This was my third cruise with Royal Caribbean. Each has gotten progressively worse and cost more each time.

Excursions: The port of calls were short (approx 3 - 6 hours in port). If you debark the ship make sure you bring your sea pass and photo ID. Once on the pier it is like herding cats. In our first port, there were three tours assembled at the same time and no one knew where to go. Be prepared, if you do decide to take an excursion everything is extra. For example if you take the safari/beach excursion ($115 per person), and want to use their beach chairs and umbrella, it will cost you $10 for each chair and $10 for the umbrella (by the way you are only there for 45 minutes). If you go on the ship sponsored shopping tour in St Thomas, you pay the $8/person bus fare to go to/from town. For the Blue Lagoon beach excursion ($115 per person) swimming out to the float is additional.

Dining: Breakfast and lunch in the windjammer is first come first serve. When you and your partner go, ensure one saves a table while the other gets their food. The hot food is cold and the pastries and bread are hard. Dinner is great, though. You eat a lot (too much actually) and it tastes great. Make sure you book your diner time immediately when you arrive to ensure you get a seat. We ate at 7:30 but if you have to make a change the staff is very flexible. Just ask. Read more