I unexpectedly had some free time after a job I had been working fell through and I had left a deposit on a future cruise one year ago. I called NCL's Casino's at Sea and received a great rate with no single cruiser supplement ( This was actually cheaper than "Free" cruises I had received from Ceaser's Palace) 5 days before the cruise departed.
I stayed the Springhill Suites at the Tampa Airport the night before I departed. For a reasonable one night rate I was able to park my car there for the 7 days of the cruise and a third party shuttle (veteran's transport) took me to the port on departure morning. They also picked me up a week later so I could return to my car. The shuttle was a little later picking us up from the ship than what they had originally said.
Embarkation was fairly smooth no issues for me. Once on board I found my cabin ( an inside sideways) was ready and had been decorated with "Happy Birthday" Decorations and a Birthday cake was sitting on the bedside table. When my friends had called to order the decorations they were told that I would receive a coupon to have the cake delivered whenever I wanted to celebrate. Having the cake there worked out OK, it was just not what I expected. The cake was very good.
The room was large huge for one person. Near the middle of the ship and quiet.