We set sail the day after Thanksgiving from the Port of Miami. I traveled with my Dad age 65 and sisters age 39 and myself age 42. My father is a veteran cruiser has taken about 18 and goes at least once or twice a year. My sisters are also veteran cruisers. All have traveled Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and NCL. I will give a highlights and more details where other reviews did not touch on.
To start we all were coming from long distances, Denver, Guadalajara, Chicago, and Portland. We had stayed at the Conrad Hotel which is fairly close the port. It is about 15 dollar cab fare there. It is also close to the light rail so we were able to do some shopping at Bayside and at the local Publix and Walgreens in the morning prior to embarkation. With the new restrictions on liquids we needed to stock up on shampoo, sun screen, bug spray etc. There was no insect repellant for purchase on board. My sister brought some towelettes she got from REI which contained Deet. Some excursions repellant is desired. The gift shop on board does not have a lot to offer and what it does is pricey. The crew is nice enough to replace lotions shampoos etc if you ask them. The shampoo they offered was drying for my hair but dad thought it was fine.
Embarkation- we went early and they were accommodating and we got on really without waiting in line. We had requested a state room with twin beds. Upon arrival our bed was made as a queen. Our cabin "butler" really a cabin steward did make the adjustments after we asked him. I agree with others that they are more stewards not butlers. We stayed on the 4th floor the lowest on the ship. But close to the 5th floor which the Mosaic and Gambling, and Front desk and main Discoveries Dining are located. I was surprised to see as many folks with physical challenges such as wheel chairs, scooters, walkers etc. I was told by one travel agent leading a group there are several suites which are handicapped equipped. Two doors down from us a fellow passenger had a scooter in the hallway which was sometimes a challenge to navigate. The cabins are small but appointed. I would agree with other reviews if you are a larger person - more than 250lbs the showers/bathrooms are small. The cabins have 2 small closets, a mini bar, a safe a flat panel t.v. dark wood. The beds were comfortable, the linens were nice and down comforters great. The towels swallow you up and were great. If you desire they are for purchase. Laundry service is steep. We had gotten a coupon because my dad is a captains club member. When we went the straight pay per item rate it was pricey. The coupon was fill the bag and have it done for 20. But the problem it came back all wadded up in the bag severely wrinkled. Dad had to take this up with the housekeeping manager. They offered to iron but this would be for another day. The laundry facilities are on the 8th floor and open from 8 to 7 daily. The cost was 2.50 for wash and 2.50 for a dry. Also an ironing board. It was often busy with crew also using the facilities. I guess we were told there was another laundry room for guests but it was not open for this sailing. There are about 4 washers and 4 dryers and one ironing board.