Your vacation is what YOU make of it

I'll start off by saying this ship was big and beautiful with lots to do and lots to eat.

I am the girl who reviews everything. If I'm going to pay thousands for a vacation with my family, I want to make sure I am satisfied with every single penny I spent. With that being said, I read all the reviews of this ship on this site. I found out that making reservations at all the dining rooms and specialty restaurants ahead of time (which by the way you can cancel at any time) would save you the hassle of waiting in line or being turned away.

I reserved Cagney's on Easter night at 7. We got to the restaurant at 650 and were seated immediately. The service was just as good as the food, and believe me when I tell you, the extra $160 we spent on dinner this particular night, was sooo worth it. If you're a big eater, get the 32oz bone in rib eye. My husband devoured it!

We reserved the Manhattan Room on Monday and Saturday, and both nights, no waiting and service was fantastic...Peter and his assistant were the best we had on the ship. We reserved Taste on Wednesday at 730 and had 930 reservations for Rock of Ages....we we're almost late for the show, but our waiter and assistant were "new" and a bit slower than the rest of the staff...no big deal. It's vacation and how can you be mad on vacation? We had Wasabi on Thursday night, no reservations, but also no wait. Friday oh Friday mmm mmm mmm we reserved Moderno at 530 and let me tell you...i'm glad I skipped lunch. The salad buffet is to die for...not your regular salad bar...they have thin sliced chorizo, fried provolone, manchego cheese, mozzarella balls, olives, procuitto, sushi, lobster bisque, you're typical salad bar choices and rolls and bread. I've missed a bunch of goodies but trust me it was worth the $29.95 pp. The meat choices were lamb, chicken, pork loin, flank steak, filet and bacon wrapped filet and chorizo. You eat as much as you want until you're full. I'm not a big meat eater but my husband is and he loved every ounce of meat he ate. Breakfast is a must at O'Sheehans. Lines move pretty quick, unless your party is big. We were always a table for 2 so we never had to wait. Ok, shows...Rock of Ages was freaking phenomenal, but not a show for kids. Howl at the Moon was so much fun, I laughed my butt off. Charlie Love and his silky smooth bank at Fat Cats was great too! I didn't see Burn the floor but we heard it was fantastic. Casino was like any other, smokey and full but people were having a good time. We seen some big winners on tables and slots. Public areas such as pools, waterslides (when open), hot tubs, Garden cafe etc...always busy! We had a few conversations with Haven guests and were told it is a bit snooty in their area, yes they have their own "area's". I'm allset with snooty, I like talking to people and making friends, so I'll never reserve a haven suite or room. Do yourself a favor and sit at the Malting whiskey bar on deck 8, though a bit smokey at times, I found it to be the best place to people watch and the bartenders and staff were so friendly and engaging. Most bars we sat at or ordered drinks from were always very quick. LaVazza near the atrium bar had great coffee and ice coffee (for a fee). We didn't have Gelato or anything from the Bake shop because they deserts at dinner were great, especially the lava cake.

Kids....SIGN THEM UP AT THE KIDS CLUBS!! Beside having dinner with our 15 year old on the first night (because it was Easter) we didn't see much of her. This made our vacation very very relaxing :) There is so much scheduled for the kids ALL DAY and ALL NIGHT and the older kids get to pick and chose what they do and don't want to do.

Register your credit card during embarkation so you can avoid the line at guest services when you board.

I knew ahead of time that there was a good possiblity of us not being able to stop at Great Stirrup Cay and as it turned out we could not stop. Fine, so be it, move on. We got to Nassau a day early and we went shopping and enjoyed the island and even found a dunkin donuts. Oh if you have a daughter who wants her hair braided, it is very pricey right when you get off the ship...$135 for my daughter and that was 1/2 her head, so wait until you get to the beach I heard it was 1/2 the price. But again, it's vacation, so I won't complain :) We did the Blue Lagoon Island beach day excursion on Thursday and it was beautiful and relaxing just they way I like it. There was a band on the island and lunch and a drink were included.

This is YOUR vacation that YOU paid for, so make the best of it. Listen there is always going to be something you don't like, but don't dwell on it or let it ruin your vacation.

RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH....you'll be surprised at what deals you can find by just researching. TRUST ME!!!

Happy sailing!