What features are a MUST with the new expansion?

None are a must to me! The more the better of any combo but I don't care what.

Mermaid is what has made this into a must-buy, though I'm going to have to wait until I have the funds or it goes on sale (or both).

My vote is water activities and by that I mean ocean surfing its all I care about and it looks like its not happening. Why do these packs always have to be a let down...

Ideally I'd like a lot of this stuff, but if I'm honest with myself, they could put just mermaids in a pack and charge $80.00 and I'd buy it. Heck, they could do that, and then have a pack with everything else listed in it for $7.00 and tell me I could only pick one, I'd STILL buy the mermaid pack.

I don't think pirates are coming though

I don't think all are essential but definitely open waters, boating, water and beach activities. I would want my Sims to live there but if it's just vacation that's ok.

I just want waterslides ?

I would absolutely love if Sims can vacation and live there. It would be a bit disappointing if it was only one or the other.

playable (!!!!!!!!) Mermaids

Other. I don't care for any of the items listed.