Embarkation was strange -- you had to stand in line to check your luggage which took about a half hour. Then you had to get in another line for security clearance to get into the terminal -- another 15 minutes. Then you got your cruise cards, approved credit card, etc., which took only about 5 minutes. Unlike other cruise lines, they didn't take your picture at this time. Then up the escalators to board the ship, but wait, halfway there you had to get your picture taken. Another 10 minutes waiting in line. Finally onto the ship.

Went to the Windjammer buffet for lunch (we'd been traveling since 2:00 in the morning with only a snack for breakfast at the airport). Food was decent, but not great; Then toured the ship.

The promenade area on deck 5 is really nice and varied; the usual shops selling jewelry and merchandise with the ships logo. They had a sports bar with numerous TV's, but I never saw them have more than one channel, ESPN International with lots of soccer, rugby, etc., They even had promenade Cafe which was open 24 hours for coffee, pizza and snacks at no charge. Beside that was a Ben & Jerry's, which did charge for their Ice Cream. Also in the promenade was the Duck and Dog pub which looked out on the promenade and allowed smoking inside, but not sitting outside in the promenade. They actually had a number of locations where you could smoke on the ship, but I never smelled smoke. You couldn't smoke in your room or on the balcony and I didn't detect anybody smoking on the verandas. There were an abundance of bars on the ship with good music. Read more