This cruise was taken during the Northeast school vacation 2/15-2/22/09. We had our two children ages 13/11 with us and had cabins directly across from each other on deck 9. We traveled from MA on our own airline arrangements.

We took this same cruise 4-5 years ago so I could really compare and contrast.

Arrival/embarkation day was uneventful for the most part. Arrived at the pier around 230 to find a very long line to check bags in. Originally got in the line but then figured that there must be a quicker way for Platinum members to get on the ship. Went to ask someone and they directed me to a desk where indeed they took our luggage and we got to go right into the terminal and then right to the counter to check in. Wish I had known about the "special desk" ahead of time. While in line I noticed an extreme over abundance of "native" islanders. I couldn't believe it. Everywhere I looked there were people speaking Spanish and there was definitely a paucity of Yankee/Red Sox hats that normally fill the air during this time frame. I knew this ship was not full as I almost changed cabin arrangements two weeks before sailing. I am sure they gave cabins away to the native folks for a mere pittance. This did not set well with me. I heard way too much Spanish during the week. The worst was when they had a sale on watches in the gift ship towards the end of the cruise. My daughter saw one she wanted and when we went to wait for the sale to start the room was full of these people. They ended up trampling my daughter out of the way and she ended up with nothing. I couldn't believe it. Read more