A good cruise overall.

Embarkation/1st day: We arrived at the port about 12:30, were on board by 2, and in our staterooms by 3. Our luggage was already there. The buffet was a madhouse since that was the only place to get lunch. We took our food outside because there were no tables available. I think the problem was that people just kept their tables after they finished eating because there were not long lines at the buffet. Thankfully it was a pretty nice day in Galveston. Other ships have made the outside deck an extension of the buffet dining but on this ship you had to walk a ways with your food to get to an outside table - they were not visible especially with the crowds of people. It really bothered me that around every corner it seemed someone was trying to sell you something... . soft drink refill cups, drinks, fresh squeezed orange juice, reservations for the specialty dining rooms, bingo cards, t-shirts etc. That got better after the first day. Note: They do take roll at the muster drill.

Cabin: The ship was beautiful although showing some signs of wear. We had an aft corner balcony cabin that was quite roomy. There was plenty of storage and hangers in the room. Except for a suite on Celebrity, this is the best bathroom/shower I've ever had on a ship. Our cabin steward Edwin was great although it kind of got on my nerves that he asked me several times a day if he was doing an excellent job and reminded me to write that down on the end of cruise survey. He did get me ice every day which I appreciated. They do not give you robes to wear in the room. There is a hair dryer but you have to keep the button pushed constantly for it to work. There were two electric outlets in my desk/vanity area and one razor plug in the bathroom. Read more