I must admit, that prior to our leaving on this cruise (our 1st), I was a bit leery after having read a lot of the prior critics concerning POA and all of the problems that were encountered. But to our surprise the cruise was not at all like the previous critics.

We found the staff & crew very friendly and helpful in all aspects. We boarded the POA on Sunday and it took approximately 1/2 hour from the time we checked our bags at security until we were opening our room door. Our porter came over and introduced herself to us. She was very friendly and welcomed us aboard!! I had arranged for a flower bouquet to be in our room for my fiance, and to my surprise it was in our room waiting for us. We were unpacking our clothes when we heard a knock on our door. It was someone from the wait staff with a bottle of wine and shrimp platter (I ordered that at the same time with the flowers). So my fiance and I sat on our patio drinking wine and eating shrimp watching life go by.

We ate our dinners at the "crossings" and "palace main" restaurants. Food was very good, wait staff superior and friendly. We arrived at the restaurants @ 5:30 pm each day, and waited no more than 10 minutes to be seated. Only one little "hiccup"...in all of the brochures it stated that no blue jeans and bathing suits would be allowed, but it seemed that at every seating this rule was not enforced by the hostess. No big deal, but if you make this rule....at least enforce it!! Read more