Because of our Diamond status we had VIP check-in and debarkation privileges.
Embarkation: From parking to on-deck 11 at the Windjammer Cafe for lunch was 15 minutes. Smooth, smooth, smooth.
First impressions: Fantastic! This was our second cruise on her - so I guess you would call it second impressions. Food: Outstanding selection everywhere. Although there wasn't a pasta bar in the Windjammer Cafe, there was a selection of pasta every day. The set-up in the back of the restaurant is great. Never any long lines. The flow keeps moving. The variety of food at the Jade was also good. On Deck 5, you have Sorrento's and the Cafe Promenade. There is always pizza, salads, sandwiches, desserts, and coffee. Yummy. Food in the dining room was excellent. We decided to do the "My Time Dining" and we loved it. Met some very nice people. Food arrived timely and prepared the way we ordered. Good selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts. Although we made reservations for every night prior to embarking, we were able to make changes very easily with the hostess.
We had a balcony cabin aft on deck 8. The cabin was nice with plenty of room and storage space, a couch, flat screen TV, refrigerator, and safe. Unlike on Carnival, the balcony doors slide. On Carnival, the slamming of the balcony doors at all hours of the day and night drove us crazy!