We had to fly to Barcelona to go on this cruise. We flew out the night before and stayed in a great hotel. We were picked up by the coach on the morning of departure. I was not impressed with the cruise terminal, we had to take our own suitcases over the porters. The cruise terminal was not big enough for everyone and we were very cramped waiting to get on, but luckily we only had to wait about 15 minutes. When we got on i have to admit "wow". We have been on Ovation before, but this had up that. We had champagne as a welcome drink. The cabins were ready about 2pm, which was a really good size. The cabin steward came to introduce himself and was very pleasant. I liked it that the mini bar was empty, so we could use it for our own things. We found out we were on a table of 6 for dinner, where we do like to be on a table to 2. The matre'de did say he could see what he could do and the next day we got a card to say our had been moved and we had out table of 2. The food was very good, excited the french onion soup was on there. The only thing we did not like is having to order your pudding at the beginning as i often decide what i want depending how full i feel. We ate a lot at lunch time in the Park Cafe as you could make up your own salad. Did try Johnny Rockets, but only the once as there is a cover charge; if the cover charge was a bit less, would have gone more; as i think they could reduce it, as never appeared to be that busy in there. The Windjammer was good, even at breakfast we found a seat. The entertainment i can say was the best on any cruise i have been on. We saw something different every night; Hairspray (full 90 minute show), 2 different ice skating shows, 2 different aqua shows, comedian (even though not that good); a night at the movies. The hardest part was booking them and deciding what night to do what, to make sure you see it all. I was very brave and did the Zip Line, was great. Husband went on the Abyss slide. I liked that it had 3 pools, even on sea days i could have a swim in peace. The staff on-board were very happy and service was great. We did not book this one for the Ports of Call, but we just went off and did our own thing when they were easy accessible. I loved this cruise the only thing that i did not enjoy was getting to it and getting off it, i felt very much that we were treated by a herd of cattle, especially getting off. Our time to get off was 6.45am, as we our flight was 10.40am. We had to put our suitcases in the back of a truck, then we ended up sitting on a hot coach for 40 minutes before we even headed for the airport. The we had to queue for half an hour to check in at the airport. We had to go through 2 passport controls and the security were so strict, loads of people were been turned back to go through again, due to them not been happy. I do not enjoy sitting in a flying tin can for even the short flight of 1 hour 50 minutes. Unless i go VIP i will not be flying again, so used to going from Southampton, where the luggage is taken off you as soon as you pull up, you walk through the terminal, check in and on the ship. I really hope the rumours are true that the next new Royal Carribean is coming to Southampton. Overall thoughts on actual cruise - wonderful.