Brian1958

Ship was beautiful and kept immaculate. We only had about 1100 passengers and about 1000 crew members. No lines or waiting for anything. It was amazing, I doubt we will ever experience another cruise like this again. The crew on this ship is sensational. It was the Reflections first cruise since the Covid shutdowns. Everyone on-board was so happy and the entire crew were ecstatic to be be back. Captain Nick us extremely friendly and mingles with the passengers. He's very approachable and seems to be everywhere. He's so proud of the ship and he has good reason to be. The entire ship is spotless. The food and servers were all excellent. Our room steward was outstanding. Steve was our cruise director and he was great. The live music around the ship was all excellent. Everyone on this cruise seemed to be having a great time.

Overall we all had a great time. We are all avid cruisers and get to cruise about 5 times a year, so the minor hiccups we experienced were not a big deal. Most of us are Platinum with Carnival and have been on many of their ships. It seems that like all corporations these days, that Carnival is cutting back in several areas.

We just returned today from our second Cruise aboard the Independence of the Seas. We had a great Cruise last time on Independence and the experience was exactly the same this time as well. Our wait staff in the main dining room was superb, the menu selections were great each night and the food was very good to excellent. The refurbishment has freshened up the look of the ship a little bit but it also added quite a bit more passengers as we noticed the Promenade and pool areas seemed to get much more crowded than the last time we were on the ship. We saw all of the shows the last time we were on Independence, so we skipped most of them. We did see Grease again which was great, and the ice skating show which was actually better on Allure of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas from what I remember. All of the crew that we encountered seemed happy and eager to please. Our room Steward kept our room spotless and she was really great to talk to. The rooms probably should have been refurbished when they drydocked the ship, however they remain the same. Everything worked as expected but the carpet, furniture and especially the couch could use a replacement. Our ports were Cozumel and Coco Cay. We didn't bother getting off the ship in Cozumel since we have been there so many times, and as for Coco Cay I was a little disappointed in the beach area. It was nowhere near as nice as of the beaches I've been to on other Islands including Labadee and Grand Turk. The sand was gritty and hard, the water wasn't overly clean with lot of seaweed and other types of things floating around in the water. The food that is served on the island was the same as what they do in Labadie, it's really not that great but it will hold you over until you got back on the ship. I think once the island is completely finished and you don't have to Tender in and the dock is built and the pool, water slides and other amenities are finished I think it'll be a great port. Overall it was a great Cruise as we expected and the Independence of the Seas is definitely one of our favorite ships. I hope to cruise on her again one day. I highly recommend Independence of the seas.

Had a good time and most things were good. Overall, MSC has a ways to ho until they reach the level of Royalcaribbean, Celebrity, Princess or Holland America

We traveled as a group so we all had a nice time. Everyone thought the food and service was good. Everyone agreed that the entertainment was lacking and the sea days were actually boring during the afternoons. There was no lobster night which was surprising. It was available for an upcharge and the dessert choices were usually only three. This was our first cruise on Holland America. We prefer Royalcaribbean, Princess and Celebrity which matches our cruise style. So overall a nice cruise but probably our last on Holland America.

Just got back today from a great Cruise aboard this beautiful ship. We have been on many cruises, however this was our first time with Princess. The Regal Princess is a gorgeous ship and kept spotless. Every crew member that we interacted with where superb. They all seemed genuinely happy and very willing to make sure that you had a great Cruise. Our State Room was beautiful, everything worked as expected and it was kept very clean by our room steward. The pool area was very nice lots of nice places to sit and eat or just enjoy the pool area. The only downside was finding a lounge chair due to all the chair Hogs leaving their towels and belongings on chairs that were vacant for hours at a time. We were always able to find a place to sit even if it wasn't our first choice. We could have put towels and belongings out early in the morning as well, as we were up early every day, but we refuse to do this since it's just not fair to other passengers. We actually remove our towels and belongings from chairs when we go eat lunch even if it's only going to be a half an hour to give other people a chance to enjoy the pool as well. We did anytime dining and generally were seated between 30 and 40 minutes which was perfect for us. The dining rooms were very nice and the wait staff, assistants and hostesses are superb. The menu was a little more limited as compared to other cruises that we had been on, but there was always something that we were able to choose that we liked. The food was probably average to very good compared to other ships I've been on. The desserts were actually excellent. The buffet which we don't use a lot on other ships was actually excellent. The food quality was very good and there was always a clean table to sit at. The staff in the buffet are very attentive, bring you drinks and clear your used plates immediately. In some respects, the quality of the food in the buffet was actually better than some of the meals that we had in the main dining room . The Regal Princess was very smooth even on windy days and had a very good stabilization system. The only downside was the soundproofing in the rooms which was pretty nonexistent. You can hear everything above you below you and next to you. The shows and entertainment throughout the ship was excellent. The musicians, dancers and singers were all superb. There was never a problem finding a good seat in the theater even when arriving only 15 minutes early. We went to the 10 p.m. late shows and there were always empty seats even throughout the performance. There was always something going on around the ship. And the bands that would play in The Piazza area were great. The new Medallion program works flawlessly. It was able to open and lock your room without a card while you're walking down the hall. The phone apps for princess also work very well while on the ship. Princess definitely met or exceeded our expectations. And I would not hesitate to book the Regal Princess again.

We've been cruising a long time and have been on well over 30. We all agreed that this was one of the best if not the absolute best cruise we've ever taken. It wasn't the biggest or fanciest ship we've been on, but the excellent crew, entertainers and superb cruise director David, made thus a memorable experience....

The service, food, entertainment and quality of the Equinox were all exceptional! Probably one of our best cruises. Everything was just very easy. From boarding to disembarkation. Even getting off at the ports was super fast and easy. Always a good seat in the theater and by the pool. Even when filled to capacity we rarely even waited for an elevator. This wasn't the case with our last cruise with Holland America. I guess Celebrity and Royalcaribbean will be our first choice when planning our next cruise.

We thoroughly enjoyed our eight days aboard the carnival Horizon. The ship itself is kept very clean, however the layout and design of the ship is not as good as some of the others I've been on. Many decks don't go all the way through, and sometimes it makes it difficult to find certain venues. But overall the appearance and the amenities are all top notch. Many people have complained about the smart elevators. We didn't encounter any issues at all, as a matter of fact 90% of the time they were super quick and accurate. Of course on embarkation and deportation days certain elevators are shut down to be used with luggage Etc. So certain times there are delays like on any other ship. The food in the main dining rooms was very good. The buffet what's hit or miss, some dishes with good others were not. Food temperatures on the buffet we're not always appropriate either. The pool areas were a little undersized for the amount of passengers. But Carnival seems to like Logitech areas for parties and special events which is fine because they were fun! Cookie what is a cruise director and he's absolutely phenomenal! Our wait staff and room Steward were excellent., the Liquid Lounge which is the main theater was also a little undersized for the amount of passengers although we were able to get seats for all the shows. The entertainment in the theater was a little lower and quality then what I've experienced on other Carnival ships and other Cruise Lines. It seems that they are getting away from traditional shows I'm going more towards the usual trivia, contest shows, bingo and deck parties. Maybe that's why they decided to make the theater smaller with the ability to move around the seating to suit their needs. However I think a big part of cruising is the food and the Production shows. Some passengers complained about a sewer smell on Dex 2, six and seven, we didn't notice any of those. All venues will kept at a comfortable temperature. I did notice at certain times hallways and even the central atrium were a bit warm. I think this was due to energy saving more than anything because other times before an event it was much cooler., everything in our stateroom work perfectly including the refrigerator which actually got very cold most cruise ship refrigerators don't. Our room air conditioning was perfect and a few times I actually raise it up a bit as it was too cold in the room We will be on the Carnival Magic in 6 weeks then on the Carnival Breeze and then once again on the Carnival Horizon. So I'll be sure to review those as well. I liked the relaxed atmosphere and Vibe of the carnival Horizon and I would strongly recommend giving it a try!

It was very similar to the experience that we had last year, same week same exact cruise on adventure of the Seas. Food was very good for the most part. Windjammer seemed better then the main dining room on most days as far as the food quality. There were no lines or waits for anything on the ship. The entire crew was awesome. Every crew member is friendly. approachable and very willing to provide great service. Our fellow passengers were all well mannered nice friendly people and everybody seemed to have a great time. The ship is starting to show its age. Carpeting needs to be replaced lots of rust on the pool deck. However everything is kept very clean and in working order.

Our second time on this beautiful ship. Loved every minute. So much to do. Even with a close to capacity cruise we always found a place to sit on the pool deck and in the restaurants. It never felt crowded. Food and service was good. Quality seemed to be better in the past. Mama Mia, Ice show, and Aqua Theater show were all terrific! The remaining shows in the theater were not very good. Would not hesitate to cruise on Allure again.

We were on the Adventure of the Seas Jan 19th cruise. Everyone had a great time, as we always enjoy Royal Caribbean! Food and service was on point, shows were good, not spectacular and ship was clean and well maintained. The only 2 negatives, were finding lounge chairs in the solarium area, and our stateroom on Deck 7 was located under a maintenance area and not shown on the deck plans. We are always careful when choosing a room location and wouldn't have picked a room under a maintenance area. It was loud every night from 11pm to 6am EVERY night! The banging of clothes dryers and the squealing of carts. Even when using earplugs and white noise, it was Loud, we got little sleep. Guest services went above and beyond to try to relocate us, but they really didn't have anything available. They find us another room but it stunk from cigarette smoke. Even though smoking is not allowed in the staterooms. So we opted to stay in our original room and make the best of it. But all else was excellent me we had a great time!

MSC went above and beyond to keep passengers safe from covid. This cruise was in the height of Omicron and we felt safer on the ship than at local stores, restaurants or work. This cruise exceeded our expectations in every way.

We all had a great time. MSC really did a great job with their private island and the design of this ship.

We enjoyed our 8 day cruise on Freedom of the seas, and we will be cruising on her again in a few weeks. The food quality was better on Independence and Allure, even though the menus were identical. The MDR and Windjammer seemed to be under staffed. Wait staff seemed to be overwhelmed. They were polite, however food usually was not hot when served, and wrong dinners served but eaten anyway due to not wanting to wait again, as well as appetizers that never arrived. Windjammer had many tables that couldn't be used because they remained uncleared. I don't think that this is the usual quality of service, maybe just a bad week with less staff due to the holidays. After we cruise on Freedom again this April, I will update my review on the service in the dining areas. The ship is beautiful and well maintained. The shows were great and the cruise director was the best we've had, he was superb! Our stateroom was very nice and our room attendant was excellent. Aside from the MDR issues, the experience was very similar to Independence of the seas.

I would highly recommend cruising on the Magic. Clean ship, nice venues, good shows, good food with many choices and great crew.

I've been on 3 RCI ships. Allure is my favorite! It's a gigantic ship with lots of passengers, but yet never felt crowded due to its superb design. The food and service was great.... Although I felt the the service and food was slightly better on Independence of the seas. We never had a problem finding a table at Windjammer or a lounge chair by the pool. The pool areas were very comfortable. I especially liked the Central Park area and the outdoor Aqua Theater in the boardwalk area. There are a couple of extra included food venues on this ship , such as the Central Park café and the Doghouse by the boardwalk. We missed these on the other ships. The solarium Pool area was beautiful, but due to its enclosed design tended to get very warm. The shows were all first class, and the Broadway production was Mama Mia. I highly recommend the Allure. I've never been on the Oasis of the seas but that should be very similar.

Great 5 day cruise. Very good food and excellent service in both MDR and Windjammer. Shows were great, especially Grease. Ship is starting to show its age, but is clean and well maintained. Will be on Independence again after the refurb. I actually thought the crew and food were better on Independence than on Freedom, even though they are nearly identical. We will be on Freedom again in a few weeks, so I will update my review after that cruise.

Just completed an amazing 8 days aboard Freedom of the Seas. We had been on Freedom in November 2017 and had a great time. The only thing that was lacking on that cruise, was the below average service the MDR. I'm delighted to share, that the the service that we experienced in the MDR was superb! We had the absolute greatest servers and head waiter. Windjammer was also very good, and the service there also was better than we've ever experienced. Even the food quality, which we always enjoyed, seemed even better. Every show was excellent, as was all the live music in various venues throughout the ship Freedom does show some wear and tear. Nothing major, some stains in carpet, chips in bathroom vanities and edges of mirrors etc. Just the expected damages that occur on a well used ship. But it is kept very clean and well maintained. The crew are constantly sanatizing, picking up cups and plates and maintaining the common areas. Our room was always clean and everything worked as expected. The crew is superb! Very friendly, knowledgeable, happy and always willing to help. You can tell that they truly want everyone to have a great time. Only minor issue, was finding lounge chairs by the pool area. Many chairs hogs leave towels and a book on several chairs early in the morning, then show up later in the afternoon, if at all, monopolizing the chairs all day. Pool attendants do watch for this, but aren't too aggressive unless someone specifically complains. Not faulting RCI for this , since this happens on every ship. We just went to the pool after breakfast, and usually managed to find a chair. If we were leaving to have lunch, we returned the towels and let others have the chairs. Late afternoon there were more available chairs. I have taken many photos, and lots of food photos which people always ask for. I'll post these Iater. So I give Freedom of the Seas a solid 5 Stars and highly recommend it!

We were on the October 7th 2018 sailing of the Carnival Conquest. We had a great time. Every crew member that we interacted with were awesome. The ship is starting to show its age but is kept extremely clean and very well maintained. Everything in our room worked as expected, the refrigerator, the TV the air conditioning Etc. Our room steward Nataria was excellent and kept our room spotless. Both the food and service in the main dining room was excellent every night. The other earing venues were also excellent. Our cruise director was Mat and he's great! We attended most of the shows they were pretty good, I found the shows on Royal Caribbean and MSC to be of higher quality but the performers and LED effects were all great and we enjoyed all of the shows. The band Smooth Operators and the violin trio Liberty Sweets that performed in the atrium throughout the cruise were superb! Overall I would highly recommend sailing on the Carnival Conquest.

We just returned yesterday on the MSC Seaside. We had a great Cruise and enjoyed the food in the specialty restaurants, main dining room, and Buffet. Overall the ship is gorgeous and kept clean. The theater shows were very good, the singers, dancers, and other entertainers were very talented and outstanding. The shows themselves are a bit quirky and don't make much sense as far as storylines, however they are very entertaining and the skill and talent of the performers are probably the best I've seen on any ship ever! The staff that we encountered including our wait staff, room Steward, and other staff members were excellent. We didn't encounter any of the rude behavior of other passengers that we had read about. We had an inside cabin on Deck 13, and the room was always kept clean, there was more than enough storage space for us, the beds, pillows, and other amenities I would consider to be excellent. If you like bars of soap then bring your own. There is a soap dish but only shampoo and shower gel is supplied, which is fine for us. We had breakfast a couple of times in the main dining room and it was very good. We had lunch once or twice in the main dining room and it was very good. We had dinner in Butchers cut or the main dining room both were very good. Other times we ate at the buffet on both deck 8 and deck16. We found the food selection and quality to be very good and enjoyed many of the Italian pasta dishes and desserts. We felt the food quality was equal or better than buffets we had experienced on other ships. There were ample activities to keep you busy during the sea days. The pool areas are very nice, and we were generally able to find a lounge chair without much of a problem. The strange thing is that the pool depth is six and a half feet. So people either sit on the edge or hang on to the bars on the side or sit on the steps it's tough to tread water in the middle for long periods of time. The hot tubs surrounding the pool areas were clean, however the water temperature seemed a little on the low side. We used the thermal Spa, which was very nice and we enjoyed it. The gym is nice but we didn't use it. And there was never any problem with long wait times to get drinks at the various bars. We had coffees and Gelato at Venchi and they were very good. We enjoyed our cruise on the MSC Seaside, and we are already booked to go again in March 2018. The boarding and disembarking was flawless and quick. Shortest muster drill ever. Now for a few of the negative points. Many times the crew seemed to be understaffed, and unable to keep up with Maintenance, Cleaning tables in the buffet area and maintaining the public restrooms. There is a low staff to passenger ratio, if you look at the ship statistics as compared to other Cruise Lines. Many times at the buffet it was difficult to get a clean table during the busy peak hours. On three occasions we actually sat with somebody's used cups and dirty dishes which we pushed to the middle of the table after we waited a long time for a clean table. There were many unoccupied tables available, but nobody to clean them. Obviously this should never happen, and it's unsanitary. But during peak hours there wasn't many tables available. Other times they were many tables and they were all clean. Increasing staff in this area would go a long way to remedy this unsanitary situation. Another issue, is that the bathrooms are very under sized for the amount of passengers on the ship. I've never encountered wait times in the men's room on other Cruise Lines, however after meal times and showtimes the sometimes were lines in the men's rooms. The restrooms are definitely under sized. The design of the sinks of which there are only two is ridiculous. It's sort of a nice high-tech design but really doesn't work well. The soap, water and hand dryers are sensor types and built into the top bezel of the sink. The soap dispensers either didn't work or dispensed hardly any soap. The water temperature was cool not even warm and the Hand Dryers were uneffective. Usually the result was a puddle of water on the floor in front of the sinks and people using the paper towels anyway. Without soap and hot water and vigorous hand washing it's a disaster waiting to happen. To add to this issue is the fact that many of the hand sanitizing dispensers located throughout the ship were frequently empty. As you enter the restaurants, and Buffet areas there is nobody observing the passengers and encouraging them to wash their hands at the available sink at the buffet or use the hand sanitizer as they do on other Cruise Lines. I observed many people using the restrooms not washing their hands afterwards, then going straight into the buffet without using hand sanitizer or washing their hands. I also noticed some people grabbing food with their bare hands. However, when the crew noticed this they were told to please use the tongs. Of course this occurs on any cruise ship not just MSC, but there usually is staff members to enforce hand sanitizing. The main dining room had three dinner seatings which I believe was two seatings originally on the Seaside. We had the middle 7:15 seating time which was perfect for us. When the Seaside debuted I believe some passengers were assigned for dinner at the buffet area which they had a table cloths to the tables and I suppose that people aren't happy with this so they now added an extra dinner seating in the MDR. Both yhe Seashore and Impanema MDRs are nice but not much space between the tables. Several times our table cloth had stains from the previous diners and it was apparent that they were rushed to get things ready in between the dinner seatings. They actually play bass beat type music, not very loud but definitely Audible, and generally this type of music is used because Studies have shown that people will eat faster when this is in the background. On a cruise you would prefer a casual relaxing dinner not really a fast food type of experience. Butchers Cut played 80s music which I preferred. Coffee at the end of the meal with dessert is never offered. I didn't see coffee being served at any tables that surrounding us either. I believe this is due to time constraints. We are not slow eaters and the lights would generally go on right as soon as we finished with our dessert which means, ok you are done now get out... Lol. I suppose if we had asked our waiter for coffee he would have gladly brought it to us. The wait staff that we had was excellent. I don't want anyone to take these negative observations as a reason to not book with MSC, because the bad was very small in comparison with the outstanding! It really was a beautiful cruise at a great price with wonderful shows and very good food and I can't wait to go back on the seaside again in March. If MSC were able to rectify some of these minor issues I would have easily given it 5 Stars.