Embarkation: Arrived at the pier around noon, dropped off our bags and headed over to Hooters in Channelside. After a few beers and wings, yum, we headed over to board around 2pm. The entire process of security, check-in and photos took maybe 30 minutes. By 2:45 we were in our cabins putting things away.

Cabin: U230, all the way at the stern of the ship. This was an oceanview room facing out of the rear of the ship. Really cool, we could see the wake of the ship at all times. It was noticeably rockier back here compared to midship, but I must attribute some of this to the seas we had. Our cabin steward was great! We requested ice for our fold-up cooler on the first day, and it never went without. DW also requested more pillows and they arrived that night at turndown.

Muster Drill: Probably the easiest drill I have ever witnessed. The crew did not require us to put the vests on until we reached our assigned area. Once everyone had it on, maybe 5 minutes in, they allowed us to remove the vests. What a relief! We had the privilege to sit in the air conditioned comfort of the Candlelight Lounge with no vest on!! Read more