Embarkation onboard the Emerald Princess took longer than usual when we waited in line to board the Emerald Princess on Decemebr 26 for ten days to the Southern Carribean. We were told that the previous cruise had had an outbreak of the norovirus and later on learned that about 200 people had gotten it. The health officials had been there and apparently they had to fumigate the ship to get rid of all the germs. We were handed out letters informing us of this and were told to wash our hands when entering the buffets or dinging rooms. This did not leave us feeling too
excited.The first three or four days of the cruise we were not allowed to serve ourselves at the buffet. Instead the staff had to serve us.
Once onboard the ship, we had no trouble finding our room which was on the alohoa deck. The room was small but adequate and we had a balcony which we enjoyed even though there was no privacy and you could see your neighbours below. The shower seemed smaller than on most ships and there was no dresser or proper place to put your clothes.