Overall we had an excellent experience.  This is our third cruise with the previous on Explorer and Splendor.

Pre-Cruise:

Stayed at Radisson Resort at the Port overnight with only one complaint.  They did not explain to us the procedure for the free shuttle to the cruise port and we had to scramble to get on the earliest bus.  It worked out OK and we were at the ship by noon.

Embarkation:
Was a breeze.  We were in a Junior Suite and were shown to a special line.  There was only a short line made up primarily of other people from the hotel shuttle at around noon in the regular line and they were on almost as quickly as we were.  All in all no one in the terminal at the time waited more than 10-15 minutes.

We went to the Windjammer for lunch and then to our cabin at 1 PM.


Cabin:
No problems with the cabin.  Plenty spacious for 2 or even three.  Balcony was excellent.  The bed was comfortable with continuously clean linen.

There was no problem in or near the cabin with odors.

Bathroom with only one issue (very minor).  Some of the caulk around the tub looked dirty.  Otherwise no complaints.

Flowers as ordered for our anniversary were in the cabin on arrival and anniversary decorations were placed on Tuesday.

Our steward, Fitz, was excellent and greeted us warmly every time we saw him.


Public Areas:
After embarkation and checking out the cabin we began to explore the ship.  We like to get the feel of the ship and the layout as quickly after arrival as possible (after food of course).  The layout is OK.  Some of the areas are hard to access without going through hallways in areas where there are staterooms.

The rock wall looked a little rough.

The fitness room is adequate with free weights, weight machines, Elliptical, treadmills, and stationary bikes.  It is nice to be able to watch the wake trail while exercising.

There was one major issue on the pool deck around the drink station.  The smell in the area, particularly while stationary in port was horrendous.  It smelled like an old mop.   The pools themselves were fine and filled with warm salt water.

Since the kids were not with us we just briefly glanced at Adventure Ocean which had nice facilities which would have kept my children happy and inside all day.

Bars and lounges were just that.  Did not notice them being overly filled with smoke or overly crowded at any point.  It was nice that there were 3 bars in the pool area.  Very convenient.


Dining:
Windjammer was consistently good and we did not go away hungry at any point.  The food is not outstanding, but very good for cafeteria style food.  It is consistent.

We ate dinner only twice in the main dining room.  We were initially seated in Illusions on deck 3 and ate there on formal night.  The food was above average.  I had the salmon which was well prepared.  I tried the wife's steak and it was cooked properly and tender.

The only issue with the dining room on that night was our waiter, Ashwin.  He seemed very offended that we had chosen not to dine in the dining room on the first night and questioned us extensively about our absence, which was caused by a late evening workout.  We did not return to that table and I spoke with the Maitre D' (or assistant) and he seemed genuinely concerned.

The last night we ate in Mirage on deck 4.  Natalia, the Assistant Maitre D' for the floor treated us incredibly well and seated us with Apollo who was excellent.  No complaints and the food again was excellent.


Entertainment:
Shows were good.  We caught bits and pieces of the shows.  The comedian (last name was Tag) was very funny and we wanted to catch his adult show the next night, but fell asleep too early.  The other comedian/magician was OK, but we had seen him before and he did essentially the same stuff.

Love and Marriage provided some good entertainment and Quest as always was hilarious.  It shouldn't be held on the last night as it makes everyone feel rushed with packing.

Excursions:
Coco Cay we did the Wave Runners.  Great time was had by all.  Although it is guided throughout they let you open them up and go as fast as is comfortable.  The guides also know a great deal about the area and are informative.

Snorkeling on Coco Cay was OK.  I did not make it to the ship or the plane and regret that.  We had off and on showers through the afternoon and this forced us into the shelters while not in the water.

The buffet on the island was very good with typical barbecue fare.

The nature trail on Coco Cay was nice and provided a nice afternoon walk (although a little short).

We had also reserved the floating mats, but never did use them.  The next time I will not pre-book them and will just decide while on the island as there were ample chairs and hammocks.

On Nassau we walked from the ship to about halfway across the bridge to Paradise Island.  Nice walk although the town in that direction from the ship is somewhat run down.

After this we did the Breezes all inclusive.  This proved to be and excellent excursion.  We met several other people from the ship and ended spending the remainder of the cruise with some of them.  The drinks flow freely and are free.  The beach was nice.  OK snorkeling.  The pool proved to be a great time with water volley ball and interesting people.  I don't know if it was the resort or the people, but it proved an excellent excursion.  One of the other couples we met found a coupon in a tourist brochure and did the excursion for significantly less money.  We chose to stay after the bus left (on the day pass you can stay until 6 PM) and since we had had plenty by that point we took a cab back to the ship for approximately $5/person.  They accept American currency for anyone with questions about that.  Did not do any shopping, except Starbuck's which is just to the right as you leave the little shops right off the boat.


We had smooth sailing and an excellent time on this cruise and despite the minor problems we are planning to do this one again for Spring Break if schedules permit.