This was our first time taking a cruise out of Galveston (we live in Dallas) and spending Thanksgiving with family on a cruise. The drive was less than 4 hours, and we stayed at the Schaefer Haus Bed and Breakfast the night before. We highly recommend Schaefer Haus - the customer service was top notch, and they kept our vehicles for the week complimentary. Boarding took a while, as there are over 4,000 people on the ship. We had three ports - Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica -- and 4 days at sea, which allows you to relax more and enjoy the ship's amenities. Our favorite port was Grand Cayman, and our excursion with Cayman EcoTours to StingRay City and snorkeling were awesome and reasonably priced. We loved our 6th floor mid-ship cabin with balcony. Our cabin steward, Artawan, made our cruise memorable by fulfilling all our requests, keeping our room clean and refreshing our towels, and his positive mood was contagious. Our 15-year-old niece enjoyed the teen club and the karaoke nights. Our 14-year-old nephew enjoyed the Flowrider surfing/boogie boarding and the water slides. Our 10-year-old niece enjoyed the movies, shows, and water parks. The Promenade was a happening place. Sorrentos Pizza was a HUGE hit with our family - always hot and fresh out of the oven, and the cappuccino mousse dessert was EXCELLENT. Meals in the Main dining room were delicious with several entree choices per evening (Lobster night was the second formal night). After reading Cruise Critic recommendations, we splurged on two specialty dining restaurants -- Sabor (Mexican) and Chops Grille -- and I'm glad we did, as they were 5-star! The entertainment -- Saturday Night Fever musical, aerial show, and the ice-skating show - were FABULOUS. The 70's show with the cruise director and the DJ in the Promenade with the balloon drop was outstanding! We purchased a soft drink package and brought on board two bottles of wine, an opener, and 12 bottles of water. Be sure to carry on all drinks! We also purchased an internet package so my husband could check his emails, and service was a 7 out of 10. The front desk personnel were helpful and professional, especially Usha. My husband got a Johnny Rockets Oreo milkshake and said it was the best he's had in a long time. We attended two informative health and wellness seminars and worked out 3-4 times in the fitness center, which is large with plenty of equipment and separate saunas for men and women. Disembarkation was a breeze. 25 percent of the cruisers were from Texas, and we hope to stay in touch with several families whom we met. Overall, a great cruise.