Five-Star Nursing Facility

I was on this same trip (last reviewer) and could not agree more.  Thankfully, I did not have to go without a hot shower in fact, taking a long hot shower at the end of the night was the only thing to do past 10pm.

There was nothing to do in the evenings on this cruise, so much more could have easily been offered: late night drink specials, casino, small dance floor/DJ, evening lectures about Alaska and our headed destinations (which really were not exciting in the least bit with the exception of the glacier), evening dessert buffet (who wants dessert immediately after a 5-course meal, unless you are 70), evening yoga/mediation/relaxation class, wine-tasting (they had this but it was at 6pm).  The lack of activities for anyone under the age of 60 was very disappointing.

I will say on a positive note, the food for the most part (when eating between their designated hours) was very good with the exception of one night we ate in one of the more upscale dining rooms and several very dry desserts/burnt cookies during the daily tea hour.  Service was good however we had a few waiters who we did not know how to take, were they offended by us or being sarcastic?  There was no self-serve anything but coffee and pastry which was annoying.  I would have liked to feel capable of portion control and not wasting.  I understand they do this for sanitary reasons but it was difficult to communicate with the staff about portions.  Of the 400 crew only 6 were from the US and most did not speak much English.

I did see maintenance work being done, wallpaper was replaced in the hallway outside my cabin during the middle of the day.  (Perhaps this could have been done later in the night?)

I did meet some very nice, friendly people and we bonded over the experience of nothing to do and feeling the need to stuff ourselves between the designated "feeding" hours.  When that much is being spent, having dining options all day long is expected, even if it is a salad buffet or snacks.

A few other pros:  comfortable bed, excellent maid service, robes, plenty of towels, food served very timely.

A few other cons:  ship on-board shops were very over-priced, (I would have purchased something if I could have found it for less than $50) bar was very over-priced if you did not buy the "package," the ports of call (if you want to call them that) were very disappointing and the excursions were extremely over-priced.  (We booked one independently for $140 each, cruise price, $325)

If you are interested in experiencing a very nice nursing-care facility for a week, set sail on the Rigatta!