I had read a number of the reviews going into this cruise, and honestly, I'm not sure I was on the same ship. The casino was just as smoky as other cruises I've been on. The line at the buffet was long, sure, at the one near mid-ship, not the 2nd line near the back of the ship, which is where we generally ate. Rooms were a good size, felt well designed, and had more closet space than other ships I've been on. I liked the feel of the ship. Sure, there was probably 1-2 more pools needed, and same with hot tubs, but overall it was fine. I can only recall one time where I was looking for a lounger to sit that took more than a couple minutes to find. And this was New Year's so the ship was packed. We ate at Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and it was fantastic. The regular restaurant for My Time Dining (Canale Grande), was great, and the wait staff were excellent. The pizza line is long, but is freshly made, and worth the wait. Embarkation was about as long as most other cruises to be honest. Getting on and off the ship in ports was a breeze. Entertainment was good, and our kids had a blast. Ropes course was good and the water slides, once in warmer climates, was fun for the kids. Leaving from, and coming back to New York meant a couple of cooler days (December/January in the North Atlantic, you should expect that), but it made the time in the Bahamas all that much better. Probably could have done without the port day in Miami. At the end of this all I can say is do your research, watch videos on the ship tours, and make your own judgements on the ship. It was comfortable, clean, felt new, and I'd go on this boat again. The deals right now are excellent as well.