Embarkation and Debarkation: The Bayonne, NJ port is by-far the worst and most disorganized that we have experienced, compared to the NYC and Miami ports. The main reason is that you must take a shuttle from the main registration/customs building to the ship, whereas at other ports you can walk right onto the ship. The wait for the shuttles is what makes the process super long. We arrived for embarkation and got a shuttle number at 10am and did not board the ship until past 12 noon - advice: arrive early! Debarkation was even worse - we lined up for the "express" self-assist at 9am and it took 1.5hrs to get off the ship and off the shuttle...and this is before you even reach the customs building! Again, long waits all due to that darn shuttle!! Many people volunteered to just walk (honestly, it would've been a quick 5 min walk), but the shuttle was not optional! Never ever ever again will we cruise out of Bayonne, NJ....FML!
Entertainment: Not much to do or see during the day if you are like us and in your 20s. Evening headliner shows were the same old singers and dancers every time. Love and Marriage show was pretty lacklustre and not very funny compared to the ones on the Carnival ships - maybe it was just that the couples they chose on our cruise were really boring? lol i dont know! If you want a seat at the Quest show, get there at least 30mins early otherwise it becomes standing room only. No magic shows or comedy shows, which was a bummer. Lots of trivia, bingo, jewelery-making, food demos, and scrap-booking sessions.
Pools and Hot Tubs: Abundance of these all around the ship and most are 24hrs. Not very crowded, so I'm sure you can find a spot - the ones in the Solarium are probably your best bet!