Embarkation: For the first time ever, we arrived VERY early to Port Canaveral. This worked out fantastic and we will now forever arrive very early before cruising. We got to the port about 11:45 and they had already begun letting people on. We walked straight through security without a wait at all, straight to a counter to check in, again no wait. We had filled out the sign and sail stuff previously online, so no paperwork at all to do. We were on the ship in minutes! Our room cabin wasn't available yet, we went to have "lunch on the lido" and after walking around a few minutes..our cabin was ready.

We were actually in the area even earlier, we'd spent the previous night in Ocala. We love exit #350, lots of places to stay (we stayed at a very nice LaQuinta breakfast included), places to eat and a Barnes N Noble. Perfect- We decided to stop in Cocoa and run in Wal-Mart before heading to the pier. If you forget anything for your trip, want to pick up any last minute items, this is a very close place to go! Also be sure you have cash close to hand when coming down Highway 528 through Orlando & towards Port Canaveral for the dozens of tolls through there!

We were, for the first time, some of those people who were ready for swim suits and a lounge chair in the sun first thing. Normally we walk around and check things out, since we knew this ship so well we were ready to just relax and soak up the sun! (Which was in the mid 80s and wonderful) We waited until they'd already announced the boat drill before we headed back for our life vests. I hate to be there early and stand at the back of hundreds of people, waiting forever with no breeze and hot temperatures. Even waiting a little while, we were still on the early end of things and still had to wait while others poured in. Ugh! I understand why they do it and am glad they do, it's the waiting that is horrible. Anyway, it didn't take too long and we were back in the sun relaxing for a sail away! *I have blogged about our trip at tannerlife.blogspot.com feel free to go there to check it out* Read more