We always arrive for our cruise a few days ahead of time and stay a few days after so we aren't rushed. We stayed at the Sleep Inn & Suites in Dania as we did last year on the Oasis. The staff are pleasant, the rooms okay and they have shuttle back and forth to the airport and port.

Embarkation - A breeze just like it was on the Oasis. RCI seems to put their best customer relations and friendliest staff in the boarding area which really helps with first impressions. We didn't need to acquaint ourselves with the ship so we headed directly to the Solarium for a quiet lunch. Next we were off to the Flow-rider and were the first ones on it as soon as it opened. I had been on it back in 2006 on the Freedom and last year on the Oasis so I knew it filled up fast. The staff there were fantastic and gave my friend and I one on one attention.

Orientation - We always visit the Dining Room to check our table assignment. It was next to the Captains table like last year so there are benefits to being repeat cruisers. There was one lady though who was upset with her seating and she really let them know it. She had no patience and staff did not deserve to be chastised the way she did (there are some people who should not cruise or even leave the house). Our luggage arrived shortly after we got back from a quick tour of the ship. The amenities on most RCI ships are located in much the same areas on the ship so navigating around for us is a breeze. They also have information screens on each floor for the uninitiated so nobody should have an excuse for getting lost. Read more