Embarkation in Miami went quite smoothly. We had received an email the day before suggesting we come later than originally planned. We went anyway, and were seated for about 45 minutes before embarkation began. The process itself went more smoothly than I’ve come to expect.

Our veranda stateroom 8018 was quite comfortable, with decent robes, two choices of pillows, bathroom with adequate storage and lighting. The room was well-insulated; we rarely heard anyone else, or their plumbing. Our stateroom attendant Eillen was attentive and did a very good job. At many of the ports, the weather was quite hot and humid, so we didn’t use the veranda as much as we thought we would.

We had 8:30 seating in the dining room, which really was too late to enjoy eating much, so I usually had an appetizer and soup and salad. The onion soup was particularly good. The chefs did a very good job with beef, chicken, osso buco, and risotto. Fish and most pasta were hit or miss. We took advantage of specials to eat in QSine a couple of times with new friends, and had great fun. Most of the dishes were excellent. Two of the staff, Michelle and Carolla, were particularly great, but the iPad ordering system didn’t work very well, and the iPad wine list was never right. We also ate in the SS United States one evening-very disappointing. The appearance was all flash, but three of four entrees were grossly overcooked. Service was not exceptional. Read more