The ship is great (well maintained) and Disney does a phenomenal job with the merriment as you would expect. Meals were good and having a consistent wait staff was fine. The water slide is fun, only wish there were more pools for families with non-toddler or elementary school kids. There is enough to do though my teens were not thrilled by the 'club' and opted out. Having taken a Disney cruises before, I think they are best for under 13 y.o. or college age and beyond.

This is the second time we did the western Caribbean route (on different ships and different kid's ages). Both times the port excursions were lacking. My younger ones enjoyed the glass-bottom submarine in Grand Cayman. We opted for some active ones though they were not truly worth the cost. The ports are nice, not much to do but hang at a beach, snorkel, swim with sea life,... If you are taking a ferry to Playa del Carmen for an excursion, be warned it can be a rough ride on some. Castaway Cay is the highlight and best stop. Both times it was windy and limited port time.

The Merry cruise has holiday spirit in commercial Christmas way. Again, ideal for the smaller ones. There is a midnight service in the theater in which passengers and staff join in which was nice.