It was exciting to go on our first holiday cruise to include Christmas and New Years. After a short wait in the preferred lounge we embarked on our holiday. Our room was ready and our bags arrived before the muster drill. At the muster drill we were packed in a very small space like sardines. In 7 cruises I have never seen anything like it. One lady almost fainted. You really had no space to open and try on your life jacket. It was very uncomfortable. Our room steward was great and brought all the little extras we requested the first night.
We met up with other cruise critic people at the sail away party on the Lido deck. it was very cold and windy. At 5:30 went went to our dining room for dinner. We were the only two people at a table for 6. The food was good and our waiters were real pros.
The first two days at sea were very cold and windy. There were lots of things to do for all ages. I had heard that there were about 400 people under the age of 18 on board but at this point I really didn't notice them.
A423 standard balcony, covered, could look down at all the other balconies. Very noisy hallway and you will hear all kinds of chairs being dragged around above you. This noise goes way into the night. do not book this cabin if fingernails on the chalkboard bother you. Mid ship
L234 very close to the front, quiet but can get very rough.