Just returned from a wonderful cruise with my husband and his three brothers and their wives. I was sad to read that due to cost cutting measures the towel animals had been eliminated so was pleased to see them back! No mint on the pillow though. I also received an email about crown and anchor improvements - the booklet was an old one that said it was expired but had a sticker that said "good this cruise" then we received a letter in the cabin offering a buy one get one on photos and a percent off on internet use-big deal :( The Johnny Rocket coupon was a buy one, get one for milk shakes. We did notice that ALL the boat staff was much friendlier than previous cruises, all stopping to say good morning, or ask how we were enjoying ourselves or if we needed anything.

Had early dinner seating at a table for the 8 of us, our waiter Barry and his assistant Norris were FANTASTIC. They learned everyones drink choices, type of food favorites, made good recommendations, brought other items to try if none of us ordered it and they thought we would enjoy it, service was FAST yet we never felt rushed and were always almost the last table out after lingering over coffee and dessert. We looked forward to lobster night and it was probably our least favorite meal - lobster tail was small and dry but the shrimp with it were wonderful. Surf and Turf night was steak and shrimp-this night the steak was great and the shrimp were over cooked. I guess as another cost saving measure most nights the meats were offered at only 2 temperatures, medium rare or medium well. As our men all like rare there were times things were overcooked for their liking but still good flavor.

The ice show is incredible and not to be missed! The headliner singer was good but the other shows were not very good-yes the singers had incredible voices and the costumes were beautiful but we would only find one or two bright moments in each show. My husband commented that we had never cruised during summer and maybe the shows were for the large number of kids attending. One night was like watching Sesame Street live... Read more