I wanted to go on a warm cruise after doing the Alaskan last year. The weather was warm - unbearably warm ha. Its a nice run down to Mexico and back. I wasn't overly impressed with the excursions (just city overviews) as they seemed to be sales stops for the local guides and not much of the cities. The sidewalk "vendors" at various stops were so pushy you couldn't really take time to look at something because they were always shoving something in your face and telling you how many pesos. If you touched something or seemed interested in something - the pitch was on even more. The ship experience was good overall. The entertainment was good/could be better/better (varied a bit). The food was good in the MDR. Ate at Share and that was a good experience - trying food I would not normally order. Happy Hour at the Wheelhouse Bar with music was good. Had a massage (another pushy sales event). Our cabin steward was just OK this trip. He left cleaning rags on the floor and did not leave a breakfast card each day (even after we called asking for one), even took the tray the breakfast cards are usually left on - I think maybe we were just spoiled by our steward last trip. If you haven't gone on this trip give it a try. The Emerald is a nice ship.
The cabin was good - premium balcony room. I was hoping the balcony would have loungers since it is a bigger balcony but only chairs. I doubt I will pay extra for the premium balcony again, Id rather stick with the mini-suite for the price.