Drove down to Tampa the day before and stayed at the Marriott Waterside which was within walking, trolley, or bus distance from the terminal. The Waterside is great, has spectacular views, and is in a perfect location by the aquarium and museum. The trolley doesn't run till noon on Sunday but we dropped our car off at the valet at the terminal around 11:00. There we dropped off our checked bags and tipped the bag guy a dollar per bag, tipped the valet driver a few dollars, and paid the $115 for valet and parking at the desk outside. Inside we understood we were early and therefore we were prepared for the hour before we boarded and patiently waited before they called us by zone. Once onboard we headed to the Lido deck and ate lunch. At 13:30 our room was available and so we went there to change and get comfortable before going to check out the boat.

The boat was very impressive. Everything was very accessible. Being a first timer I was struck by all the trim and detail.

At 15:00 we were instructed to muster at the third deck w\o our life vests in our zone that is on our sail and sign card. Soon thereafter we sailed out of port and about 17:00 our bags arrived outside our room. After unpacking I realized that there was no iron in our room. That's when I found out that they are not permitted in the rooms and that they are located in the laundry facilities located on every other deck. I went there the next day and iron all my shirts and pants for the week and found there was only one iron in there and a coin washing machines and dryers there. At 18:00 we had early seating for dinner which was nice because it was early and they paired us at a booth table with a very nice, nearly identical couple to us. Food was great and so was the staff. Read more