My husband and I were concerned because of all of the negative reviews for this ship, but we found them to be without merit for at least the time of year we sailed! We sailed 10-17 to 10-24-04.
Embarkation was a breeze, probably because of our early arrival, and my husband's insistence of hauling butt to the terminal. We were the first in the Fun Pass line at that time (12:10 p.m.) and were able to breeze right onto the ship.
Ironically enough, as a past reviewer has mentioned, we too met John and Kathy on board, having met them within an hour of embarkation at the Sports Bar (Go Steelers!) and spent much of the rest of the cruise with them, as well as spending brief times with Pam and Keith at Karaoke and at the Piano Bar.