Embarkation: A

We left our home in Jersey City at 10:05 A.M. and took a commuter van to the Port Authority Bus Terminal from where we walked to the port. It was fairly easy since we only had one carry on and a backpack. We arrived at the port about 11:20 and immediately got into the Latitudes line. The line was about 10 minutes long. Some got out of the line and moved to the much shorter line for non Latitude members. Those who did ended up with less waiting in line and longer waiting to get on the ship. Boarding takes place by numbers which are given to you on a card when you finish all the necessary sign ins. Latitude members get lower boarding numbers and therefore board earlier. we received number 10 while those going to the other line were getting numbers in the 30s. Waiting in the Latitudes line is definitely worth it.

Boarding started at 12:15. Once on board we received our complimentary Orange Juice (neither my wife or I drink alcohol) and were directed to take our carry on to our stateroom before heading to lunch. Rooms would be ready by 2 P.M. but everyone could drop their belongings in their cabins upon boarding. Read more