We recently completed the NYE cruise. We flew to Tampa from Philly the day before on US Air. Flight delayed 2 hrs as could not find a crew. Intercontinental in Tampa was fine. Got a good rate, and upgrade, as an Ambassador. This was a combo holiday and 22nd birthday cruise for daughter. Prior to the cruise, I had pre ordered birthday decorations for the room and a flower cake (which were there when we arrived) and a cake to be delivered on her birthday after dinner at Chops. I had pre booked specialty dinners all nights as we do not like the main dining room food. The embarkation was fast in Tampa and done well. Our cabin was ready shortly after. Our steward was very pleasant but not a great housekeeper. I loved the balcony.

We both used the spa. While daughter's pedicurist was pushy, I had a fabulous hot stone massage with Tara. I also bought a miracle product, Musclease from Elemis- this alone was worth the price of the massage.

We ate in Chops the first night and it was fantastic. After a lousy dinner in Portofino the next night we ate in Chops all the rest of the time. I cannot stress enough how great the food and service were. On my daughter's birthday, Gifts and Gear had failed to let them know about the cake. The manager and staff still brought out a dessert with a candle and sang Happy Birthday. When I complained to Guest Services as to lack of a cake, they were very apologetic and gave us a free bottle of champagne and comped her a dinner at Chops the last night, where they served the "missing" cake. I was very impressed. Read more