Arrived in San Juan after 6:00pm and embarkation was a breeze. No lines or waiting. Dined in the Venetian Dining Room. Had a cat J inside cabin. Cabin was small but comfortable. Lots of storage and regular size head. We were amid ships and that worked out great for getting on and off quickly.

Food: Food was excellent most of the time. Soups were bland but everything else was great. Buffet in the Horizon Court was typical buffet food but we could always find something tastey for breakfast and lunch. The buffet lines had no order to them at all, though. Food stations were randomly set and you were always running into everyone else trying to get in a different line. One disapointing thing was no lemonade at lunch, only water and tea. Pizza was very good at the pizzaria. A friend said the sushi was very good and I had decent caviar one night.

Bars: Bar service was good and there were plenty of places to sit and have a drink. Soda was $2.00, beer $2.95, drinks up to $6.95.

Entertainment: The musicians around the ship were all very good and entertaining. Did not see any shows at night. Great calypso band at the pool. Cruise director was pretty funny and worked his tail off.

Ports: On Barbados we took the 5 Star Catamaran Cruise. BEST excursion we have ever done. Great food and service and a very nice boat. On St. Lucia we got a day pass to Sandals and hung out there for the day. Very relaxing and you can use all of there services including unlimited food and drink. Cost $130 per couple. We went sea kayaking on St. Kitts in a mini huricane. Very frightening for a while but once the weather passed it was nice. Sat at a restaraunt overlooking the town square (Balyhoo's) that had good food (try the conch fritters) and a great view. One of the best shops I have seen in the Carib was right under it. Very nice clothing and souveniers. On a side note there was a woman selling salt-fish sandwiches right in front of the shop and people were lined up to get them. Someone try one and tell me how it is. On St. Maarten we went to Orient Beach. We usaully go to Dawn Beach but it was seriously damaged by on of the recent hurricanes. Had fun at Orient though. My wife went topless for the first time and said it was very liberating. On St Thomas I played golf at Mahogany Run (very challenging but gorgeous course) and met my wife at Magen's Bay after.

The ship itself was very ellegant and not too glitzy. Everthing was well maintained and no signs of wear and tear. Casino was dead at night but the disco was hopping. All in all it was an excellent cruise and I would do it again tommorrow. Any specific questions feel free to e-mail me.

Steve Rockey