We booked the 11/8/2009 sailing over a year prior. Our daughter was diagnosed with cancer in September 2009 and we decided that after a year of surgery and treatments, her family would be ready for some rest and relaxation. We chose this ship because of the H20Zone and hot tubs. My husband and I have previously sailed 8 times with RC. We live just 1 hour and 45 minutes north of Miami and drove to the port. On previous cruises we were on board by 11:30 and for that reason, I told my daughter not to worry about packing snacks for her 32 month old son.

Expecting priority embarkation, we were told that we would be late boarding as 2 cases of legionnaire's disease were on the previous sailing and the ship was being thoroughly cleaned. Next we were told that Customs was checking the entire ship and crew and embarkation would be further delayed. We all sat in a huge room with nothing in the way of drink (water) or food (maybe pastries) available. Our grandson was very hungry and his Mom went to try and get snacks where there was a line of approximately 50 people trying to get potato chips or whatever. Time dragged on and we sat and sat. Finally at approximately 2:30 we were told we could board. Expecting the Wind Jammer to be packed, we opted for Sorrentos for a quick bite of pizza. Excellent service and pizza and salad.

Off to see the H2O zone. It was all roped off and not operating. When we inquired, we were told there was a sanitation issue. It remained closed all day. The next day we went to the H20 zone. It was closed - were told there were not enough children on board to warrant its opening - huh? Read more