I chose this cruise because my sister, who lives in Orlando, and her family and friends were going. There were 16 of us from age 3 to 65. We had gone over to Port Canaveral to see the Mardi Gras shortly after she arrived there. She was magnificent.

Embarkation: I had read about the swiftness of embarkation and I have to say this was not MY experience. It was easily 1 1/2 hours once I got in line, even with Verifly. They did check all documents, including Covid tests. I came to find out that the Mardi Gras was sailing with the most passengers she had ever had (5700 out of a possible 6500, counting berths and bunks).

I went straight to the elevators and then to my room (12311). The keys were outside although my roommate had not yet arrived. I took my key and left my carryon roller inside in the closet. My larger suitcase had not yet arrived (finally around 5:45). Read more