A little background. We live in the land of the tourist down in Florida. After 25 years of being married we have been on family trips to mouse world, MGM, Universal, B. Gardens, etc. more times then we can count. To the point that the kids would say "not again !". We live on the west coast with some of the finest beaches in the U.S. and warmest water, great sunsets. We see gators, deer, fox, bobcat, manatee, dolphin, etc. a lot. We are spoiled a little and take for granted what others pay a high price to enjoy for just a week. That said this was the best vacation we ever had, just wish the kids had been with us to share it with.
This was our 25th wed. ann. and we had never been on a cruise before, my wife who gets sea-sick on a elevator had no desire to ride the waves of the great blue. But after years of hearing co-workers and friends stories of their cruise's we cast caution to the wind and set sail. We also made sure that my wife had the little patches for sea-sickness that go behind the ears. We had family take us to port (only a hour drive for us) and gave our bags to the porters, also got our cabin number from them since we booked TBA. All we asked the travel agency for was a O/V. We were early and embarkation was long but after 9/11 we rather have them safe and not sorry. The line was inside and cool, much better then any line at any of the tourist parks.
We found our room right off on E deck, to the right and down the hall. The room had more than enough room for us and everything we had in tow (enough for a 3 week cruise). Next was the life vest drill, dull but needed. We made our way back to the room to return the vests and were pleased to find our bags were already there. After unpacking we went a-wandering, being this was our first time on a cruise we were in awe of the size and beauty of the ship. They are really something for a first timer. Made our way back to the rear deck, had the drink of the day as we watched Tampa fade away.