We began our trip, flying down the day before the trip. Thought it would be much easier, it was. We stayed at the Days Inn Civic Center. Now mind you, I am not one that is picky where I lay my head so with that said, I had no expectations that this Days Inn would be a high quality place. The rooms were clean and a place to lay my head to go to bed. Now, there is NOTHING to do where this place is at, which if that's you're thing then its not a problem. I booked it early and got a 67.00 rate and with tax was like 79.00. They offer a free shuttle to the Port of Miami so wasn't all that bad. Use your own judgment if you stay there, if you are not picky where you sleep and don't care about the finer amenities, then stay there. Look at it this way, you're not there that long anyway and a cruise ship is on the horizon.

 SUNDAY We left the Days Inn around 930(ish) in the morning and got to the port around 9:45am. We didn't know much what do to and saw people standing outside so we did, come to find out we didn't need to and we went inside, checked in. Showed all necessary documents and got our sail and sign cards and we proceeded to the waiting area where you wait to go up to the gangplank. We had about a 45 minute wait and around 1045, we were on our way up to a second holding area ( WITH CHAIRS) and got the go ahead at 11:00 to board. Took the pictures and made the entry into the ship by 11:15. The process was very organized and went very smooth. They take your picture prior to boarding the ship which identifies you when you get on and off the ship. We explored the ship and the good thing about getting there early is that you can get great photos without anyone else walking in your way. It also gives you a chance to run around and get a feel for where you're at and how to get to and fro. We went up to Rosie's and had lunch and our first drink of the day. YUMMY. Each day they serve a different variation of food for lunch so be sure you check your capers for what they're serving. As everyone has said, Fish & Chips are NOT TO BE MISSED !! Get there early before everyone else discovers where its at because when they do, there are lines. Also the Deli is great as well. Then there was the lifeboat drill and let me be quite frank and honest. Yes it was very hot, especially with those vests on. However the entire process took only 15 minutes tops. Wasn't that big of a deal and doesn't take that long. Then it was off to watch the boat sail away. I had several phone numbers from my cruise critic buddies so met some of them during sail away. We had the 5:45 dinner setting in the Washington Dining room, back of the ship and He-Man was our waiter. He was SIMPLY THE BEST. Knew what I wanted and had my eating habits down pat after the first night. Very attentive and very informative about his country. If you are lucky enough to have him as your waiter..Tell him that RYAN said hello. He pampers you and genuinely cares. Gave me a very painted narrative of how the waiters live on board. You can eat as much as you want of anything. For example on average I had 2 appetizers and 2 or 3 entrEes plus desert. So if you're hungry or love something you eat, ask for more, they don't care. The welcome aboard show was a lot of fun and energetic, gives you a tease as to what is in store for you entertainment wise. Then I was off to what became my hangout while on board. The piano bar, Lindy Hop. Ron Pass is a great entertainer. He loves his socials and its amazing to watch him play and play, drink and drink and not mess up. He really has star quality and definitely one of the best memories I have of my trip. I promise you this, that if you go on there once, you will be hooked. By the end of the cruise the room was packed and no where to sit, people were standing up waiting for a seat. You'll get hooked. And if you're a night owl, stay till close which at that point Ron does adult songs that are not for the easily offended. So if you have a sense of humor and love to laugh, stick around they are hysterical.

MONDAY - Nassau, Bahamas Read more