This was the first time I booked a last minute, guarantee, just really needed a cruise. Going out of NY was so easy, we live in PA, hoped on a bus then a taxi ride, easy and relaxing. This was my first Platimum cruise so it was very easy checkin, didn't wait long. Had lunch in the Grand Pacific, it was very enjoyable.

Our room was ready as we finished, and it was a nice inside. I have been in every kind of cabin from inside to suites so I knew what to expect. We had no problem finding space for all our things and it was easy location to get out and enjoy the activities. Dinner was in Magenta, and good but we decided GP was more our style. We enjoyed the variety show and look forward to a week of amazing entertainment.

The next day started with our meet and greet, we met some of the staff, they welcomed us, and then a little getting to know the other CC members. After lunch was the latitude party and I continued to hold our hope that I would win a prize, darn empty hands again. We choose to dress up for dress up night and got some fantastic pictures taken that night. Our sea days were filled with many activities, mixed with relax time at our favorite spot the outdoor cafe, so nice outside. I will write about our ports separately in the ports section, but the HIGHLIGHT of our cruise was the amazing SAMANA, wow, the BEST experience of my life. We utilized our time on the ship enjoying amazing meals, learning about art and juggling, swimming in the great pool, walking on deck and getting to know some amazing staffs. You can not talk about a cruise without mentioning the fantastic hard working staff. Our cabin steward Joel was excellent at his job, our room was always ship shape, well stocked, he always greeted us by name and made the best towel animals!!! I was very happy to meet a young girl I had met last cruise on the Gem, Melva Y. from Peru, she is a special lady, with a smile and personality that really shines. She helped my mom who partially blind last time in the buffet and I never got chance to thank her. Now I did and she was so humble and thankful to be noticed. The ship has amazing Staff in Charge, Jenny the Hotel director keeps the crew working together seamlessly. Every dept worked well together because of the family feeling on the ship. Read more