Embarkation: Arrived at the port around 10:00, there was no line to check in, although there was all ready a line to go through security. After security we just stood in these long lines that wound through the little retractable barricades. I didn't mind the waiting so much, but when we were finally allowed to move towards boarding the ship itself, upstairs was a huge room with chairs, resembling an airport terminal, completely empty. And by this point, we'd been standing in the same spot for about an hour and a half. Not cool. We were onboard by 11:45.

Stopped in the lobby, at the American Bar, for a much-needed refreshment after standing in that long line. Then headed to our rooms, which were ready. Took some pictures, dropped our bags and headed up on deck. Took more pictures of the ship, headed up to Rosie's for a bite to eat, then outside on deck to have a few drinks.

Headed back to the rooms just prior to muster drill. Did the drill, which took all of 15 minutes and I don't know why people make such a stink about having to go to it. Headed back up on deck for sail-away. Read more