We booked the cruise Jan 2010, travelled with 22 family and friends. Flew into Miami two days prior, and stayed at the La Quinta (East) near the airport on La Jeune Road. The hotel accommodated all of our group, and check in went well. The price was more than reasonable and the rooms were adequately appointed with comfortable beds and the necessary amenities. They provided a free shuttle from the airport and also the cruise terminal. Arrangements were made with the shuttle service for a nominal fee of ten dollars per person, to pick us up at the cruise terminal and return us to the hotel or the airport. This all worked out quite well. The staff were friendly and the breakfast each day was plenty. Waffles/Hard boiled eggs/bagels/muffins/toast/yogurt/fruit/coffee/tea/juice etc.

The check-in at the cruise terminal went effortlessly, and were on board with-in approximately 45 minutes. Ship was at full capacity. Some waiting occurred in the main dining rooms, but received a beeper when a table was ready, the maximum wait was no more than 20 minutes. After all, we are on holidays some time is what we have lots of. The staff were friendly and professional, from the wait staff to the entertainers and room stewards. Any negative issues were so minor that they were not worth mentioning. This ship is showing a bit of wear in the carpeting in the cabins.

Overall the balcony suite we had was more than adequate. The balcony was small, but it worked. Two chairs and a small table. Great spot for reading,relaxing and listening to the waves. We received our suitcases before dinner, and at the end, we didn't have to be out of our rooms until 09:00, and off the ship at our designated time of 10:15. Lots of time for breakfast and not having to hurry. Our baggage was awaiting us, and since we were coming back to Canada, we just handed our Customs form over to the officer and we were on our way. Read more