We booked this cruise three weeks before sailing - guarantee balcony and were pleasantly surprised with the Verandah Deck, Cabin 8392. Although below the Lido Deck we never heard any noise except an occasional scrape of a cart across the floor, which shouldn't even be noted since it was so seldom. The cabin was a nice size, verandah was wonderful - used it every day a couple of times a day - good for whale and dolphin watching - dolphins are quite abundant on this cruise! The bed was by far the most comfortable nights sleep I have gotten in years-asked for extra pillows and blanket and our steward was very accommodating. Had a towel animal 4 nights our of five! Embarkation was easy, lines were long since we arrived at 12:30 (along with everyone else) Took about an hour. Next time I would arrive earlier 11:00 ish or after 2:00 (even though I love to spend time familiarizing myself with the ship before sailaway. Employees in the terminal very pleasant. Once on the ship we were off to explore our cabin which was not quite ready, so they tend to run a little late sometimes...no problem, up to the Lido for our first meal. The usual buffet fare, but tasty nonetheless - very crowded at embarkation, but more than enough seats to accommodate everyone, so not a problem. The only bad thing about the buffet was they had a hard time keeping the drink dispensers full with the amount of people on board. Sailing out of NYC is absolutely gorgeous - this was our 2nd time out of this port. Dinner in the dining room was great - more flair on the plates (love that!) and of course ordered more than one appetizer at times and often shared an additional meal with the hubby to taste everything. Let's not forget about Gabriella, the beverage server - friendliest cruise employee I've met to date! We had booked and asked for the early seating only to find we were on the 8:00 seating - tried to change it with the Maitre'D, but alas, no room at the inn! Remember, we did book only 3 weeks previous, so be prepared for that - you only find out when you receive your sign and sail card at embarkation. Nonetheless, service and food was very good - we had the Pacific Upper Dining Room. The show the last night with the waitstaff had us rolling on the floor. Unfortunately with the late seating we were far to full and tired to make it to all the shows - saw the first and last nights and they were about a 4 on a scale of 1-5 (5 being best). Also did not do tours - chose to walk around St. John, very helpful port staff to help with any questions. Same for Halifax, chose to walk the Harbour Walk - shops/food etc...scenic along the harbour with a lot of nice photo ops with lovely sailboats and such. We did go to the Maritime Museum to see the Titanic Exhibit and Pirates exhibit which we loved. Must say this was the smoothest sailing I have ever been on - rarely felt movement except on the way home with a little fishtailing movement in the Dining Room (it is in the rear of the ship after all!). Pools were too cold - went in it once and said, that's enough! Never got to the hottubs, but they were never overloaded so we could have if we chose to. More than enough loungechairs for everyone, whether on a upper deck or by the pool - never a problem finding one. Also have to note that the other vacationers on board were just the friendliest group of people - very enjoyable! Just a note - there are 2 formal nights on a five day - surprise to me, although I'm not one for the formal nights anyway. SOOOOOOOO Much picture taking going on that we had to duck away a couple of times...I would have to say they are overkill on the Photo Ops! Disembarkation was a breeze - we chose to self - assist with out suitcases and were off the boat by 7:45 a.m. - very smooth. That about sums it up - any questions - feel free to drop me a line!