The adventure started in finding the right cruise terminal in Singapore -- there are two, and our cab driver got it right the second time. But cabs in Singapore are cheap, so no harm, no foul. A very large Holland America ship was boarding at the same time, so the queue seemed to wend its way for miles until we saw the Nautica personnel holding their signs up. We bypassed the queue completely, and breezed through the embarkation process like rock stars.

Our inside room was larger than we had experienced on Princess. We were able to maneuver around one another without choreography (You Stand There While I Move Here, cha-cha-cha). Lots of storage, and a shower that you could actually turn around in. Really comfortable bed, and nice squishy pillows (unlike the foam logs you so often find.) Four electrical plugs, 2 European round prongs, and 2 American, with one of the American devoted to the obligatory night-light -- bring universal adapters if you travel with electronics.

Loved the ambience on the ship, with the emphasis on adult travel. And really loved the small (600 passenger) ship. Read more