The staff on the Empress were very friendly, helpful and informative. I am glad we traveled with them and will travel with them again soon.
I DO RECOMMEND purchasing the drink packages (if you're going to drink more than four drinks a day) three days prior to boarding. We did but some othes did not and the price jumped $21 dollars a day per person in the cabin purchased day of cruise on the ship.
I DO RECOMMEND trying out the stateroom service at least once while on the trip.
Manuel Torre is very good at his job. He and the others pride themselves on keeping your quartars well kept.
We have traveled to the Keys before so there wasn't anything new for us to do really. The ship leave a bit early to really enjoy Irish Kevins or Sloppy Joes for those bars really get going at night time.
We arrived to Miami two night prior. Departured day we traveled to the port (leave early because it is a zoo) stood in-line and got on the ship.