There are not enough words to explain the elation we felt on this ship. The pictures and videos we had seen hadn't prepared us for just how majestic this vessel really was. We drove over from Tampa, FL and was floored to find that the parking was a VERY short walk from the terminal. Checking the bags was a cinch and when we got inside the terminal, I forgot that I had my father's B-Day card on me...stamped ready to go. I asked one of the women ushering people to the lane to check in based on Deck Level if there was a post box. She said there wasn't but told me she would take it home and mail it for me. I took a chance and ya know what....I found out that not only did she mail it, but my father got it 2 days short of his B-day. This was a good sign of things to come.

We checked in and it was a breeze, then found out we could have boarded at around 9am...it was 12pm. Anyhoo...we went up the esculator and onto the gangway and before we knew it...we were on the largest cruise ship in the ocean. It was like entering a different world. There was a GREAT pizza joint, a coffee bar that made the best Frapaccinos ever...and they use Starbucks coffee. Remember, all the treats are free and so is standard coffee...but you will pay for specialty items like blended drinks. So what, you're on vacation...live a little.

We got to our room and found that we had a king size bed and adjustable temp controls. Our room steward, Rupesh, was helping us right away and was a great guy. Anything we needed, he was quick to accommotated. The bathroom is small, but very functional and the shower was just enough with a clam shell design. The body wash was great! Read more