Part 2/9:
As we passed through the security line, a brief moment of panic struck me when a crew member took my passport, assuring me it was for expedited processing. Thankfully, she returned without incident, and we found ourselves checking into an unexpectedly large and grand ship.
As I stepped into our cabin, I was struck by how it was much nicer than I had anticipated. It was essential to evaluate how this cruise measured against industry standards, which outlined that the accommodations should be clean, comfortable, and well-equipped. Our room passed the test, featuring a cozy bathroom with nice amenities—a comfy bed, ample closet space, and an efficient shower—not what I expected from a budget cruise.