We headed out on Friday the 25th, at about 3:00a.m. We got into Tampa around 5 am saturday morning, and went straight to the beach. If you are looking for somewhere to stay, Days Inn at Clearwater Beach is very nice and very very cheap! It is only about 20 miles from Tampa, and a nice safe area to stay. We finally went to bed at about 11 and woke up the next morning not so refreshed, but extremely excited! We then headed for the Cruise port of Tampa! We arrived at the Terminal at about 12:00 and went through the embarkation very quickly. We were on the ship and eating before 1:00. After a quick peek at our staterooms, which were a nice size for three people in each one, we headed straight for the Pizzeria! Everything on the Lido deck was all set up and there was a huge buffet! Beleive me, you will never be hungry on the cruise! Dinner that night was casual. We chose to wear summer dresses everynight, and two formals for the Captain's dinners.

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The waiters, Banpot and Luciano, were absolutely the best! Luciano, the main waiter for our table, was very entertaining and showed us kids some tricks with a napkin. Banpot, the assistant waiter, had only started work that week! He was still learning, but was such a fun person and we didn't want to leave him or Luciano. Dinner was very good, I won't lie, there were a few times that I couldn't find a thing I liked. But I always made up for it by eating some pizza or ordering the wonderful room service! The midnight buffets slightly dissappointed me, but didn't ruin my cruise! No matter where you cruise, on what ship or line, you will always find little things that dissapoint you, but nothing can ruin a cruise! Most everything is absolutely perfect! There was tons of entertainment, comedians, jugglers, and of course the ever-popular Sensation dancers with there vegas-style productions. Everyone will enjoy the new "Hey Mambo" and the other vegas production, which are shown on the two formal nights. There is no karaoke these two nights, but there is on the other nights and I encourage everyone to at least go and participate! It is so much fun! There are also tons of shows, such as the Mr. and Mrs. show which are not to be missed! Also, make sure and go to the Audience Participation Bedtime Story. It is very very funny!!!! Our cruise director, Greg, was entertaining as well, and everyone tried their hardest to make the cruise pleasant for all passengers. About getting off at ports: It is no big deal. There is a long line, but if goes quickly. My suggestion is to NOT take the ships shore excursions. We went on our own to Stingray City in Cayman Islands. There will be tour guides begging you to let them take you on a tour when you arrive. It is pretty cheap, about $30. Also snorkelling is good at the Eden's rock which is just a small walk away from the dock. In Cozumel we just shopped but Chankanaab is also fun, and cheap. Make sure you know where you are going in New Orleans as it is easy to get lost, One lady lost her daughter and the cruise left without her. It was a very bad deal and I am not sure what happened with that. You will enjoy this cruise! I sure did! Any questions.....just write! by the way, there are plenty of things for the kids to do, but the teen activities aren't much fun. Just meet some friends and you will find plenty to do.