Let me start with background. This cruise was the 5th for my husband and I, (late 30s-early 40s) and the first for my 21 year old daughter. It was a college graduation present to her. My husband and I previously sailed on the Pride in January of 2010 with the same itinerary. We chose this cruise again because Baltimore is our home port and because of the great price.

We spent Saturday night in Baltimore. We ate dinner and went to the James Joyce Irish pub for cocktails and to watch playoffs. Always a great time there!

Embarkation was smooth as always at Baltimore port. We were on the ship by 12:30ish and in the sports bar for the start of the Ravens game. Did I mention I Strongly dislike the Ravens? Met up with cruise critic roll call people while there and enjoyed our first bucket of beer while watching the game. Read more