My husband and I went on our third cruise to celebrate my 60th birthday. Our trip was perfect from start to finish. We joined the Crown and Anchor prior to leaving. This was a great move! We arrived at the port at 10:00 after staying at the Courtyard Marriott near Newark airport the night before which was 20 minutes from the port. We zipped through security, spent brief moments in the check-in line and then had a seat in the waiting area. After waiting a brief 30 minutes they began to invite people to go on the ship. Our number was called at about 11:15. We immediately went to the Windjammer to catch some lunch. Our room was available at 2:00 pm just as promised. We were on Deck 10 - cabin 1604. The view from the balcony was outstanding. Plenty of storage. AC worked great. Our stateroom attendant Mee-tu was amazing from the first time we met with him. He made sure that we fresh ice every day, as well as extra pillows, wine glasses, and extra clean towels.
Food in the main dining room was good - my husband actually thought his selections were great - but my fish choices were less impressive. We ate twice in Portofino and once in Chops. Our meals in Portofino were the best meals we have ever had on a cruise. Our server both nights was Vitale. We followed his suggestions for appetizers and dinner (Prawn Risotto and Osso Bucco). The second night in Portofino we celebrated my birthday and they really made the night special.
Kim at the piano in the Schooner Lounge was great fun! The ice show and "Up in The Air" were very entertaining. Saturday Night Fever was okay. The Love and Marriage show was hilarious. Most of the bars - including Hoof and Claw and Boleros were hoping at night.
Great cabin! Super location! One deck down from Windjammer, specialty restaurants, pools, and gym helped us to avoid the elevators. Plenty of storage. Shower had great water pressure. Ask for extra pillows. Balcony was great place to watch ship coming in and out of harbor.
Easy to get in and out of port. Parking garage is right there.