Not my first cruise but it was my girlfriend’s first sailing. It was in the middle of COVID, so we had to do the 48 hour prior tests and then another test to get on the ship. At check-in, they took the luggage and bused us over to a hotel for mass COVID tests, it was efficient and easy. Once cleared, back on a bus to go thru the process of checking in, which went very well.

Granted, this was COVID time and a lot of these protocols are no longer valid, so I’ll skip the rest.

Once on the ship, we checked out the room, a Club Balcony Suite, which was very nice. Not sure about the split toilet and shower area but to maximize the space, I get it. Far from anything that would take away from the cruise itself. We were right across from the Mandara Spa, not good, my GF got sucked in and enjoyed the heck out if it. It’s not cheap but she was very happy with the services, including her mani/pedi. Read more