This was first trip with RCI. We travelled 3 times with carnival on their biggest ships and wanted to try something different. Always look on this site and Trip advisor for planning tips so giving back. Hope u find something helpful for your trip. My wife is handicapped in wheelchair so info for u too. If u cant tell below i am an engineer lol. Our whole family (3 kids in separate room) were very impressed with this ship and we would go with RCI again next time. Food was excellent and wide variety with all the restaurants in different neighborhoods and quick eat cafes. Staff was excellent and very helpful. Entertainment was top notch definitely better than carnival's which had gone downhill last time we went. Lots of good shows to see. neighborhood areas r very good idea. Central park, boardwalk and promenade deck provided big areas for entertainment events and activities. RCI checkin and boarding and departure was very smooth, and Luggage was moved to rooms quickly. Both faster than carnival. With all people on ship it rarely felt overcrowded. We were rained out in st kitts and could not get off. So extra day at sea. Was very impressed how fast they revamped day schedule to provide activities for everyone through the day. So here r my suggestions for you....
1. After making room reservation call rci OFTEN. U get emails on different discounts all the time. Call often to see if your room is cheaper. We saved hundreds of dollars on our original room cost and got better room for kids at cheaper cost. Reduced cost at least 3 times over 8 months. Paid for our room charges
2. Make dinner and definitely show reservations in advance. Save yourself alot of grief waiting in line to get reservation or in standby line at shows. We went to all of them that way. Were excellent. U can see your reservation schedule on tv in room. Show up for shows 1/2 hr in advance to get decent seats. People reserve seats for family members.
Indoor cabin for our 3 kids was small but functional. Our handicap indoor cabin was awesome. Very big with plenty of room to get around with scooter. Bathroom was zero entry and big enough to drive scooter into. shower seat/shower setup was awesome. Wish we had that at home. Attendants were awesome, very nice people.
shops within walking distance. 15 min walk to Junkanoo beach. It was ok, if not spectacular beach. If just want to get in water or lounge around is good enough.
Took taxi to sapphire beach. Was nice beach. $10/person each way. Way cheaper than excursion if you have family.