We chose this cruise as we was traveling with other people from North Carolina and the cruise port was a halfway point. I must say I was a bit concerned about sailing out of Charleston after reading many of the port reviews. However, I must tell you that it was one of my best embarkation experiences. We arrived at the port at 11:00am. Went through the first checkpoint for passports and boarding passes, then on to the luggage drop off. We was then pointed in the direction of the warehouse in which we left our vehicle. The shuttle bus picked us up at the vehicle drop off point. We are platinum guests and went right to the counter for our sail and sign cards. After getting our cards they said OK you can go on the ship now....we did not have to wait in a holding room as we usually do in other ports. I was eating lunch and having a beer by 11:40! The ship had many of the updates, like Guys Burgers, Alchemy Bar and Red Frog Pub. Our cabin was very clean and comfortable. The staff was amazing! Always trying to please and go the extra step to make sure you had a great time. Entertainment was nice and plentiful, never lacking for anything to do. The Food was great, buffet always full and clean. Our dining room staff encouraged us to try new things and remembered our favorite things from night to night. It was an amazing time. My 87 year old mother traveled with us and she had the time of her life. The crew was always extra special to her and many of them said it was like being with their own grandmother!