Here is a little information to put my review into perspective. I am 39 and my husband is 42. We have taken one other 7 day cruise 15 years ago on our honeymoon. (It was on NCL.) We have also taken a 4-day RCI about 5 years ago. So our review is not comparative to other cruises - just what we found on the Oosterdam. We have 3 small children at home and were looking to relax, reconnect, and have a little fun in the sun. That being said....
We had to fly in a day early from the west coast and had a fine stay at the Hampton Inn. Clean, free shuttles from the airport and to the ship, and in a good area for last minute shopping.
Embarking was smooth. We arrived at the port at 11:30, waited in a few small lines, and were on the ship. One irritation that prevailed throughout the week is the photographers. I do not mind them snapping pictures everywhere except when they create a bottleneck and we have to wait. That was the case when entering the ship. We were in a huge line with the only obstacle being the 'enter the ship picture'. It is one they could do without.