I would like to supply a review for families going on their first cruise. My husband and I searched all the cruise sites for reviews to read and prepare us for our first trip and while we do understand that everything is not going to satisfy everybody, we felt that most of the reviews were only about what people didn't like and not really about the whole experience...thus, we didn't know what to expect at all. Now that we have gone on the cruise, I would like to give my version in hopes that it might help some of you who can't find the info you've been hoping for.

First of all, we booked our flight into Miami 2 days prior to sail, which worked out perfectly, so we could pick up last minute items we did not want to take on the plane with us (such as sunscreen, it's $10.00 a bottle on the ship, reading material (it's limited in the gift shop on the ship, although there is a library as well). Anyway, it worked out great, we then had the Thrifty car rental bus drop us off at the port when we returned the rental car (all the car rental buses go right to the ships at no charge.) We were told that cabs cost $45 one way (for those of you who were wondering) and there seemed to be plenty of them.

We arrived at the cruise ship terminal and dropped the bags with the color coded deck tags completed and attached (if you don't want to be held up, it pays to have this done ahead) at the baggage crates, they're right in front of the ship so you can't miss them. You will be surrounded by baggage handlers, which do expect to get tipped so have some small bills on hand 'cause they " don't have any change." We then took our carry ons and went to check in at the terminal, it's quite a bit of walking up and down escalators. At the desk, we had our FunPass completed online before we came and it went quick, we just had to hand it to the clerk with our birth certificates and photo ID and put a credit card down for the Sail and Sign card, which she then issued to us and we were on our way. The Sail and Sign card is your room key, credit card and ID card while on the ship. They do not accept cash on the boat at all. The kids (we had 2, ages 9 & 11) also get their own cards which are linked to the master account. You are able to give charging privileges to whoever you want by initialing next to that person's name. We just did the adults, but you can do the kids as well. At the gangway you are photographed and this picture is directly linked to your card. Another picture is taken of the family as you enter the ship (you can view and buy this picture later in the photo gallery).  Read more