Embarkation: We flew in from Indiana the day before on Delta. We stayed at Roadway Inn in Miami because they had a good price and shuttle pick-up at the airport and shuttle delivery to the pier the next day. We arrived at the pier approximately 11:15. It seemed to be good timing, there were already people there, but not masses of them. Everything went smooth, plenty of places for people to sit to wait to get on board. For some reason, we were delayed being able to board the ship, I never really knew the reason.

Setting sail: When we were able to board, we were greeted with smiling faces and were given a glass of champagne or orange juice, which was very nice. We were able to walk around the ship. We chose to go above to the pool area where Flex and his band were playing and they were having a cook-out with hot dogs and hamburgers, and all other kinds of good food. We were able to access our cabin approximately 1:30. We were delayed leaving Miami for about an hour, not actually leaving the port until 6PM. The ship was really rocking with the waves. As a matter of fact, I am still dizzy a day later.

Food: I like freestyle cruising. We didn't dress up, and ate whatever or whenever we wanted. We loved Cagney's steak house. The Colossal shrimp are out of this world. I was disappointed in the Venetian. The service was terrible, and the food was worse. We ate at the Aqua one night, and it was very good and service was excellent. Salsa's Mexican restaurant was okay, and Impressions Italian restaurant was okay, but in comparison, rather than spending the extra money, I would have been just as happy eating at the buffet. When I ate at the buffet, it was very good. I had a slight problem, one morning I was eating my usual waffle for breakfast, when I found a piece of glass in it. Read more