Day -1 Arrived at Port Canaveral about 4pm and checked into Marriott Residence Inn. A little pricy for me, but the hotel is right next to the port and the $200 included car parking for the week. It has a pool, small gym, basketball court and is a new facility. It cost $6.00 per person for a round trip shuttle to the port. Had dinner at Fish Lips by the port, I would recommend this to any one staying close.
Day 1 The shuttle left the hotel at 1115 and we were on the ship, sitting by the pool at 1200. Port Carnavel and Royal Caribbean have the most efficient check in process of the 4 cruises I've been on. We laid out by the pool for about 2 hours while my 7 year old played at the H2O zone (a water park for kids). I guess this is good place to discuss the ship. The H2O zone is a great place as it keeps the kids busy and the adults without kids can either hang out at the other outdoor pool or in the adults only area. The Promanade is wonderful, reminded me of a small Italian town with shops on either side of the road. I sat and had a drink everyday while my wife and son took a nap. Another thing that I noticed was despite the fact that there were over 4000 guest onboard it never seems crowded. There are tons of things to do and I guess that keeps everyone busy and seperated. We had dinner in the main dining room and the food portions were bigger than I remember on Carnival and Norweigian. I would say food quality in the MDR was simular to the others. I found all the staff onboard to be super, especially the dining room staff. Saw the welcome aboard show / comedian and it was very good. Overall I would rate RC entertainment above the other lines I mentioned.
Day 2 At sea Not much to talk about here. Same as first day.