First Time Cruisers...Not for us

We didn't have much for expectations when going on this cruise, except being able to relax and visit some amazing places. The service was mediocre at best, as well as the food. The formal dining food was not good, but not excellent by any means. The buffet food was always cold. We did, however, love the casual specialty foods such as the pizza and the hamburgers. The specialty hamburgers were the BEST! There wasn't much time at each port - 6 hours max, which doesn't give you enough time to see the area unless you pay the ridiculous prices for the excursions. The prices were high, but the scuba diving was amazing!!!! Definitely recommend diving in St Thomas. The dive crew were funny, knowledgeable and great. Groups were large and this caused the second dive to be cut short, but this was not their fault. They are very concerned with safety! Nice part was they picked us up right off the port's pier. But if you get the chance, dive with Stuarts Cove in Nassau! They are the BEST DIVE SHOP in the world and have the best dive master's and guides anywhere! It helps they have some of the best diving spots too. We arrived at port at 1pm and they were willing to make a special excursion just for 3 of us! It was the best diving experience we've had. We had many people tell us that cruising was the best way to travel and see different areas. Unfortunately, we disagree. The scuba diving was amazing and to be honest, we would only cruise again if it were to dive at multiple locations. When you add up the cost of everything, staying at different locations for 5-7 days (all-inclusive) is much cheaper! I was not impressed with the service and their prices for items such as pictures were absolutely ridiculous! $22 per portrait with no discounts if you buy multiples. Seriously? We also bout the "Cheers" package to make the trip include all of our drinks. But be sure to read the find print!!! It does not include wine at dinner or other items that I can't specifically remember. So, for $984 for two of us, it was definitely not worth it, especially since they still charge for so many other things. A few crew members - our room assistant, the coffee bar lady, etc, were extremely friendly and always said hello by our names. They were wonderful. We personally feel that if you are wanting a trip where you don't want to go off a ship, not drink much, sit by a pool, and do nothing but relax, then this is for you! For a couple trying to get away from our busy schedules and three kids, cruising stressed me out just as much as being at home. Frustrating to constantly be aware of where and what time we HAD to be somewhere. Oh, and the décor on the ship??? What the heck were they thinking? It was like a mix of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory meets Alice in Wonderland! Crazy and odd. Then to find out it had just recently been redone?! That was a laugh out loud moment.