As we were travelling east to catch the ship, we left Houston for New York the day before departure and spent that evening with family in Manhattan. We arrived at the terminal at about 12:30 on Saturday morning and were on the ship within an hour. However, having cruised before, we "knew the drill" and the first-timers were having some difficulty as personnel/directing signs/etc. were not very evident.

The pre-departure buffet on the Lido deck was uninspired (hot dogs & french fries), but filling.

We were very pleasantly surprised by the up-grade we received as a past guest. Although neither of us was handicapped, the room was handicapped equipped and VERY large. Shortly after we arrived at the room, our steward dropped by to introduce himself and to check to see if we needed anything special. During the entire voyage he was available but not bothersome. Read more