I am a 28 year old female and went on this cruise with my Mum. We booked it to celebrate her 60th birthday as she had always wanted to go on a cruise but I had been less than eager. Any Brit reading this will understand when I say that the stereotype of a cruise is that it is full of old people! This couldn't have been further from the truth- there were lots of young couples, young families and even groups of lads holidaying on their own. It certainly is for everyone and I think if you want a holiday where you can do as much or as little as you wish, this is perfect for you. The ship was amazing- full of activities and entertainment. The food was exceptional and the service outstanding. The weather was fantastic (although we may have been very lucky in that respect) and the destinations were beautiful.

FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS:- We travelled from Bristol, UK to Port Canaveral, FL via Newark. As the 'package' was booked through Royal Caribbean the transfers, hotel etc was all organised by them and was done satisfactorily at best. As out flight arrived 40 minutes early the Royal Caribbean rep was not there to meet us and as there was no mention of this arrangement on the transfer voucher we didn't know to expect them. There was a toll free phone number to call on the transfer voucher, but the person at the other end was less than helpful and sent us to the wrong part of the airport implying that we were to look out for a taxi instead of an actual rep. The Royal Caribbean 'stand' is in B terminal and I would either recommend waiting at the baggage carousel to be collected by them or, failing that, walk to the RC stand and find a rep there. Eventually we caught up with each other and they couldn't do enough to help, waiting with us until the bus arrived and giving us advice for the cruise.

PRE CRUISE HOTEL AND TRANSFER:- In case you're flights are delayed it is definitely a good idea to book into a hotel the night before the cruise, unlike a normal holiday if you are late it's not possible to join in half way through. Our first night was spent in a hotel, the Crowne Plaza, which was very pleasant with a pool and good buffet breakfast, although as we were only there overnight I can't really give too many details. The hotel was half an hour or so from the port and several coaches were sent to collect everyone in the morning. Despite clearly knowing numbers in advance the coaches were sent one at a time, with about a fifteen minute gap in between each one, so all in all we were queuing outside the hotel with our bags for over an hour. This was fine as the weather was sunny but miserable I expect in the rain! I'd suggest being outside maybe half an hour before the stated time so that at least you're towards the front of the queue. Read more