I booked this currently as a solo - hoping to get my brothers to join me. I am taking Amtrak in and out of NY too (from CT) - seems like an easy way to get to/from NY without mortgaging my house to pay for parking. I am also booked on the Venezia in January and February so I can relate my experience with the ship after those cruises. BTW, my experience cruising is if you show up with a go with the flow attitude and are ready to be flexible you will have a good time. If you look for things to be upset about you will find them but if you look for things to enjoy you will find them.
Jim