BACKGROUND: This was our 5th cruise, first 2 were Carnival many years ago, a Costa to Alaska and NCL 4 years ago. My DH 76, DD 44 and Grandson 17 and I (65) set off on a Thursday to spend the night at the Detroit City Airport on their "Park & Fly" package. Cost just a few $'s more than paying for 1 week of parking. To save, we all stayed in one room. Next morning early flight to Miami so didn't want to take a chance on flight delays due to weather. Also spent one night in Miami right in South Beach. Hotel was expensive to get right on beach but worth it. Stayed at Beacon Hotel. Beach right across the street and all kinds of action up and down the street including weird people things (girl with snakes, etc.) and lots of good people watching. Entertainment at many of the restaurants with outdoor dining right along the strip. All had delicious food. Since arriving early, had time to kill before checking in so had lunch at Johnny Rockets. Cute place but for hamburgers, hot dogs expensive - $60 for the 4 of us. Beware, all restaurants tack on 17 percent gratuity so don't leave extra tip.

EMBARKATION: We took a taxi to the dock, arrived about 12:00. Embarkation was a breeze, lines moved fast and we were on the ship in no time. It did help shorten a bit to have our fun pass done so recommend it. Couldn't get into cabin until 1 so waited in long buffet line for lunch. Had we known there was the grill and pizza right around the corner, would have headed there instead and saved some stress.

SHIP & STATEROOM: I personally didn't think the dEcor was garish as I've heard on the boards. It was nicely done with lots of nice artwork placed here and there. Got into our cabin right after lunch. Very impressed with size of cabin and all the nooks and crannies everything fit into perfectly. Had 2 balcony cabins and, as they say, would not go any other way but balcony in the future. The beds were to die for; no aches and pains for the first time in months due to the wonderful beds. Our cabin crew was Nico, Ernesto and Myra who took great care of us whole cruise. Ice 3 times a day and really adorable towel animals. Clean, clean, clean. Our DD and grandson ordered room service every day for breakfast and some for lunch, said it was fast, courteous and delicious. They got hung up on the BLT Sandwiches. It was a bit tricky figuring out how to get from point a to point b, but once I remembered Aft and Forward and to use Deck 5 to get anywhere, it was a cinch. The second day we had to go to the infirmary to get DD a shot for seasickness and stood on the elevator for the longest time trying to get to deck zero until a kind-hearted crew member told us to go to the other end of the ship. Was so embarrassed as I kept telling people to stop hitting the button until our elevator left. ? Read more