We need to begin by saying that we originally booked the cruise with a deck 5 cabin (5050). Just a few days before embarkation, we got a call from a woman we now refer to lovingly as "the Upgrade Fairy." She offered us a deck 12 penthouse suite for only $200 for the entire cruise. We jumped on it, and that was the beginning of the best cruise we have ever been on.
OUR CABIN (12030)gave us VIP status at every step, beginning with embarkation. We were escorted by our concierge, Patrick, to our cabin, and it was spectacular. We had 3 floor-to-ceiling windows - one facing to starboard, the other two slanted, so we could see down the full length of the ship forward. We also had a queen (maybe king?) bed, a seating area with a coffee table, an eating area, an espresso machine, several closets and many drawers, a large flat screen TV, a DVD player (DVDs available via the butler), a bathroom with two sinks, a shower and a tub. We also had access to Cagney's Steakhouse, an extra-cost specialty restaurant, free of charge for breakfast and lunch. When we arrived, there was a bottle of champagne, a bottle of mineral water, fresh fruit, and fresh flowers waiting for us. The butler brought canapes every day at about 5 p.m., and periodically refreshed the fruit and flowers.
Food was generally excellent in all venues we attended, mainly the Versailles and Aqua restaurants (main open dining rooms). We also ate once or twice at the Garden Grill (deck 12 cafeteria)and the Blue Lagoon (deck 8 casual/burgers, fries, etc.) The Indian curry was particularly good at the Garden Grill. We did not go to any of the extra-cost restaurants, except for free breakfast and lunch at Cagney's. ENTERTAINMENT was very good. We especially enjoyed the ship's troupe of singers and dancers, although they had some microphone problems, which made nearly all the entertainment too loud. We also enjoyed Dr. Scott Lewis, the hypnotist (yes, we bought the DVDs he was selling), the two comedians, the singer, the acrobats, et al. The Star Theater is generally comfortable, although there were way too many broken seats. We were pleased that we didn't have to worry about getting a seat most times.
Cabin 12030. No balcony, 3 floor-ceiling windows facing starboard and forward. Espresso maker, large bed, seating area, eating area, large bathroom with two sinks, shower and tub, several closets, lots of drawer space. Well located near the library and close to pool. Quiet at night.