I chose this cruise because of the convenience of going out of Bayonne and only wanted to be away from home for five days. The ship is glitzy and clean and very large. In spite of traveling in August when the ship was at full capacity, the staff really did an amazing job of getting us on and off the ship with amazing ease. I enjoyed the food for the most part, but did encounter some disappointment with the buffet hot food. All of the dining rooms offered very good food and service and are so much more civilized than buffet dining. I would head for a dining room whenever possible. Even though I had a 5:30 My Time dinner reservation, they were flexible with seating us.

One thing I really missed was the old funky, nightly variety show format. On this ship there were three main shows which required you to make a reservation. Be aware that times for the shows can change. I missed seeing The Gift because of a time change I was not made aware of. Young people really seemed to enjoy We Will Rock You, but frankly, I found it too loud. Disclaimer, I am over 65!

My cabin with balcony was very nice. Plenty of room for two adults, good storage and great bathroom with handheld shower, a nice perk. It is lovely to have a balcony on this cruise, both NY and Bermuda views are so breathtaking. The morning we arrived back in port I slid open my curtain and watched the Statue of Liberty giving me a welcome wave!