NYC – Stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square (7 blocks from the cruise port). If you get a room on a high floor, facing 8th Ave you will be able to see the cruise ships from your room. Great diner across the street for breakfast.
Embarkation – Arrived at 12:30pm and on the ship in 20 minutes. Very organized process.
Food – Very good everywhere with the exception of Ocean Blue (king crab leg appetizer was dry/fishy and lobster tail was overcooked). Highly recommend Shanghai Noodle Bar.
Cabin 12280 – Good location, close to aft elevators. Room was kept very clean by room steward, Gil. Only negatives were 1. The water ran out from under the shower door (a potential hazard) and 2. The carpet next to the closet door was wet all week (not a deal breaker but kind of gross).