We wanted to get away from December weather and the Thursday to Thursday cruise work out good. We had been on the Empress of the Seas in 2006. It is smaller ship and has about 1800 passengers. It has been refurbished and a lot of it had a new feel to it. We had no real problems the whole week except the rain we got each day (a warm rain).. The pool and Jacuzzi never seemed to be overcrowded and the Jacuzzi was actually hot. The staff was friendly. Our cabin was a large ocean view and quite roomy for ship. However, not the shower. Because it is a small ship the entertainment option are less. However, there was a good variety of shows in the theater at night. The theater is a problem. Sight lines are often obstructed and the seating is a mish mash of people jammed together on benches and in chairs (all Uncomfortable.)

The food was good. The Windjammer buffet was always good with good service. The dinner service was excellent. The food was good. Cabin service was discreet and great. Breakfast in the dining room had a large problem with table service, both at the brunch and at the menu days.