My son and I decided to seize the opportunity to take a cruise when My husband decided at the last minute, to take my daughter with him to the Orient for business. We were left with two weeks before the start of school...and an empty calendar. Since my husband says he "would rather get his nails pulled out of their beds than go on a cruise", we saw this as our only opportunity! My first call was to a good friend, who along with her family, had gone on over a dozen cruises. She was the one who recommended Navigator of the Seas, as it is a luxury ship with great amenities for the kids, (it's the one on that Royal Caribbean ad with the rock-climbing wall, ice rink, giant theatre, miniature golf etc...)
We got a last minute deal, and then she and her sons decided to join us!!!! (which was a blessing) I went in not expecting much but a new experience but was VERY impressed with the whole operation. The balcony stateroom was (or seemed) very spacious with plenty of storage. But by far the BEST part of the trip, was the ship itself. There was so much to do that you wished for more "days at sea". We enjoyed it so much that we opted NOT to disembark in Cozumel for our pre-scheduled excursion...and to stay ON the ship! Everyone should experience a cruise once before they die! I decided while ON the cruise, to angle my review to first time novice cruisers who don't have the benefit of a seasoned cruiser walking them through everything like we did (Risa...you rock!)
-Pack a generous carry-on with at least one change of day clothes, a sundress for night and bathing suits, cosmetics and medicine etc...your luggage does not arrive for several hours. Stories have been told about families showing up for formal night in their shorts and tank tops. Luggage gets lost...no mall.