Being excited about my first cruise, I don't know if the embarkment process was short/average/long. Didn't seem long to me. I was one of those people who thought 'I can't be cooped up with that many people', especially for 14 days. But I never fell cramped, crowded or overwhelmed....a little sea sick once though. Our room was snug for 3 people, but we spent so little time there it was okay. The price and location was just to tempting not go! Very few children, I saw about six.

Our little tug boats did an amazing job of getting us out of port around those huge cargo ships and off we went! The welcome board poolside barbeque with music was fun, with plenty of seating inside and out. The excitement was contagious.

First stop was Montevideo, Uruguay: take the Leather Company free ride to the center plaza. After browsing/buying at the store, the plaza outside has many sightseeing areas -monuments,only piece of the old city wall, classic hotels and opera house. Make sure you stop buy the street craft fair, many items are affordable, esp. the jewelry, pottery and chocolates. It was a short time, but plenty to do. Read more