We flew into Tampa the night before, staying at the Marriott Airport Hotel. It it is a good choice but not cheap. We arrived at the ship terminal at 12:50 p.m. thinking most cruisers would have arrived between 11 and noon. We still had to join the long line outside the terminal. The problem seemed to be that they only had two security machines operating. Once inside and through security we saw another long line to get to the check in desk. Fortunately, an employee asked if we were Latitudes Club members and when we said yes we were directed to that line which had only two parties ahead of us! Were all those folks in the long line not members? Actual check in was smooth and reasonably quick. Then as we walked toward the "get on the ship" line we saw two tables where we could make dinner and spa reservations with no lines. We signed up quickly for three nights of dinners (and got a discount) and then to the ship. From arrival at terminal until we actually got on the ship was 50 minutes.

As we were greeted by smiling and singing crew members we heard the announcement that cabins were ready! It wasn't 2 o'clock yet and our cabin was completely ready for us.The balcony cabin was just big enough to not be too cramped for the two of us and our clothes. The shower was larger than I recall this level cabin having on other ships, The bed was comfortable and I slept well. The balcony seemed typical with two chairs and a small table. Our cabin steward was great,responding to our requests and always friendly and outgoing.Actually the entire crew was friendly and seemed dedicated to making sure we were having a great time. This has not always been the case on other cruise lines.

We ate in five specialty restaurants and all were great with good food and service. We also ate in the Versailles main room two nights and again were satisfied. We had none of the long wait for food to arrive that other reviewers mention. About long lines to get seated at dinner...it seemed to take some passengers a couple of nights to figure out that you can make reservations at the free restaurants and not have to wait. The once we tried the Buffet breakfast made us glad we didn't plan on that every morning as some of the food seemed to have been there too long and was dry and crusty. Read more