We live in Florida but prefer to arrive a night early at the departure port just so we do not rush around at the last minute or in case of mishaps - like this year! We were on the way and had driven about one hour. For some reason, I asked my wife if she had remembered the passports. She got a horrified look on her face and said they were still on the kitchen counter! A detour off the Florida Turnpike, back home, grabbed the passports, and back on the road. Tragedy averted!

Embarkation on Sunday was a breeze. No problems at all. Very nice balcony cabin on the 9th deck midship. Cabin steward was Simpson and he was pretty efficient in his job.

We ate one dinner in Murano and it was wonderful. The lobster in cream sauce prepared tableside is my favorite without a doubt. My advice - do not pay full price in Murano. They will be open to offers when not completely booked. We got 50 percent off! Read more