After flying in to JFK only hours ahead of departure we were moved efficiently to the Brooklyn Pier for an extremely swift and problem free boarding to be pleased to find our cabin ready for immediate use.

We weighed anchor in good time to beat the early closure of the port due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Sandy and set a high speed course to get as far \N as possible to avoid the worst. Although encountering a Force 11 gale and 7mt seas the ship did cope extremely well hitting 25knots and not rocking uncontrollably.

During our first full afternoon on board an extremely loud vibration noise began in the cabin preventing us resting for that evenings' Meet the Captain Formal Dinner. After much to and fro with the Pursers deck, cabin steward, deck superintendent (who said they had visited the cabin to listen when they hadn't!!) and housekeeping, a 'spare' stateroom was found as a replacement when we threatened to bring the matter up with the Captain at his Cocktail Party. We eventually got a new room a little after midnight and had to pack, move and unpack ourselves and belongings the morning after, being offered an invite to the "more select, Senior Officers Party" later in the cruise as a compensation. Big Deal!! Read more