A few observations from a first-timer just back...
1. Palio is definitely worth it -- loved the brunch and dinner.
2. For us, we loved deck 1/adjoining cabins. The deck was not as crowded, we were close to the elevators and right off midship -- easy access to the kids clubs. Since it has crew quarters on one side, it was easy to disembark on the islands. Small port holes were fine. Adjoining cabins worked great, just kept the doors open and we had to sets of bathrooms, lots of leg room for 6 people.
3. Spa: Liked the rainforest. Hated the facial. I have had several facials over the years and this one was a 50 minute lecture about what was wrong with my face and what products I needed to fix it. If I would have bought all of the ones they suggested, it would have been over $600! Rather irritating and dissapointing. My spouse loved the massage.
4. In addition to bringing juice boxes, I brought a gallon of apple juice. When it was gone, every morning I would order juices, milks, etc. from room service and refill the jug. Always had a supply for my thirsty three year old.
5. My 8 years olds loved the independence of being able to check themselves into and out of the kids lab. It was a great way to give them room and responsibility without worrying too much. I would never let them do it at home!
6. If you don't want to or can't sit in the dining room at dinner, send one person and they can order and take it "to go".
7. We didn't discover the nice cushioned chairs and quiet on deck 4 until several days in. Nice place for some peace out of the sun.
8. As you've read here elsewhere, shoe holder was a wonderful idea.
Just a few things -- we had a great time and will hopefully do it again next year!
1. Palio is definitely worth it -- loved the brunch and dinner.
2. For us, we loved deck 1/adjoining cabins. The deck was not as crowded, we were close to the elevators and right off midship -- easy access to the kids clubs. Since it has crew quarters on one side, it was easy to disembark on the islands. Small port holes were fine. Adjoining cabins worked great, just kept the doors open and we had to sets of bathrooms, lots of leg room for 6 people.
3. Spa: Liked the rainforest. Hated the facial. I have had several facials over the years and this one was a 50 minute lecture about what was wrong with my face and what products I needed to fix it. If I would have bought all of the ones they suggested, it would have been over $600! Rather irritating and dissapointing. My spouse loved the massage.
4. In addition to bringing juice boxes, I brought a gallon of apple juice. When it was gone, every morning I would order juices, milks, etc. from room service and refill the jug. Always had a supply for my thirsty three year old.
5. My 8 years olds loved the independence of being able to check themselves into and out of the kids lab. It was a great way to give them room and responsibility without worrying too much. I would never let them do it at home!
6. If you don't want to or can't sit in the dining room at dinner, send one person and they can order and take it "to go".
7. We didn't discover the nice cushioned chairs and quiet on deck 4 until several days in. Nice place for some peace out of the sun.
8. As you've read here elsewhere, shoe holder was a wonderful idea.
Just a few things -- we had a great time and will hopefully do it again next year!
