We chose this cruise for 1) price of balcony room, 2) length of cruise, and 3) port. We booked online, without selecting a particular room, just a balcony. Was surprised when finally received our room number, it had an extended balcony (the size of 2 regular). We also book off site parking, with a free shuttle not too far away. We got to the terminal about 10:30 and went through the check in very quick. Then sat down to wait until our group number (2) was called. That did take a good while, over an hour. They had the gangway going longways one way, then back longways. They should have just had it straight on, been much easier on our old legs.

Once of board, everyone is friendly, welcoming you and asking how you are. We were able to go to our room, even though they were still getting them ready. We put our carry on down and left for the Lido deck. THAT was crowded. We did have to sit at a dirty table, but just pushed the dirty dishes to one end. Went back to the cabin and really checked it out. We liked it very much. Seems like it had more closet space and the bathroom seemed bigger. Our other 2 bags arrived by mid-afternoon.... seemed pretty quick to me. We stayed on our balcony leaving Port Canaveral, as we had 2 chairs, a lounger, and a small table. Waved to a bunch of people along the shore. Unpacked fairly quick. Then walked around, mainly down a floor to the casino, to check out what kind of machines they had.

(Our purpose for the trip, relax, have a few drinks, see a show or two, and play (lose our money) in the casino. Once the ship gets so far out, they will open the casino. Our cocktail server, Edith from Peru, was so friendly, calling us by name. She even told us, if we order a double, in a bigger glass it was only $3 more. First night was fairly crowded in casino. Ended up eating at Lido again. Read more