The Geriatric Cruise

To be honest I would probably rate the experience  3 stars, only, not  as "fine as expected".  The boarding experience lacked any of the amenities of tradition afforded to cruising celebrators such as 'the drink of the day' or 'glass of champagne'.  No live calypso band playing on the deck poolside or tireless frenzy of waitstaff making sure to show every guest the souvenir drink glass of the day and fulfill their orders. Everyone quietly shuffled onboard and began looking for....... FOOD!   It was kinda like being in a nursing home during dinner service,.....many dinner services.....one long dinner service. Very few kids, lots of "Q-tips". There were convoys of hover rounds and rascals. Must be cheaper than retirement center.  I'm 54 and most guests were older than me. Ship was very nice, staff was courteous and room was big and clean. However bathroom is small and shower smaller than normal.(If you drop the soap you have to get out and reach back in for it.)Giovannis was excellent as was Chops. Ritas Cantina was a surprise because gave us two complimentery meals at Johnny Rockets which isn't on this ship. One of the managers converted one of our coupons so we ate at the cantina instead. It was surprisingly good. There we found out about the drink specials that are not advertised, you have to ask each bar.  The buffet, however, was repetitious(boring) and, at many times, unable to keep up with demand.  Thanks to my father in law, they now know to put rice grains in the salt shakers to prevent caking and waste. There is a 'wine bar' that doesn't carry the same wines or all of the wines that the restaurants/bars carry. Kinda dumb, they still have to go to another part of the ship to get it. TV was mostly foreign languages and soccer. Real uprising when everyone found out championship football games woudn't be showed. You could rent movies on the tv for $12.95!!!!! and that's for old tv movies!!!  "Welcome to America!" Royal Caribbean, set your channels and watches to USA!! DUhhh!  Pools were nice, and heated pool was open all the time, but, if you want drinks, you have to get 'em yourself.  No tables anywhere poolside, only loungers. No tables Nowhere! Casino was fun. Pictures were small and expensive. No raffles in the stores just expensive jewelry even at a "bargain". Ports were great. Excursions great. Reminder: When we turn 65 quit wearing bikinis and speedos ;(