I'm sad to report that I wasn't thrilled with our cruise. We love to cruise and actually booked this trip because it was the 5th anniversary of the night DH proposed on the Gem in Cagneys. Recreating that night was one of the highlights of our trip but there were so many other things that just weren't up to par.

Embarkation could best be described at organized chaos. The ship was late coming back from her previous voyage because the seas were so rough. We had gotten to the port early around 11:30 a.m. but they had only just begun disembarking passengers. We stood for over an hour in a hot crowded line before the metal detectors at security started admitting people. Once through there we stood for another hour to reach check in. Friends in the Garden Villa only had to endure the security parts but were then whisked onto the ship. Others in suites report that they were able to sit down and then were escorted through check in.

Once on board, we hid in the library until our cabin was ready. A few others had the same idea but it was relatively quiet and we could sit. I knew better then to brave the pandemonium I knew I'd find if we had ventured to the buffet. While we were in the library, we heard an announcement that muster was being pushed back so after dropping our gear in the cabin once it was opened, we actually managed a leisurely snack at the Blue Lagoon. Read more