* Background Information Married couple in our 30s. Travel extensively domestically and internationally. Have used other cruise lines in the past, but have learned that RCI has best served our needs and are willing to pay a little extra if needed.

* Hotel Info We stayed at the Embassy Suites for 1 night before the cruise. Heavily recommended for its location (proximity to port, but also to shops/restaurants), services offered (free happy hour, and free hot breakfast), size of room, and price. Only complaint I have with this hotel is that they kind of forced you to use their private car service to go to the port, which charged more than the taxis, plus stopped at other locations for pick ups.

* Ship Info Most people know the basics of the ship, and most people have said the ship doesn't feel crowded. I agree, with the following exceptions. Windjammer needs a major addition/rebuild - something. Pools seemed to be a little more crowded. One more pool could have helped. Would be great if they opened up the aqua theater pool at least a day or two. Solarium pool should have been made to regular size. It was always jammed. Ice Skating rink seemed very full during open skate. Casino did have a non smoking side, but no divider, seems kind of useless to have a non smoking side. As others have said, Boardwalk is dead almost all day/night. They need to do a quick fix before drydock to change a store and/or pricing to get more traffic there. Read more