My DH and I booked this cruise about six months before sailing. Two weeks before, we were upgraded to an ocean view room at no extra charge. We decided to drive down the day before sailing. It was about a five and a half hour drive. We booked a room at the Best Western Jacksonville Airport hotel for $99 plus taxes which included shuttle to and from the port and no extra charge to keep the car parked there. The hotel was clean, free continental breakfast, and free wifi. I was a little disappointed that the earliest we were able to get on the shuttle was 1:30 pm, but later learned that it was on a first come first serve basis and we had checked in late. This hotel is non smoking and there is a Wal-Mart, Ross, and other stores close by in case you forgot to pack anything.

Embarkation: It was about a fifteen minute shuttle ride to the port. When you get to the gate, you have to have your passport/photo id ready and your fun pass because security checks you in. We unloaded our luggage and sent it off with the porter. We tipped the porter and he didn't even seem to want it. Then waited about 20 minutes to get through security and another twenty to get our sail and sign cards, pictures, and then off to lido. We had our first DOD and grabbed a bite to eat. I think the food is good. Its just predictable with the hamburgers and hot dogs, but they do have different stuff inside the coconut bar, including the pizza and sandwiches and also salad and fruit too. Then it was time for sail away and we went on the top deck by the funnel and watched as it looked like it was going to hit the bridge. It was really windy and the boat was rocking pretty hard, so I had to use the patch for sea sickness.

When we got on the ship, we had to go visit the maitre d' to change our dining time to the late seating. Peter was really nice and looked hard to find us someone to be compatible with, and lost out on our first time as we did not get along with dinner mates. So next night, we changed again and was much better off as we had met a couple we clicked with and just got a table together. Our waiter was Kadek and his assistant was Gene and they were absolutely wonderful. Michelle was our bar waitress in the dining room and she was great too. The first night I got the Flat Iron Steak and it was good, however, the second night not so good. The chocolate melting cake was good. Crab cakes, Caesar salad, chicken something, was all good. I had no problems with the dining room. Read more