A group of us that had met on Cruise critic got together for a shared ride from central Rome to the port. We were dropped right off at the dock and our luggage was taken immediately by the porters. We all walked in and those in Aqua class and suites had priority check in. But there were so many vacant counter agents no one waited. I went through and was on board within minutes.

There were staff everywhere directing passengers helping them find their way around the ship. At all the elevators common areas and restaurants. The ship was spotless and was constantly being wiped of any hand prints or germs.

It was very windy outside and started to rain so we did not go back out to explore the port. We went upstairs to the buffet and had lunch. At around 1pm our cabins were ready. Mine was a 2A midship port side. I was on my own so I really could spread my clothes out. My friends next door had 3 in their cabin but still had enough space. My cabin had the desk up front and the bed near the veranda. On the balcony you could see the life boat below you if you looked down, but if you sat down or from the room you didn't see it at all. The only thing is you couldn't see what was going on at sail aways, you had to be on the hump or on deck 5 for a good view. I was very glad to be midship. Those at the bow or stern certainly could feel the bad weather a lot more than I did. Read more