Sorry if it's long-winded, I want you to feel like you were there with us.
We got the notification that the ship would be late and to report to the pier at 5pm for a 7pm saililng. Got there 5ish but stood in line forever due to computer problems. We got hassled by a couple of workers for the size of our carry-on bag (it was a 20" rolling case filled with a nebulizer & the family's medicines). Once we told them it was medical supplies they seemed to leave us alone. They handed us pieces of paper to "cash in" at the concession stand for food to compensate us for the wait. Only problem with that is by the time we got through the line, they were only offering hot dogs. We had a vegetarian in our group so she had to watch the rest of us eat. There were still a lot of people behind us in line so I can only hope they didn't run out of the hot dogs before everyone had a chance to eat. Finally boarded the ship about 8:40 PM and left around 9ish. Bought the $99 spa pass for 3 of the women in our group of 10 people right when we got onboard. NOTE: They only offer 80 of these & it is well worth it~ get it while you can! Bought the soda package for the kids right at the Java Cafe in the atrium. $64 for 2 of them. It's a bit pricey but worth it if they don't drink water. That's about all that is free except for the juices at breakfast or unsweetened iced tea, coffe or tea throughout the day. They give you an insulated cup with a lid (kind of small) to use & put a sticker on the kid's key card. We didn't have trouble getting refills at any bar/restaurant at any time though I don't think you can get refills at the buffet~ I didn't see a soda machine anywhere there. My younger son was sea sick the first 2 days and my husband showed my son's card at the Java Cafe & got ginger ale & cola for him with no problems at all.
Our room was nice. When we got there we met Fidel, our room steward, the first night. He is an amazing guy! Knew we had a large group spread over 4 rooms and did anything and everything to keep us happy. He even acted as a messenger telling us when my parents or brothers had left their rooms and where everyone went to if he knew. He had a lot of patience with my sons (12 & 9) asking questions all the time. He seemed to never be far from the hallway so it seemed like he was always waiting to do something for someone. Never without a smile!
Loved the balcony but the door lock kept coming loose & making a whistling noise.