We selected this cruise due to the close proximity to home (avoid airfare and additional hotel costs, travel time), sailing date range, and that the ship had some fun water features for our two young boys. This was our boy's first cruise, and our 4th cruise. Just for comparison, we (sans kids) had previously sailed on the Carnival Miracle, Norwegian Pearl, and Princess Sapphire.

I found the reviews on this ship to be all over the place. However,we have to say that we found the ship to be fairly well maintained given it's age. The crew was fantastic, the food was very good, and this ship had several features that made it family friendly.

First, the family friendly features were the water slide (good for all ages, over 42"), the spash pad for kids under 8 or 9, two pools and 4 hot tubs that were open to kids, Kids club for 2-5, and 6-8, as well as two other rooms for seperate pre-teens, and teens (club O2), miniture golf and movie nights...particularly the last two nights that featured PG moives. The miniture golf (9-hole) course should be replaced as this was really showing its age. However, our kids enjoyed it and we played the course many, many times. Read more