Flew into Tampa from NJ on a Saturday afternoon. Stayed at the Hampton Inn Rocky Point - booked the cruise package. Great deal - includes room, nice breakfast, and transfers to and from cruise port. Hampton Inn room was adequate and clean, not great, but for one night it was fine. Walked over to Bahama Breeze for dinner. Service was fast and food was good and what we expected having been to a BH before. Breakfast at the hotel was nicely done and had a vast selection - fruit, oatmeal, make-your-own waffles, cereal, sausage, assorted yogurts. Something for everyone.

Got to the cruise port by 11:30am and embarkation was quick and smooth. Walked right onto the boat and up to the lido deck for lunck. Walked down to see if our cabin was ready around 12:30pm and it was, so we went on in. Luggage came much later in the day but we'd packed whatever we needed in a carryon including a case of water.

Cabin was nice - could have been dusted, but I'm just a clean freak. Bathroom was super clean. I could not help but notice how hard working the ships crew was, especially food service. Dining area on the lido deck was very well maintained. Buffet stations (food) was ok. I just had oatmeal and fruit most days for breakfast but my husband ate everything else. Note, nice fresh fruit can be found near the dessert station every afternoon. I would grab a bowl every day after getting back onto the ship. My other fave was the salsa and chips from the grill. Read more