I'll start by saying we had a fun trip. Mainly because we were with friends and we always have fun when we're together, but I'll choose a line next time that doesn't allow smoking in cabins or on balconies no matter the price or itinerary.

Check-in: Smooth & fast. Be sure they give you a little blue card with a number on it. You'll need it when they start boarding as they call you by number. We didn't get one, but noticing others, asked and were given a #1 putting us with the first group to board. We were on the ship and in our cabin before 11 am with luggage arriving shortly thereafter. (Nice!)

Cabin/Wasted Balcony: Rotterdam Deck #7143 ~ Room was dim & dark, just okay. While the cabin smelled & looked clean at first glance, the closets reeked of stale cigarettes. We kept majority of our clean clothes in our suitcases so they didn't smell and used the closet for dirty ones. If you use the closets, you'll need a flashlight/book light as they are not well lit. In 7 days, we didn't spend 10 minutes on our balcony -- what a waste of money -- and in our past balcony cruises, we ate breakfast every morning out there and spent much time in the evenings & while in port enjoying it. Being on the back was the kicker I believe, because opening the door was like turning on a suction machine drawing all the smoke from surrounding cabins right inside ours and if you were out there, it was unbearable. I do really think it was the aft location because we've been on both Celebrity & Princess side balconies, and while it would occasionaly annoy us, it certainly didn't keep us from being out there & enjoying ourselves. Read more