EMBARKATION: This year instead of being the first one to the port we waited and arrived at the modest time of 1pm. Living close by is a plus. Luggage was taken immediately – no gridlock at Port Everglades – and we sailed through security. Upon reaching the upstairs area to receive our SeaPass cards we were misdirected to a counter that someone was already checking in at. After telling the line guide – we were ignored as he continued to send people behind us to the next counter. Finally, we secured a kiosk, after repeatedly telling him that he was letting everyone in front us – not a good start. The agent at the kiosk however was pleasant and within a few minutes we made our way to the welcome aboard photo area – and then onboard VOTS. We took the elevator without too much of a wait and went directly to our cabin aft deck 7. Usually we shlep the carry-ons to lunch – what a pain… This was much easier as we just dropped everything off.

CABIN: The cabin was clean with plenty of storage. Large closet, a ceiling to floor shelving unit adjacent to the closet, two drawers in each bedside nightstand, 3 drawers on each side of the desk, small shelves on either side of the desk mirror, a cabinet over the safe, and open shelves next to the refrigerator. The sitting area table also had a shelf underneath for more storage. The balcony was great – large with two loungers, two chairs and a small table. The bathroom shower was impossible and I am 5 ft./105 lbs. The curtain just blew in and stuck to you the whole time - gross. Storage in the bathroom, however, was aplenty (shelves going vertically alongside the basin sink) and the floor never got wet even dealing with the impossible shower. Our cabin steward Clinton (no, not Bill) was great – we asked him to remove the mini bar stuff (which was a little bit of a lengthy process) and later found everything hidden under the sofa – but it was out of our way. Everything else we only had to ask for once and he provided consistent and quick service the remainder of the cruise.

DINING: Windjammer never had much of a line – breakfast seemed the most crowded vs. lunchtime or dinner (but maybe that was just when we went). The food was repetitive – good for mass buffet food but not great. You definitely won’t starve. The tomato sauce for the pasta I found to be the highlight! It was delicious – not salty at all! One side of the buffet was always closed (port vs. starboard) but there were other additional stations in the Windjammer for other food options including the center “circle” with fruits, breads, desserts, etc. depending on the meal. I found 95% of the desserts sub-par but I am not a huge dessert person so I didn’t really care (nor need the extra calories). The view in WJ is good as you can look right over the bow. There were always window seats available. Also, there are no trays – I guess a good thing to limit the gluttony, but kind of hard to carry things like your plate and drink, etc. for us clumsy folks! Read more