This was the first cruise for my husband(age 32), and the third for me age 31). Both first timers with Royal Caribbean.

Despite everyone's advice, we flew in on the day of. We got a great deal from air Tran to Orlando from Atlanta. We arrived in Orlando at 930, got a rental car from Avis, and we were on our way!! But WOOPS, we forgot our formal clothes at home!! So we took a quick trip to a nearby mall(5 miles from the airport) and got a few things. Finally, about 1130, we were off!

We arrived at the Avis rental near the port around 1230pm and had to wait about an hour for the shuttle. Of course, everyone is arriving at this time, but finally, with our preprinted sea pass we were in line for about 30 minutes total. We were on board around 215pm. Read more