Thanks to all of the Cruise Critic members who offer their opinions to the rest of us. Figure it's my turn to return the favor.

This was our first cruise with all three children (7,6 and 4). We initially reserved the Epic, then I got nervous with reviews noting long lines for water slides, wet bathrooms, etc. Decided to wait until the kinks were worked out before our trip on the new boat. We decided to take the Jewel out of NY to avoid waking the family at 4:00 am, driving to the airport, transfers, etc. Reserving a room for five required either reserving a crazy expensive but ultra plush two bedroom villa or taking two rooms. We opted for a mini-Suite and an inside room close by. It worked out perfectly as we used the second room as a dressing room and second restroom and shower.

Drive into NYC and the port was easy. We checked in around 10:45 and were told that it would just be five minutes. It was two hours and my husband and I quietly moaned that we hoped it would get better. Read more