Starting with embarkation it was the fastest we have ever experienced. We arrived at the terminal at about 11:15 AM and were on the ship around noon eating lunch in the Windjammer Cafe.
Meals aboard the ship were outstanding as was the service. We ate breakfast on Deck 3 in the Carmen each morning so we could order eggs benedict or whatever from a daily menu or choose from a complete breakfast buffet. Orders not on the menu were allowed as well. For lunch we ate at several locations. The Windjammer Cafe was your typical buffet and we ate there only twice. We did Johnnie Rockets one day for lunch which was okay but there is a $4.95 per head cover charge plus any beverage requires payment which could be $4-plus for a malt or shake. Our favorite lunch destination was on Deck 3 in the Carmen where a varied menu was offered in addition to a very classy and loaded salad bar. We chose My Time Dining for dinner and were seated in the Magic Flute on Deck 5. Every meal was elegant in both choice and flavor and the service was truly outstanding. Our overall meal experience was outstanding.
We are basic beer drinkers and found the prices a bit higher than any other cruise. You can expect to pay a minimum of $4.75 for any beer selected and that does not count an automatic 15% added to your bill. Plus, before you get 12 miles off the Louisiana shore there is another 9% added. There are no "bucket" prices but I will say there is an enormous variety of beers available at the Pig & Whistle on Deck 5. Also, our beverage server was called Cat and he was from Romania and he was truly outstanding.
Nice size room and balcony. Closet and storage space more than experienced on other cruises. Bathroom design is the best we have had mainly due to rounded shower and commode location. A couch is the room was an added plus. We were across from steward's room but never heard any external noises. Being on Deck 6 put us only one to three floors above the main eating locations, i.e., accessible by the stairs.