My Partner and I have sailed 9 times in the last few years, mostly with Royal, but have also done Celebrity and Princess-once with Carnival-Ugh!. We chose this cruise because my Partner and I had never done the ABC Islands. (Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao) Embarkation was very smooth, on the ship by 12:00 and could get to our room by 1:15. but was to busy checking out the ship, as we had traveled on the Navigator years ago. Disembarkation is another story-nothing on the ship's end, as usual-it's Miami Terminal-never seen so many people walking around doing absolutely nothing, and there was 3 TSA officers checking over 3000 guests. Way to go Home Land Security! Disclaimer-I never had worked for Miami Terminal. Suggestion Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale that terminal has their grove-they know exactly how to get you on and off the ship. TRY Port Everglades-Disciamer never worked for Port Everglades.

The ship is in good shape,it's very well kept up by the personnel on the ship; Our Cabin was spacious for two, with enough room on the balcony for the two of us to sit and have breakfast a few times, and once there was 3 of us on the balcony having breakfast, so there is enough room for 3 to enjoy. Service was absolutely great, Elliott in the Boleros Lounge was super, as was our Dining Room Waiter Arvind and Asst Waiter Lavnia. (AND A MUST SEE) two of the funniest guys on Royal TV. called the Morning Show. Drew (Cruise Director) and Mark (Activites Director)-we never laughed so much as we did watching these two guys interact. A VERY funny show. The BEST Directors we have had on any of the ships. No complaints at all about service.

Bonaire was the one island we were most impressed with. The downtown is not on top of the ship area (like at most Ports), the water is so clear and clean, the snorkling, diving, etc is probably the best around. We highly recommend the Spice BeachTour via Royal-the place was just perfect, though we were not guests at the resort, they made you feel like you are staying there. No Sales pitch, no one pushing cocktails etc. it was a great day. Wish we had more time there, the beach and the snorkling was just breathtaking. We do have to say their prices for cocktails and muchies or lunch/dinner was not that expensive. We really believe you will not go wrong on this tour. We did a Tour of Aruba on DePalm Tours via Royal with a Driver named Bert-a very funny guy and very knowledgeable. Great time with Bert. Curacao with did a Tour, sorry can not remember our tour guide's name, but she again was very knowledgeable. To be honest could have skipped Aruba & Curacao, but glad we did the tour, To me Aruba is like Grand Cayman Island-it's there & it's a typical Caribbean Island. Overall a great time and the 9 days went by all to fast.