We have been on this ship 3 times and booked our 4th sailing for October 29th, 2017. We enjoy the convenience of sailing from Galveston since we live in Austin. One thing we all must remember is that a cruise is what you make of it. I read this CC forum many times prior to booking this ship, I have been on this ship once prior to the refurbishment and twice since. If I was to book this ship just from the reviews I probably would have looked elsewhere however I took the chance and booked. I learned of the Jr Suite on the AFT of the ship, 1406 & 1706, these rooms have extended covered balcony's and the room seems larger than standard Jr Suites. I booked 1406 twice, I actually called RC to see when the room was available and booked. The last cruise in Oct 2016 I lucked into a Royal Family Suite #8414 AFT, beautiful double balcony. I watched to see if the room was booked and about a month before sailing it became available and I was able to book it with only 2 travelers, usually this suite has a 4 passenger minimum. I have never had any issues with the room being dirty either prior or after the refurbishment. The room attendants have been friendly and helpful and would do anything I asked within reason. I mentioned I would like the ice bucket fill daily in the morning and evening and they always checked it. Please remember these people are not you person slaves.....they serve several cabins each as well as perform other jobs on the ship. Please treat them with kindness. The one thing I will admit is that yes, the refrigerator is not the coldest, it was like that in all of the rooms we have sailed in.
Food: We have been to all venues on this ship, both complimentary as well as pay for speciality. Windjammer is a cattle call....it is hard to find a seat and the food is ok at best. If you don't want to eat there the main dining room also serves breakfast and it is made to order free of charge. The main dining room is good....not great....but good. It is exactly what we expected. In most instances all you have to do is ask if you don't see something on the menu that will satisfy you, the waiter will go back and ask if they can fulfill you request....in most instances they can. We generally buy one of the 3,4, or 5 night dining packages. We love Giovanni's Table, Sabor, and Chops. The great thing about having sailed on this ship is we have connected with several of the waiters and restaurant managers, they have recognized us from our prior sailings and we have become friends.
Entertainment: Saturday Night Fever, In the Air, and the parades on the Promenade are all must sees. We went to every showing of In the Air. The movies in the main auditorium as well as the main pool deck was another thing we enjoyed.
Beautiful cabin, outstanding balcony!