While we chose this particular cruise because it included Dominica, after the island was removed from the itinerary due to Hurricane damage, we stuck to plan and studied up on the substitute port, Martinique. The cruise was planned to (a) get a break from winter and (b) celebrate my son's college graduation. We had a really great time, but certainly had a few 'bumps' along the way.

We handled our own travel plans, booking the cruise directly with Royal Caribbean. A few weeks before we sailed I was able to get a free upgrade to a junior suite which, for having a third adult, offered a more comfortably-sized cabin. We thought the cabin accommodations were very good: comfortable beds, plenty of storage, excellent room steward. While we had a some noise overhead (Windjammer's outside seating - they seem to move chairs/tables around by dragging them at night), it was no worse than most hotels.

Our cabin was a long way from the Centrum, on Deck 10. But once we got within about 8-10 rooms of the Centrum, you could hear the music or whatever was happening 6 decks below - it was that loud. I hope the doors of those cabins were thick! Read more