First of all, I do want to report we had a wonderful time. I think many times a cruise is what you make of it. We certainly had good attitudes about everything. As far as background travel information on me, this is my 4th cruise (first time with Carnival, two Royal Caribbeans and this one). However, the last cruise I ever took was 10 years ago on our honeymoon. Things in the industry have certainly changed and not really for the better at the end of the day.

Embarkation: Was a breeze at Black Falcon Pier. We arrived at the busiest time (around noon) waited happily in line, had already checked our luggage with a porter and got our cruise card. We got onboard on deck 7 to a staff member handing out champage (it wasn't great but it was free!) or orange juice to kids. Told to go to deck 12 where a buffet and music was awaiting. I had been told by a previous cruiser that there was no food available until after the muster drill at 3:30 but this was definitely not true. I think if you arrived after 2, you might have been out of luck. Wear your bathing suit or bring it in your carryon....I didn't and regretted that I couldn't just jump in the pool on that hot embarkation day (luggage didn't get to the room until 6 pm as promised).

Staff: overall very friendly people. A few not so much, but honestly, we talked to so many crew members who LOVE Boston to Bermuda because we are good drinkers and tippers. Read more