As this was our first cruise, and a celebration for our parents 50th wedding anniversary and our son's high school graduation, we were looking forward to a nice, relaxing trip on a big, beautiful ship, or so we thought. The ship leaves alot be desired in decor and despite its facelift a few years ago, it doesn't live up to the grandeur of the others that my parents have been on before.

It is easier to go in sequence of the events for the 5 day cruise out of Fort Lauderdale sea port. Embarkation was surprisingly quick and easy, no waits, worked like a charm. Once we entered the ship, we had to make our way to our outside cabin, 3rd floor, in the center of the ship. Our cabin steward was no where to be found, so we dropped our overnight case in the room and went around the ship, awaiting the muster drill. Muster Drill was absolutely ridiculous and a waste of time in the heat and humidity. You stand like sardines for 30 minutes and try to figure out what you would really do in the event of a disaster, as that was not explained.

The ship was less than exciting, once we got to look around at the two very small pools, 1300 chairs for 2600 travelers, we were less than enchanted. Read more