We chose this cruise as it was the one line that went to both St. Maarten and Aruba, the 2 ports my family wished to visit during the month we had to travel, July. This was the first time we cruised as a family. Our in-laws as well as sister in law and niece who is 15 also cruised with us. My in laws have been on NCL and the Disney cruise and found this ship to be better than their previous cruises. We found the ship to be in excellent shape, it was very clean! Our cabin steward and our waiter in the main dining room were excellent which definitely contribute to the great rating I am giving RCCL. We did not use any of the shore excursions offered by Royal, instead booked on our own based upon feedback and reviews found here on Cruise Critic. We traveled with 2 13 year olds and one 15 year old and they LOVED the teen programming, participating in many of the offerings which made it that much more enjoyable for the adults, knowing the teens were enjoying themselves. Again, booked on Royal based upon the iteniary that the group wished to see but will definitely book again on Royal due to the positive experience we had!!