food. We found the show a little disappointing-- the talent was good, but the choice of shows was very strange. The 3rd show was better and the other entertainers were good. On deck, we did not find any shade. the back deck is 100% sun, the middle pool is surrounded by tables and chairs or cabanas that are an extra charge. Outdoor restaurants (pizza and burgers) involved placing an order and waiting with a buzzer-- not always convenient. Food is mostly done by 12m unless you use room service. We appreciated the fruit in room. We were quite surprised that the dining rooms and room service were available on debarkation day. We did not do any shore excursions as we are familiar witht he ports and arranged our own. We like this new ship and had a wonderful cruise.