If I was going to use one word to describe the experience it would be "eh".

Embark: some were bothered by having to take the little shuttle to the ship but I didn't get the big deal. They're working on a new port. Its a temporary fix. Whatever. Actual embark was seamless. We arrived at about 10 and were on the ship by 11.

The ship: The pool is a huge disappointment. There are two pools, only one of which allows kids. This is ok, I get it, some kids can be really rowdy. But the pool is so, so tiny. Its also elevated in a way that requires for parents to either be actually in the pool with their kid or sit in possibly 3 chairs where the pool is visible if they want to be able to monitor their children. My husband and I like to keep a good watch on our daughter and she likes to know where we are so we obliged these two requirements. This means we were in full sun with no escape. There is no way to keep your eyes on the pool and have any shade at all. So, guess what most people do? That's right, they sit in the shade so they won't die of heat and come check on their kids every hour or so, maybe. This led to a LOT of unruly kids. Read more