Embarkation: Arrived at Baltimore Pier around 10:00. Lines were long-ish but moved quickly. Processed quickly and efficiently. Greeted by photographer and maitre'd, which was convenient for making dinner reservations.

Boarding: Plenty of seating while we waited. Nice selection of food in the Windjammer, although it was crowded and we had trouble finding seating. Took a while for some of our party's bags to be delivered, but my roomie and I found ours in the pile and took them ourselves.

Setting sail: Nice party atmosphere on the upper decks-music, drinks, dancing. Fun arrival of the local news helicopter. Read more