Holland America was not nice to us as we asked for a GUAR which assigns staterooms just before sailing. We had another couple going with, and asked they be close. HAL put us on the starboard, 8th deck on the stern and our friends on the port, 6th deck on the bow. If we tried, could not get further apart.

We drove from Fort Myers, FL and left the car at Park & Fly just outside the dock area. Great place, took all the luggage from the car, put it in the bus and did the same thing at the other end. On return, we called for pickup and they were there in 10 minutes. Again did the luggage thing...WOW! Embarq was very good and had water & cookies for us. Got on at 12:30 and the room was ready. Off to lunch and tour the ship, our third time on this ship. It had not changed much. Met Cruise Critic friends at 4 P.M. with a Greet and Meet. Dinner at 6:15 with 7 of us and had no problem getting in.

Tuesday the winds came up and the seas got rough. Fun watching the waves in the pool and only a few tried to get in. Bumpy all day and all night. Read more