We drove to Black Falcon pier and arrived about 11:30 AM. There were absolutely no lines and check-in was effortless. We waited about 10 minutes in a seating area to proceed ahead to board. Once on board, we took a chance and headed to our Cabin #7108, hump cabin with HUGE balcony. The door was wide open so we put down our Carry-on's, met an assistant cabin steward and proceeded up to the Windjammer for a great "first lunch". We did check out the Seaview Cafe, but it was not open. Since official cabin opening was not until 1PM (but nothing we had been handed at check-in stated this) we walked around and took more pictures of public areas.

Although our E1 balcony cabin was standard size, it only had an easy chair (no sofa) and to our surprise was Non-smoking, which was great for me. Our balcony was fabulous with two chairs, and two lounge chairs and a small table. Although throughout the week, it was mostly shaded, it did get some sun. I was perfect for our needs. Even though it is the very first cabin after the elevators going aft, it was amazingly quiet. Our cabin stewardess was Cassandra; boy was she invisible but very attentive and efficient.

We stopped for our first Bon Voyage drink and relaxed at Latitudes, the coffee cafe. As passengers congregated on the Promenade Deck outside, curiosity got the better of my husband. He went outside to find that a small fork-lift, including the Baggage Cage it was hauling onto the ship, had tipped over. All contents went into the sea! Ship's crew and longshoremen were in the water and on the pier, trying to retrieve luggage as fast as they could. Names were being announced over the PA system. These were folks who at least would get their luggage and its contents returned. Many lost their luggage before their trip even got underway. Royal Caribbean offered to clean the contents of each retrieved suitcase. However, because the accident was the fault of the unionized Longshoreman, claims of loss would have to be against that agency. How do you spell INSURANCE? Read more