Hotel: Being from Wisconsin we decided it was best to come down a day early and stayed at Holiday Inn Express Convention Center. The shuttle from the airport was free and very fast. The room was a king non smoking and very comfortable. It looked as if it had been recently updated. However it was very expensive this time of year, ($230 with tax) It was close to a number of shops and centrally located to many restaurants. We paid $6.00 for a cab to the cruise port. We were able to have this arranged the night prior to meet us at 11:30. They also offered a group shuttle for $6.00 per person, so it made more sense for us a party of 2 to take a personal taxi.

Embarkment: We left our hotel at 11:25 and by 11:50 were in the Windjammer. So fast I could hardly believe it. Our taxi dropped us off at the curb we walked up the ramp and into the terminal (NO lines.. We had a suite so we could have used the "express lane", but there was hardly anyone there so we were in the "regular line") They checked our documents and we were off to have our picture taken (we skipped the "buy it photo op, and went right onto the security photo). We never stopped once.

Ship Condition: Very clean and well kept. The common areas of the ship were in perfect condition. We really never had to wait for anything. The staff were pleasant and always had a smile. We did have some problems finding chairs by the pool as everyone seems to get up early to reserve them with their towel. Read more