I am writing this to inform future cruisers what to expect. I spent lots of time on Cruise Critic and found it helpful in my planning our wonderful vacation.

EMBARKATION: We drove to the Radisson where we parked our cars for $6.95 a night plus shuttle service to and from the port. The weather was windy and rainy and the crowd at the motel was horrible. The drawbridge had malfunctioned so the shuttles were backed up. We finally gave up and took a taxi costing us $40 for the 8 of us. I think we would have gotten on the ship faster if we had just parked at the park and cruise even if it cost a little more. At the port we stood in line forever it seemed. It was not the breeze for us that others have reported, but I think the weather was to blame. After all the excursions embarkation wasn't bad. Disembarkation wasn't too bad either.

When we got on the ship around 11:45 we went to the pizza bar. The line wasn't too bad. I did hate standing in line to get your food then having to find a seat and go get your drink in another area. By the time I had my drink the pizza was cold. The black forest cake was the best dessert I had all week. Kids went back many times throughout the cruise. Everyone had to participate in the muster drill in the Encore Theater. Since the weather was very stormy on our first night my advice is to get a bracelet or dramamine(you don't have to have a prescription.) Read more