After my wife's first experience cruising 20 years ago, this was something I had always wanted to do. So, this year, we pulled the trigger. What a lovely experience! The staff, waiters, bartenders all stood out as part of the best of the experience and part of our fondest memories. A tropical storm developed into a Category 2 Hurricane directly in our cruising path. But, because of the captain's care in navigating around it and changing our itinerary, we wouldn't even have known that the storm was an issue. Wait staff was exceptional to the point that we are still grieving leaving our waiter Kadek Dwi. Food was very good. The drinks and bartenders were outstanding and the ports of call were very fun! Our tours of the ports of call were self-directed so I can't speak to Royal Caribbean's Shore Excursions other than to report that our table mates who took part in a number of the cruise line's excursions reported having a great time.