This cruise was meant to extend our summer and provide a break from everyday stress. We flew down to LA from Vancouver, BC the day before. As soon as the plane took off, the phones and Ipods were turned to airplane mode, to avoid nasty roaming bills, and also to see if we could handle going "off the grid" for a whole week. Turns out it was pretty easy. Once at LAX, we found Super Shuttle and were on our way to the Hotel Maya for overnight. The hotel was clean (no bugs!) with wonderful walking paths along the shoreline. It was a bit noisy, but it was a Saturday night and didn't really bother us. We took the free Passport shuttle to downtown to pick up some wine to take aboard, and then visited the Shoreline Village for a stroll and dinner.

The next morning, we took the hotel shuttle to the port around 10:30. Check-in was easy and quick, and we were given zone 4 for loading. Embarkation didn't really start until 11:30 or so, and by the time we went through the requisite security lines, it was 12:30 by the time we were on the ship. First stop was the Lido deck aft, where we enjoyed the much-anticipated pastrami on rye paninis from the Grill, along with a Yellow Bird to really start the cruise. After that, we went to check out our cabin. Our luggage was already there, and we unpacked and met our cabin steward, Joanna. She was excellent, and kept the cabin immaculate and the ice bucket full.

We ate all breakfasts and most lunches in the Buffet. The variety and quantities were excellent, though it was difficult to be able to get through the lines and to a table to eat while the food was still warm. However, since we neither had to prepare nor clean up, we weren't about to complain! We ate all dinners in the Main Dining Room, Early seating. Our staff there was excellent, especially our Dining Assistant Maryia, who was always smiling, friendly and who would take the time to say hello and chat for a moment whenever we met up at the Buffet or on the Lido deck too. We were at a table for 4. We hit it off with the other couple, so much so that we spent the day together in PV. Meals in the MDR were usually good -- good variety, great service. Again, meals were usually warm rather than hot, but I accept that it's tough to do hot meals with so many passengers. Read more