Background: This was our third cruise, sailed previously with Carnival(Western Caribbean) and Princess (Eastern Caribbean).

Hotel Information: We flew in the day before and stayed at the Holiday Inn Express on 17th ST. They have a free 24 hour shuttle to and from the airport. There are several stores and restaurants within walking distance. We went to Total Wine and Publix for wine and diet soda and had clam chowder at Kelly's Landing for dinner. We ate there twice last year, twice this year. The hotel itself was clean but a little on the shabby side and cost twice as much as last year(same time of year). The staff is very helpful. Last year there was a shuttle van that you had to sign up for by times that took a few people and bags at a time to the port. This year there was a bus with a trailer for bags that left at 1 time, 11:00 a.m. This was fine with us because once we are in the "cruise" mode we just want to get to the ship. Also husband is diabetic so it is better if we board early so he can eat lunch at his usual time. The cost was $7 per person. If you do not want to leave early the staff will call a cab for you and it is not far to the port. The bus driver was very efficient, called out ships names so baggage went in trailer in correct order of stops at port. We were second on, second to last off.

Embarkation: was very efficient until we reached upstairs. We were number 14 and they were calling 2. We sat and waited and the line went quickly and smoothly up til 13, then they called all remaining numbers and it was a free for all with 14, 15 and 16 groups all trying to get in the line. We were not sure why they combined numbers but it turned the previously orderly process into a mess! Read more