We joined a group of friends that were already booked on this cruise so we didn’t really choose. Let me say that they made the right choice! As far as bang for your buck goes, this ship has it all. Great for families as well as adults with plenty to do for everyone. We had the ultimate beverage package so there really were no extras unless you do some of the specialty dining. Specialty dining was nice but not necessary as the food in the dining rooms was phenomenal as was the staff all over the ship. The go carts and laser tag are extra but reasonably priced and both were surprisingly fun. Yes the pool area can get crowded on sea days but it was bearable and, somewhat, enjoyable. There is stuff going on all over the ship to keep the crowds spread out so you don’t really feel that there are 4000 plus passengers on board. The boarding and disembarking of the ship is done with fluidity. I would really recommend this ship to anyone looking to have a ball on a budget....relatively speaking.