Embarkation: Waited for 45 minutes in the car as traffic in and out of the drop-off loop was slow. That was the best part however, as once inside the terminal you are put into a never-ending Disney-style line-up that winds back and forth about 6 times. The wait in line through immigration was over an hour long as the desks were understaffed, with only one(!) person rotating between three separate lines to hand out room keys. By the time you get on the ship, the lunch service has already conveniently ended. Embarking in St.Thomas is a NIGHTMARE and completely the company's fault. Every person on the ship is required to gather in a large room or dining hall before embarking to have your passports and personal documents returned (you have to give them up when you first embark). They do not allow people to be checked through customs until all guests are in the room (and they threaten a $250 fine if you're the one that holds up the process). Once everyone's in the room, then you can go through customs. Unfortunately there are only two customs officials so this process takes over an hour and a half. We also saw people arriving late throughout the process, and believed that the $250 threat is just that, an empty threat. I would suggest you disregard, go for breakfast and resign yourself to the fact that your short stay at your destination will be even shorter.

Disembarking: Check your own luggage! You'll be the first one off the ship. Leaving your luggage to be checked the night before means you'll be off on to two hours later than the self-checkers. Oh, and you'll have to wake up at 6:15 am to meet in another understaffed customs line.

Lifeboat Drill: Yes, we know its mandatory required by the coast guard, but you could prepare us for what is going on. It s a total joke in that you are all called down onto one deck, squished back against the wall and then allowed to return to your cabin. Read more