4 night Bahamas Cruise

This was our first ever cruise.  We were super excited about it until right before our trip.  There were so many negative reviews being posted that I was really skeptical. We decided we would just move ahead with an open mind.  Let me just say we were very pleasantly surprised! We loved the cruise and had an amazing time! We had no problems with the the service at any point from booking to check out.  I felt like the whole  process was very organized and moved smoothly.  Which for me is a huge factor because I am very organized.  One thing if you do not have a passport and are married be sure to bring your marriage licensed, which is the one thing I wasn't informed of, but it was not a big issue.  Also, when you are boarding, be prepared to take pictures (they are $20 each if you decide to buy), drink packages can be purchased at this time.  The soda package is well worrth it and the cup they give you is a great souvenier. The alcohol package I would take consideration before buying.  On this cruise it was 232.00 for the 4 nights (or 50.00 a night plus gratuity). I didn't feel like I would benefit from it because I am not a big drinker and we had excursions planned so didn't think it was worth it for me. (drinks are 10-15 each on the ship). There is all kinds of food readily available during the entire cruise.  I don't think we have ever eaten so much.  The dining room, my fair lady, had wonderful food and our server Jumantlan was amazing! After our first night there he knew my entire family of seven's names, and our drink orders.  He was very attentative and we never needed anything.  I think he is by far the best server I have ever had anywhere.  The room attendant, was very friendly and on top of everything. He even took the time to show my kids how to make towel animals.  Coco Cay was a very beautiful island with tons of things to do. As well as a bbq buffet for lunch and live entertainment.  There is definitely something for everyone here.  We got to see tons of sea life there, fish, conch snail, sting rays, and even some saw a white tipped shark.  Nassau is absolutely beautiful.  We visited atlantis for the day.  I liked that the cruise had it organized and actually shuttled us to and from atlantis so no taxi fees at all.  Atlantis is a huge place with tons to do.  Make sure you have credit card for food and drinks, it is a little on the pricey side.  As far as small bills that everyone mentions, we got a ton and barely used any.  We didn't buy much at the straw market so maybe that is why.  It was super easy boarding and reentering the ship which I am grateful for, with a huge family things like that are typically a nightmare.  Our day at sea was nice to just relax after all the excursions. My only complaint is that with a full ship and a day at sea it is very crowded and the pools are very small.  I would have scored the cruise with a 5 star rating but there were just a few minor things that in my opinion could be improved.  Like I mentioned the pools were very small for the amount of people as well as very cold.  Also, the only warm indoor pool is for adults which stinks for people with toddlers.  Also, the ship could definetly use some updating in a few areas.  But those are all very minor issues that did not all affect or influence our cruise.  We LOVED it , will for sure cruise again, and have already started recommending Royal Caribbean