This was our 15th cruise and we sailed on January 10th to St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados, Dominica and St. Maarten. We arrived at the cruiseport around 11:30. It was a bit of a madhouse when we arrived because for some reason it took debarking passengers 1 1/2 hours to get through customs & immigration and they were still coming out looking for taxis at 11:30. It took our taxi probably 10 to 15 minutes of waiting in line to drop us off because of this. Security went really quickkly for us, check-in a little slower but not bad and we were on the ship by 12:15 or so. Mimosa's were very gratefully received by that time. The rooms were not ready so we enjoyed lunch in the buffet. We were travelling with two other couples so we had our balcony dividers opened and we really liked that option. No need to lean around the dividers to chat. Our rooms were port side on the hump right near the elevators on deck 8. The only time we found it noisy was at night when they would have some activity in the Grand Foyer on deck 3. The sound would travel all the way up to deck 14. It was always over by 11:15 or so, so it wasn't a big deal for us.

We thoroughly enjoyed the food. We only ate dinner in the MDR and only ate breakfast and lunch at the buffet. Only once did we send back something to the kitchen at dinner (french onion soup was not hot). We loved the Indian food at the buffet. I like Indian food but not enough to want to make a whole meal of it at a restaurant so this way I could have a little and my husband could have all he wanted. The six of us requested early seating when we booked but it was not available so on the first day we made a reservation for 6:00 pm for their anytime dining, really liked the location of our table and really liked our waiter so we booked that table for 6:00 pm every night and it was just like early seating. They quickly figured out our requests for lemon with water and a glass of milk for the two of us. It worked out great. So don't despair if you can't get early seating. Try what we did. Our table overlooked the Captain's Table and we often wondered who the special people were who got to sit with the officers. Do not miss the beautiful brunch which was served in the MDR Deck 3 on the second last sea day, and be sure to take your camera.

We really enjoyed the Corning Glassworks shows and attended at least three of them. They made some beautiful creations. It is up on Deck 15 aft and is covered overtop so you don't have to sit out in the blazing sun. There are three very talented artists who talk you through everything you are seeing. Near the end of the cruise they auction off several of the pieces. We weren't there for that but we heard they went for substantial dollars. Some of their pieces are in the display stands by the elevators on deck 4 at least. Everyone should really go once. The shows last two hours but you can come and go as you please. Read more