Nice trip but too commercialized

The cruise was generally relaxing.  We avoided the drunks as much as possible and had to stay away from the pool areas due to the parents who set their tweens loose to torment other adults. Thankfully we had a nice balcony where we could relax in relative peace. Our room was well cared for by our steward, although he was never able to get maintenance to repair or replace our defective television, and the entire ship was clean and well stocked. We had friendly waiters and enjoyed our time in the dining room. Michelle in the spa is fantastic! I highly recommend a visit to the spa to meet her. 

My biggest problem with the entire cruise was the commercialism.  Activities on the ship were ridiculously overpriced. For example, $95 per person to view the staff quarters. I don't mind paying someone to take their time to show us around, but seriously?! There are a dozen or more people on the tour at $95 a head. That's outrageous!  

The meals are very good in the dining room but the buffet was mediocre. Pizza was horrible from room service but the cheesecake was good. The only drinks included in your cost are unsweetened tea, lemonade, juices (in the morning only), coffee, and water that tastes like pond water. Sure, you can get a package for carbonated soft drinks, but they are stingy with them. You have to go to one of the bars to get one and they will only give you a half of a can at a time. I highly recommend checking out the ship policy regarding carrying on your own drinks and doing so rather than buying the soda card. 

The ports of call were interesting and enjoyable, although I have no interest in returning to Montego Bay,  Jamaica. We met some very nice people but the location is sad and dirty. You won't have a minute of peace from someone trying to get you to purchase their trinkets, even on the beach. Grand Cayman and Cozumel were both worth the visit. I would have liked to spend more time at the sea turtle hatchery on Grand Cayman. Definitely worth going to! The tour of the Mayan ruins in Cozumel was well worth the time too. 

This was our first cruise but will likely be the last. I really don't enjoy dealing with drunken people enough to repeat this type of vacation. We will find a resort to visit and explore on our own.