Since I have used and enjoyed Cruise Critic Reviews I feel obligated to offer my comments on our recent cruise. Overall we had a great time. I'm ready to go again. However I do want to offer some comments for those who might opt to take this same ship and itinerary.
First, do not follow the directions to the pier as given in the cruise contract booklet. The directions say to follow 22nd St. but it is a one way going in the wrong direction. The directions say to bear left at a folk on Route 60. Route 60 comes to a dead end. Etc. Get other directions or follow your instinct, as you can see the ship from Exit 1 off I-4.
Embarkation went beautifully, HAL has a very smooth operation. We arrived at the pier at 12:20 PM and were in the Lido dining room at 12:45 PM. Our cabin was ready about 1:30 PM. We did not use HAL ground transportation. I have a sister who lives in the Tampa area and brought us to the docks. We were not out of the car and our bags were out of the trunk and on their way. They arrived in our cabin by 2PM. The registration desk was fast and efficient. The only negative was that the photographer appeared rushed, got other people in our picture and did not center us. (We usually get an embarking photo but not this time) Recommendation: Get to the pier as early as you can. Previously we got there between 2 and 3 PM and had long lines.