This was my husband's first cruise as well as the boys. It was my third cruise but the first I had taken with anyone other than my mother. The experience did not disappoint any of us.

EMBARKATION We left from New Orleans. It was smooth, organized and we were onboard within an hour. After purchasing "bottomless bubbles" for the boys and "drink of the day" for my husband and me, we went to the Lido deck for lunch. The boys were overwhelmed with the offerings and my husband and I headed to the grill.

STATEROOM Surprise! I had the boys cabin "decorated" for bon voyage (score one for mom!) Their inside cabin was across the hall from our balcony cabin, 8369. Both cabins exceeded our expectation in size. We never felt cramped. Both had three closets, adequate drawer space, three mirrors, shelves, a safe, small refrigerator (mini bar) and a bathroom larger than I recalled from previous cruises. There were shelves on either side of the bathroom mirror which comfortably held all our toiletries and included a rail for stability. The bathroom lighting was good. We made good use of the pull-out line to hang wet suits and the hooks on the back of the door for towels, robes, etc. The step up and down to the bathroom was awkward and I never got used to it but it didn't bother anyone else. Be aware your neighbors can here everything you say on the balcony. Read more