Our 4-day vacation on the Vision of the Seas began April 10, 2003. My wife and our two children, four and eleven, arrived at the San Pedro terminal around 11:00 a.m. We were quickly met by a porter taking our luggage. Parking at the San Pedro terminal ($10 a day, cash only) was rather full, but they did offer a free shuttle. Check-in was very quick only taking 15 minutes. A quick family embarkation and sea pass photo and we were on the ship. Vision of the Seas is beautiful and spotless; this was her first cruise since leaving dry dock in San Francisco.

Having four people we thought a room with a balcony would be ideal-- it was. We had a category D room on deck 7, which offered a balcony, TV, mini bar, phone and vanity. As we unpacked, the room steward knocked on our door to introduce him self and give us a quick tour of the room, and some updated schedule information.

As lunch time approached we decided to visit the Windjammer Cafe. As like many other reviews on Cruise Critic, the Windjammer Cafe food was average. You're better off eating in the dinning room or room service, which has better food but still rated less than great. Read more