i arrived in new york the night before and stayed at the affinian manhattan across from pen station and madison square garden. it was fantastic and a wonderful hotel. i was on the 7th floor and never heard any heavy traffic noise. i slept like a log. a taxi took me to the pier ( $15 including tip ). i arrived at the pier at 11am and embarkation was a breeze. i was on the ship by 12 and in the cabin to dump my carry-ons off. paul my cabin steward was right there to say hello and let me know that if i needed anything to let him know. he was wonderful and always had a smile on his face and kept plenty of ice in my bucket for my soda and beer i had brought on. then i headed straight for the spa to see if i could be a demonstrator for the spa tour. they gave me a free sea-weed detox wrap and hour massage to just let passengers see how they do it. it was awesome and it was a $225 free session. wow, what a great start to the cruise. of course the lido was next stop for lunch. all of the food was great, hot and very well presented. i loved the pizza, hamburgers/hot dogs and ate enough ice cream to last me for a month. the deli was very good and all of the selections were delicious.

the ship is gorgeous. i was very impressed with the bright colors, art work and the theme of the ship. i have to admit i was lost most of the week because of the way the decks are broken up and there are dead-ends that i encountered alot . i was among many passengers who were lost most of the week.

i was seated at the upper pacific dining room for late seating. it was right above my cabin so it was very easy to get too on the promenade deck. the food was fantastic, well presented, hot and delicious. my waiter and waitress jerry and magalina were wonderful. the portions were much larger than the ones i had been giving on the spirit when i went to alaska. i was very full at the end of the meal. my table mates who were also single ladies were so nice and i loved eating with them each evening. Read more