Embarkation went very smoothly. We arrived about 11:30 that morning from a directly flight from Washington DC which I booked independently from the cruise line. We did not purchase transfers because a cab ride is less that $20 for two people from the airport to the docks. Advice is to make sure that you have a passport. It will make the embarkation and debarkation go much smoothly. I traveled with a passport and my husband did not and he was the one they questioned. He was traveling with a government identification but it nearly became necessary for him to have a "birth certificate" in addition to his government ID. Word to the wise, have a passport.

The ship was having a special event that afternoon in the Celebrity Theater which we attended before being able to get in our room at 1:00. The buffet was ready to serve all those that arrived early in the Waterfall Cafe.

Our room was a balcony room, mid ship, and our cabin stewards were terrific. Our every wish was fulfilled. We asked that a pool lounge chair be put on our veranda when we checked in at the Guest Services desk and it was there when we arrived in our room. There were always fresh towels and ice in the bucket whenever we left our room for the entire 11 days. There was only one night that they forgot to leave for us the Daily Newsletter so that we could plan our activities for the next day, but it was not a problem to get one at Guest Services. You will want to study this newsletter at night or in the morning to make sure you don't miss any of the instructions or activities of the day. You can stay as busy as you want with the variety of activities, or just sit at the pool and bake like a fish. Remember to stuff your luggage under the bed. There is plenty of room. The rooms also have refrigerators and safes. You can also take sodas on the ship. We stopped at the local market before boarding, carried an extra duffel bag in our carryon and packed it with sodas for the week. You can join a soda program which is $5 per day. Read more