We were really looking forward to this cruise because we had not been on one in 2015 and really missed cruising that winter. Our last cruise was on the Equinox in 2014 with family and friends and had a great time. This time it was just the two of us.

We always try to fly in two days ahead of the cruise just in case there is bad weather in our home city. We stayed the two nights at the Doubletree Galleria Mall. We have stayed there many times before and really like the location. There is a Publix that is a 5+ minute walk and the Galleria Mall has a food court plus three or four lovely restaurants. Starbucks is right near Publix.

Embarkation was a breeze. We arrived at the port at 11:25 and were onboard by 11:45. The only lineup was for scanning our carry-ons and us. We went directly to the dining room to make a reservation for dinner for 6:00 or 6:30 but they were all full up and we would just have to show up and wait for an available table. We were quite surprised. I'm guessing we missed the opportunity to make a dinner reservation on-line from home before we left. Not sure. Read more