My two grandkids had winter break ( New York Metro area) and we all needed a break. We love sailing from New York ( Westside pier) as it is a half hour from our house. We picked the kids and my daughter up at nine and were in the Haven waiting area by 9:45. This itinerary had undergone multiple changes. They eliminated Norfolk ( we lost our day in Colonial Williamsburg) added and subtracted Bermuda for Miami, then added Bermuda and subtracted it again while on board. Planned to come into Cape Canaveral at one o'clock and staggered in at 4:30 due to "headwinds" making everyone who planned extra time in Disney crazy.

We had a two bedroom family suite in the Haven and truthfully, it would have been very difficult in regular cabins. The ship supposedly held 4,000 had 4,800 of which 1200 were kids. Thank goodness for Splash Academy. Capacity only 100 but we signed the kids up ( 7 and 10) the minute we got on the ship ( before lunch or muster) and waited at the door a good half hour before opening all cruise long. The kids loved it and made friends ( also made great friends in the Haven).

Our stateroom worked out great for us. Two kids in the bunk beds with their own bathroom, my daughter slept on the sofa in the living room that was made up each morning and night by our steward Neil. We had a great Butler, Peter who brought the snacks requested ( fruit, cheese and crackers, crudite and several early breakfasts). Read more