My husband and I and our two friends arrived in Galveston on a rainy Sunday at noon. The two guys dropped us off with the luggage and went to park at EZ parking. We got in line and quickly moved into the building. The guys joined us just as we got into the building. The line moved quickly and in no time we were checking in. We were on the ship before 1:30. We dropped off our bags at our cabin and went to the spa to take the tour and sign up for the week long spa pass to enjoy the steam rooms and thelassotherapy pool. (Probably the best money spent the whole trip.) We didn't have to muster on the cold desks, but met in the dining room.

Our first sea day was spent in the spa. My husband got the gent's package- hair trim, shave and facial. His skin was smooth as ice and felt soft and supple. We eventually got dressed for our first formal night and headed down to any time dining. This was the first time I've ever waited 45 minutes at any time dining to get a table. The maitre d came out and we asked why it was taking so long. He said 'you all decided to come at the same time.' It was 7:30, which is peak dining time. Our dinner was delicious and the lobster feast continued until the chef stopped serving them.

The 2nd sea day was an echo of the first- total relaxation. The next 3 days were port days. On Thursday evening, we bought two watches from the ship stores. They promised us they were good deals and we were on such a vacation high we believed them. (After getting home, we found a few places we could have gotten them cheaper but live and learn.) Friday night we had rough seas and I got sick for the first time ever. Saturday was beautiful. Sunday disembarkation was a night mare because customs had to take extra steps to clear the ship. We didn't get to our car until 12:30. Read more