Our cruise was May 6-13 2007. Since we live in Central Florida we took a bus through Cruise Connection to Ft Lauderdale. It was a 4 1/2 hour trip. The ship was an hour late letting passengers embark. The reason for this was that they had the norovirus on the previous cruise. They were disinfecting the ship before we got on board. Even though the line was very long when it got moving it moved fast. It was quick an easy to embark. We had an inside cabin. It was spacious and comfortable. We enjoyed having a mini refrigerator to use. We drink a lot of water and this made it easier. Our room service attendant was friendly and efficient. We were impressed with how well dressed the cruise staff were. They always said hello to us as we walked down the hall from our room.

The food was of high quality. Since I have been on a low fat diet it seemed quite rich and full of calories. There were some low fat choices but not many. We had the anytime dining. We liked that. Because most of the time we choose to do the buffet. The menu in the dining room was very gourmet and sometimes strange sounding. We only did breakfast once in the dining room. It was too strange of a menu. You couldn't get just eggs cooked to order. You had to choose from only the choices on the menu. There were two buffets. One was Horizon the other was Cafe Caribe. They were located one right after the other. The lunch and dinner at Cafe Caribe was wonderful. What the main dining room offered they had it also plus a whole lot more. Since I do not drink soda or alcoholic drinks I was not impressed with the fact they did not have a cold dispenser for juice or milk. You could get juice only at breakfast. It was poured into glasses. It was warm by the time you got it. Milk was always available. But it was poured in carafes for the coffee drink to use. So it was warm also. I had to use ice to cool it down. There is no water fountains on the ship. So you could only get water in the dining rooms. This is why I was glad for a refrigerator to use. ALso you could purchase for $27.50 a soda card. This gives you all can drink all week. I must tell you that you do not have to carry around the soda bottle they give you. You can get a sticker on your card to use. Since I do not drink soda this didn't help me it all. But some of you might like this information. You must try Sabitini Restaurant. Well worth the $20 cover charge. We did it the very first night. We walked right in with no reservation. You get a 7 course meal. Everything on the menu they bring out to you. They change your plate and silverware after each course. Wonderful food. A must try. We also did Sterling Steakhouse. It has a $15 cover charge. An average steak place. You can get NY strip on the dining room menu. I wouldn't waste my money on it again.Because of the norovirus on the previous cruise extra precaution were taken. At the buffet they handed you the plate and silverware. They served your food. No salt and pepper shaker on the table. They had packets to pick up. At the dining room they put salt and pepper on your food at your request. By the 5th day they eased up. We got to serve our own food again. The buffet lines were very crowed and congested. Especially when the servers had to serve your food. It took 10-15 minutes to find a table to sit at. By then your food was cold. Especially at breakfast. Since that food gets cold quickly. I really missed having my eggs cooked to order. The did have omelets. But you only had 4 menu choices. Again not cooked to order. This was on the breakfast buffet. There was no paper or plastic used. They used fine china and real silverware. That was nice. At dinner they set the buffet up like a restaurant. They put the silverware and glasses on the table for us. Really nice.

There were lots of choices all day and night for entertainment. A lot were free. Some you had to pay for. I did Computer at Sea classes. I went to two that told about Adobe Photo Shop Software. He gave a website to download for free everything in all the classes offered. Very nice! We had two shows called Piano Man and Calentia. Very good shows. There was a hypnotist, comedians,jugglers,singers. And of course good old Bert Stratton. They used him 4 night. Imagine Jim Carrey on the piano. He played everything you ever heard on the radio. He played standing up. He was very good. Oh boy was he funny. What every you want to dance to they had. Slow music, country, rock ,oldies, hip hop, something for everyone. Oh our favorite was the couple massages. We had one then we won another at half off. They are pricey but worth it.Beach towels are provided.They put them in your room. They also have them by the pools. Also they have hand sanitizers everywhere. They strongly encourage you to wash your hands. Read more