When I originally booked this cruise a year ago, I booked an owner's suite planning to bring along both of our sons to celebrate 25 years with us. As it turned out, neither could come, but I decided to keep the suite. You only get a 25th anniversary once.

The priority boarding was super fast. From getting to the port until we were in the lounge waiting to board was under 10 minutes. And then it was only another 10 minutes or so before they called us for boarding. We explored the ship for a while, then grabbed a quick bite as we waited for access to our cabin. There was only a hint of a smoky smell in one or two spots, and it wasn't there all the time. No signs of the fire other than that.

We had 1340, the Monet suite, and it was beautiful, huge, with all the amenities you'd expect. Whirlpool bath, upscale toiletries, tons and tons of space, and our own coffee maker. No cramming things into drawers this time. Our stateroom attendant Amelia was always around to keep the cabin looking good and fully stocked. Read more