The school vacation for Presidents' Week ensured that this cruise was sold out and that many cabins were filled with families. Even though a near record 3600+ passengers were on the sailing, the ship seldom seemed overcrowded (aside from children and teenagers "overusing" the elevators). There were usually deck chairs to be had in the sun or the shade. The pools were not overly full at most times. The ship offers a great range of children and youth programs combined with a variety of sports to keep the young passengers occupied. Meanwhile the many lounges, decks, bars, restaurants, promenade, shops and casino offer a variety of pastimes for everyone. There are also usual activities such as bingo, karaoke, etc. that the cruise director and his staff provide. One suggestion would be a little more emphasis on port and geography lectures (that have nothing to do with shopping).

Embarkation was a little tedious with slow-moving lines going back and forth through tensa-barrier formed lanes. Seating passengers in a waiting room and then calling them up in group numbers would reduce this stress.

The public rooms on the ship are magnificent. The Main Dining Room is three decks high with an open middle with a grand stairway connecting the levels. The theater is also three decks high with good sight lines from almost all of the seats, the exception being the obstruction caused by the necessary support pillars. The stage has a good-size fly space allowing the quick changing of sets. Other lounges all over the ship offer some good spaces to get away from the crowd. A great view can be enjoyed from Dizzy's on the 14th floor. The art work all over the ship is innovative and pleasing. Read more