This will be long and involved, due to the fact that we were first time cruisers and appreciated the details of some of the reviews read prior to sailing. I am well aware that most reviews are quite lengthy due to negative feelings and poor experiences, however this review is NOTHING LIKE THAT! We selected this cruise due to time-frame and the option of visiting the port of Grand Cayman, but were delighted at all the extras we encountered along the way. Our balcony room was spacious, a pleasant surprise to my 6'5" husband. We scheduled our cruise only 27 days in advance, and possibly received some last minutes perks that we truly felt enhanced our new love of cruising. The Beverage Package and Dining Package for a small upfront cost was a total mega-savings in the long run, compared to what we are hearing from other cruisers and cruise lines.

As first time cruisers, we faithfully read all the reviews to capture helpful tips. One of the most valuable tips was to RACE to Guest Services to obtain two of the scarce 60 tickets for the exclusive, adults only, private bar/hot tub/deck area called the Vibe. These tickets can only be obtained in person and definitely on a first-come, first-served basis. We were fortunately one of the first boarding groups and by the assistance of our instant personal favorite ship employee, Falk Schnoor from Guest Services , we obtained 2 tickets due to a group cancellation. Vibe was the highlight of every day, as our personal bar tenders Romuel, Vincent, and Michael, along with all our new "friends", would end each afternoon and begin every evening watching the sunset from our hot tub, while sharing entertaining stories of the days events, past excursions, or simply stories to create a very fun atmosphere while the drinks flowed. Vibe was so amazing and was beyond our expectations from the personal service, atmosphere, and friendship we shared with our fellow grateful cruisers. The atmosphere was one of "appreciation", rather than "privilege" and we frequently shared how special we all felt to be part of this unique group.

The food was delicious. Ate at the Garden Cafe for breakfasts, lunches and snacks. Wonderful selection, excellent view (always window seats available), clean environment, fresh ingredients. Dinners we participated in were the Teppanyaki (twice, it was our favorite environment and we loved the filet/shrimp combo), La Cucina (excellent food and great portion sizes for Italian dining) , Cagney's Steakhouse (Crabcake was outstanding, filet was perfectly cooked to our specifications). The complementary restaurants of The Manhattan Room, Taste and Savor served changing menus nightly that were as delicious as the specialty restaurants. We visited O'Sheehan's for both lunch upon boarding and dinner one evening, also great food selections. We did not encounter a single negative dining experience. No lines, no waiting......ever!!! Read more