We were in a mini-suite on the 11th deck - half way between mid ship and aft. Quick walk upstairs to get coffee from the buffet.

Embarkation - we flew the day before and stayed at the Marriott Biscayne Bay. Nice stay and we would go back. Got the room on points so I can't speak for the actual cost of the room. We had a bay view and saw our ship was in when we woke the next morning. Embarkation a bit painful. Got there at 11:30. Porter quickly took our bags. Security was trying to examine boarding information and passports. Two people to do that and they were very thorough. Got in line for screening and one more examination of tickets/passports. Got into the latitudes line to check in it went fairly quickly but then we had to go into a line in the hallway because the upstairs was already filled up and they weren't letting people on the ship yet. Finally got to go up the elevator and stand in yet another line to pick up the room key and then to sit in the chairs. Got in line to board and we were held up once again because they had to realign the gangway...but finally a hand cleansing and a glass of champagne - we were on the ship. Took a bit over an hour. (Sun this past March was about 20 minutes and Pride of America in May was about 15 just for comparison)

Headed immediately to the front desk to sign up for the "Behind the Scenes" tour (Mentioned in the daily, handed out as we boarded). At a cost of $55.00 person we got a run through the galley, laundry, back stage, the environmental section and the bridge. It lasted about 2 hours and was well worth the time I thought. Signing up was painful because the front desk wasn't clear on what the program was about and how to sign up for it (showed them the daily)...It was explained, during the tour, that this was a test program and they weren't sure if it was going to continue. Off to Tsars for lunch. Food was good but service wasn't so! Decided it was first day jitters. Read more