The last time we took a "cruise" was in 1970, my husband had a scholarship that was paying for the crossing between Rotterdam and New York , those days there was still an economy and first class, we were in the economy, two bunks bed, metal lockers at water level. Yep, those were the days.

This cruise was with the whole family, total eleven people , 6 adults, 5 grandchildren from 17 to 7. We were picking up the bill including on the ship expense and excursions.

The day of embarkation, we were pleasantly surprised , we were schedule to check in at 12:15 by 1:30, we were checked in, had lunch and minutes from being in our cabins, no luggage but it is still pretty impressive. Read more