The week before Christmas, I embarked on the Eurodam in Fort Lauderdale. My son had come down with the flu so I wound up traveling solo. I had already booked my cabana in the Retreat. I LOVE HAL because it is the only ship where you can get into your stateroom as soon as you board the ship. No more lugging around carry on bags until 2:00pm.

Dropped my bags and headed up to Deck 10 to the Retreat. Marc and Aldo were the awesome cabana crew and showed me to my wonderful cabana. Two chaise lounges with Retreat robes, slippers, plush towels and with fresh fruit and cold water awaited me. I was in heaven! The cabana crew each day brought me the lunch menu, took my order and delivered it to me. At 3pm, chilled grapes on skewers, chocolate covered strawberries and champagne were delivered to the cabana. The Retreat is not restricted to Adults Only, which I had assumed. So one day, we had to endure a crying baby. But all in all, I truly did not want to leave!

This was my fifth cruise on HAL and my second on Eurodam. Some of the improvements - the wide screen tv's on the wall with movies but also with the meals in the MDR and Lido! I could plan what I wanted in the morning and make plans accordingly. The new music walkway as well as the smokeless casino are very nice. Surprisingly better entertainment! Rondell Sheridan, a comedian who I have loved for years, performed two nights on the ship. I was able to chat with him as he signed my DVD. The main stage production was unique. The dancers were spectacular! The singers very good. The premise of the show was strange. Read more