We flew in from Albany, NY, over a snowstorm in the middle Atlantic on Jan 30, same day as our cruise. And oddly enough, we flew back to Albany over the historic snowstorm that crippled the middle Atlantic states on Feb. 6! But, boy oh boy, did we enjoy ourselves--sorry folks in DC, Philly, etc, but what a week to get away!

No problem at the airport in Fort Lauderdale--grabbed a cab, then at the cruise terminal in minutes. No need for a hotel, luckily! I hate booking a hotel for a night before a cruise, with all those costs, would rather run the gamble and watch the weather, changing plans if necessary ahead of time. Entered the ship, for our second cruise on Crown in 11 months. Lovely as ever! Enjoyed a lunch at the International Cafe of chicken salad, spinach and mushroom salad, shrimp salad, and Greek salad--yummy! You've got to check that out. No cost. Lovely and perfect for when you don't want a big lunch.

Our cabin was A747--one of only two on the ship with bump out extended balconies at the cost of a regular balcony on that floor. Great! The balcony had a roof, plenty of room for a small crowd, really, although there were only two of us. The usual small shower, slightly worn bedspread, and the super firm mattress, which some like, but not us. We got an eggcrate, to some help. However, we LOVED our room steward, Rey. Did a bang up job each day. Saw a bit of wear and tear on the outside of the ship, but nothing noticeable. Read more