We surprised our two boys with a Christmas cruise to the Bahamas and Key West. We drove to Miami from Tampa and arrived at the off site parking location around 1pm. After a short wait, we were on our way to the cruise terminal and checked in and on board by 2pm. Here is where I had my first (and really only) bit of frustration which was mostly our fault. We knocked around the ship for a few minutes and then tried to go to the Windjammer, Sorrentos, and Compass Deli for a bit of late lunch. However, since the muster was at 3:30 they all closed just before 3pm. We attended the muster on empty stomachs. Boo hoo for us.

After a relatively quick and painless muster, we shoved off at 4pm and were on our way.

We had great staff at all points. Our stateroom attendant, Jason, was excellent and saw to it that our room was always ship shape. Our waiter (Igede) and assistant waiter (Daniel) were also tremendous. Very accommodating and friendly. We have a son with food allergies and they made a note of it even bringing over the head waiter and one of the chefs to make sure all understood our needs. No complaints at all about the dinner food. Read more