Embarkation & Departure We arrived at the terminal at 11:45 and were surprised to see only one other taxi dropping off passengers. This was our first clue that this was to be a very "different" cruise from what we had previously experienced. Check in was a breeze. We were welcomed on board in less than 10 minutes and were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine.

We were not able to drop off our carry-on bags in our room as all the passageway doors were closed so we had to take them with us for lunch. The buffet at Windows Cafe was especially good for a departure day. It was not long before we were given the word that the cabins were ready for occupancy.

As we departed Miami the seas became very rough & uncomfortable. Captain "Theo" (Theodoros Mitropoulos) announced that we would have "lumpy" seas for about 3 hours and then it would smooth out. Ten minutes later he changed course which really calmed things down and then came back on the P/A system to say he had notified the home office about his decision to change course even though it added 130 miles to the first port. He said the comfort of the passengers was more important than extra fuel. From that point on all of us really appreciated Captain Theo and his crew. Read more