Embarkation was very smooth. Even though I got to port two hours before my check in time, I was allowed to go in the "early" line, which was very quick, and I was on board much earlier than expected. I waited for a while in the Ivanhoe theater, and then headed up to deck 11 around 12:45 to see how things were progressing. The Spa staff called me over, offered me a comfy seat, and checked on my corridor periodically so that I could just relax. My room was ready before 1.

I spent way too much time obsessing over the Fun Times and scheduling myself for activities. In hindsight, I should have just gone with the flow, and not stressed over what I might be missing. I attended a slot pull in the casino (we came out ahead!), a trivia session, a shopping presentation, and watched Bohemian Rhapsody in VERY chilly, windy conditions as a dive-in movie. Be warned that watching any movie in less than ideal weather is going to be torture - I wore a hoodie and wrapped myself in a towel and a blanket, and even then I almost didn't make it to the end.

I had four spa/gym sessions. The spa ladies are very friendly, but will try to push overpriced products on you - "Of these four products, which one do you feel would be most beneficial to you?" is their line. My gym training session was grueling, but I managed to go the whole hour without collapsing. The personalized workout printed list wasn't at the front desk that evening as promised, but after a couple of reminders (my cabin was steps away!) it was put under my door two days later. Read more