O2B_CRUZN

We are leaving on Sunshine in one week! We are a family of 5 with kids 14,12,9. I'm in the midst of packing all five of us for 8 days. We have cruised 8 times before on various lines. I have never done laundry on a cruise. I'm thinking that if I could do even one or two loads while onboard, I could significantly reduce the number of clothes we bring. However, I can't seem to shake the feeling that if I only pack for 5 days, something will go wrong (washers will be broken, or continuously full) and I won't be able to do my laundry and we will be stuck wearing dirty clothes for the last 3 days. Any thoughts? How big are laundry facilities on Sunshine? Where are they located? Tips?

Can I bring bottled water when I embark on Divina in Miami next month?

We also just got off the boat, and that is pretty accurate. We were actually impressed. Ironically, we had our 14 year old son with us. He stayed under us for the 1st 24 hrs. Finally he made a couple friends, and then that group doubled and eventually there were 6-8 kids aged 12-15 hanging out. We wouldn't see him for hours at a time. Too bad we didn't meet up. We could have found your kid some friends to hang with.

DirtybirdDave I have a teenage son about the same age and he was no doubt part of that group of kids hanging out with your son. They seemed to be a nice group and my son had a great time meeting new friends!

If you are reading this thread because you have an upcoming cruise on Empress, do not worry, it will be great! I echo all the good things the OP had to say.

Embarkation was easy. We practically walked right on.

The Windjammer was somewhat crowded at times, but that's true of other larger ships I have been on as well. The food was good. The second day they had amazing Mexican food. The guacamole was so fresh and yummy!

The food in the dining room was good too. I never had any trouble finding something I liked. I recommend the crab cakes and the potato / jalapeno soup. They were very good. Also on our five day sailing they served lobster. It was bigger than I've received on other cruise lines, and on lobster night they also served FREE wine! Our dining staff was excellent. They were friendly and very accommodating to those traveling with us that had food allergies. As mentioned above, the maitre'd came by every night to check on us. Service was great.

There was lots to do on the ship, rock climbing, arcade, pool, ping pong tournament, trivia, scavenger hunt, karaoke, etc,etc... I felt like there was always lots going on, and a fun party atmosphere.

The nightlife was good shows, comedians, 70's party, white party, and dance club. However one of our favorite spots was the piano bar. Billy the piano player is great. He starts playing around 9pm. Most night the place was packed by 9:30 and lots of people were dancing and having fun. One night there was a huge congo line started at the piano bar and went all the way out to the Atrium area. It depends on the passengers, but the 6/11 sailing was filled with great people who loved to have a good time!

We visited the Casino for a few fun hands a couple of nights. The staff there was great as well. It was a tad warmer than the rest of the ship, but nothing terrible.

The younger kids were in and out of the Oceans adventure Club. They were old enough to check themselves in and out, and enjoyed the freedom of choosing their own activities. The ship was small enough that we always knew where they were. My teenage son (as noted above) met up with a group of teens and the group grew each day. They did some of the ship scheduled teen events, and played ping pong, hung out by the pool or just "hung out". I agree a dedicated teen space would have been nice.

Tendering at Grand Cayman was easy, very little waiting to get on or off.

Ice cream worked the whole time, and the audio by the pool worked great too! There were no A/C problems or plumbing problems that I was aware of, with the exception of the Casino which wasn't even that bad.

Bottom line. Our 6/11 sailing was great! We had a great time. If I hadn't been following the "dry dock" issues, I doubt I would have thought this cruise any different than any of the other 7 cruises I've been on. So do not worry, the Empress is a great ship with a wonderful staff. If you have a cruise coming up, enjoy...I wish I was going with you.

We are onboard 6/11 too! I hope the A/C and food issues have been resolved. Surely two weeks is enough time to smooth things out.

(Royal Caribbean do you hear me?)

We are planning to make the best of whatever comes our way.

Anyone mind sharing room numbers of the rooms that were bumped?

For all of you sailing on the May28th cruise. Please report back with lots of details and reviews. Thanks!!!

That is great to hear! I will cautiously start getting excited about my cruise. :)

I know the Empress is scheduled to finally start cruising on May 28th. That is exactly 10 days away. Has anyone heard any updates? Is this a "go" or a "no go"? We are scheduled to cruise on her June 11th, so I am watching with interest. I haven't booked any excursions, or extras as I don't want to tie up any more money if it will ultimately have to be refunded.

Any inside info is appreciated!

Yes, I agree with above poster. We sailed in November and the ship was decorated for Christmas.

I am also checking this site daily for "updates" on Empress. We sail June 11, and I hope the first two sailings go off without a hitch, and people will post reviews so we know what to expect. We are all in the "same boat". I hope that no news, is good news.

I'd love some answers from the experts about formal nights on this cruise. From my search it seems that "formal" night is the second night on this itinerary. However the third night is New Years Eve, and I imagine it's a pretty dressy fun night too. Any advice?

I can't speak to Royal Caribbean, but we cruised Disney last year 10 days before my son turned 11 (age for the tween club). They allowed him to "age up" at our request. I thought I was doing him a favor. Shortly after returning home from the cruise at bedtime, he broke down and told me that some 12/13 year boys were talking about some very disgusting/dirty topics and even snuck porn into the club one night. I was totally disgusted, and I'll never forgive myself for putting him in that situation. I'd rather him be the oldest than the youngest any day. My advice...don't be in a hurry for them to grow up.