We flew in the day before sailing and stayed at the Embassy Suites Westshore. The hotel was nice but not a newer one that I was expecting. Not many places to eat nearby without actually taking a cab or hotel shuttle. It was pricey (around $199 a night). We ordered a pizza and had it delivered because we were tired from traveling. Although we had free transfers from the airport to the hotel, we had to call a cab the next morning in order to get to the port. The cab driver did stop at the liquor store and was very patient while we purchased several bottles of wine to take on board. He even helped us pack them in our suitcase before we left. NICE GUY! We arrived at the port around 11:00 and it was packed! We later found out that the previous cruise was 2 hours late coming in due to the fog in Tampa. We had to wait a little over an hour before we could board but the process went smoothly! We checked in to find that our dinner time was assigned a late seating (8:30) and I felt it was strange because I booked this cruise 6 months ago! We went straight to the dining room and had it changed to suit our needs for the following night. Our luggage arrived at our cabins by 2:00 and the Muster Drill went quickly. We set sail and enjoyed a great bottle of wine on the deck as we sailed under the bridge. This is a site that you must not miss. The sunset was gorgeous and the weather was perfect! Along board was a group of Georgia Bulldog fans (approx. 270 of them) and they were entertainment in themselves. I have to say that they were all great and they were never loud and disruptive --gotta love us Southern folks!! The first day at seas was great and it was a typical hairy chest contest, ice carving, etc. I wish each ship would have a little different variety but they are pretty much all the same when it comes to activities on board. Grand Cayman was beautiful but we experienced VERY rough seas that night (winds around 50mph)!! I have cruised lots of times and this is the worst ever! I actually got sick and during breakfast the next morning, I realized that I was not the only one by far. Cozumel was a nice breath of fresh air after feeling so bad the night before. That island looks like it has taken a beating from the hurricanes. LOTS of soliciting when you get off the boat and not much to purchase for souvenirs unless you are into Mexican themed items. Grand Cayman was a cleaner and NO SOLICITING is allowed there. We spent the day a Nochi Cocum and we booked that thru Island Marketing. It was a nice place and they are so friendly there. Don't expect a five star all inclusive resort because you will not get that. You will get just genuine service and pretty ocean. This is also not a place to take children. There were a few there and they were very out of place. Mr. Sancho's may be a better place for them. NC is designed to relax and soak up the sun. When we were ready to leave, a cab arrived in less than 5 minutes. The last day at sea was nice but kind of wished they had more activities on the Lido deck. Over all, we had an enjoyable trip and it is well worth the money! Risa Barnes, the Cruise Director is from our home state of SC and she does a great job. This ship looks great and even though we did not use the Water Works area, it looks wonderful! Children would have a blast! I have only sailed with Carnival but am now curious to see what other lines have to offer. It seems very "cookie cutter" down to the same menu options on every ship in this class. You won't be disappointed and we are actually joining the Georgia group in Jan. 08 on the Fascination out of Jacksonville and it is newly refurbished as well. I will have to look at my wonderful pictures often to tide me over until we sail again!