Saturday 10-18 Arrived Port Canaveral around 6:00 from Atlanta. We ate at Grills. The boats had already gone out that day. There was a crowd and about a 45 minute wait for an inside table. We went ahead and ate outside on the deck near the boat ramp. We enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. There was a couple there getting married (had on their wedding attire!) and several kids there dressed for prom. We stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn and utilized their free parking.

Sunday 10-19 Breakfast is included with the room at the Residence Inn. The Inn does not have it's own shuttle but they have a company that does provide the service for $3 each way. The shuttle was scheduled for 11:00. We got to the lobby around 10:45 and it was very crowded. Several called taxi's and went ahead. A 15 passenger shuttle came in pulling a trailer. Several in front of us seemed to be able to fill it up. My wife went around and spoke to the driver and we were able to get on as the other groups were larger and wanted to stay together. A large bus came in behind us as we were leaving for the rest. At the terminal we unloaded the luggage then were directed to the left side door where there was no line (this was around 11:30). We went upstairs and there was no line at all and immediately got our seapass and boarded. After getting our soda package (using mycokerewards cards) we went to the windjammer for lunch. It was very crowded but we were able to turn a table for 4 to a 5. After lunch we went to our cabins on deck 6. We had 6356 and 6360. Mel our steward came by and we asked he clean out the fridge for the drinks we brought. He was great all week. Remembering our names and always having the room done quickly. We had main dining, table 294 for 10. Nemo from Slovenia was our waiter and Giorgio from Brazil his assistant. Nemo was excellent. Giorgio was new and took a couple of days to learn who ordered what drink but by Tuesday was getting it right. We had the prime rib which was good. We enjoyed the food in the dining room very much. Some was very good and some was just good but nothing was bad. Welcome aboard show was okay, the comedian was funny.

Monday 10-20 Sea day. Did nothing most of the day but eat and sleep. Ah the glories of cruising. First formal night. I'd say about 25% of the main seating men had tuxes, 50% suit and tie and the rest some of everything. Saw one guy in a Bears football jersey and blue jean shorts. That didn't bother my vacation. Had sliced beef tenderloin which was excellent. "Front Row" with the ships singers and dancers was the entertainment. The dancers were good and the singers ok. Read more