Given the price for all that was offered in terms of amenities, food, antertainment and islands, this cruise was was an excellent adventure (pardon the pun). That said, the experience was made that much more special by the ship's outstanding personnel.
Regardless of the hour, the service provided by the ship's employees was exceptional. They made our experience wonderful with their friendliness, graciousness and attention to every detail. This was especially relevant in the dining room. I particularly want to commend Amy, Krishna and Amar in the main dining room. After our first dinner there, they would have our drinks and preferred bread ready to serve to each of us, by the time we got to our table! How they managed to accomplish this with so many dinner guests I have no idea. They also made special arrangements and accommodations for my 7 year old grandson who has special needs and is a very picky eater. Amy, Krishna and Amar are not merely well,trained; they have a sense of joy and accomplishment at doing their work to perfection, and to a level of excellence.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Though the food was not 5 star, it was fresh, very good and of enough variety to satisfy the tastes of guests from different nationalities and not get boring. We didn't get a chance to try their specialty restaurant, Giovanni's, because the restaurant was fully booked the night we had planned to dine there, so I can't comment
on the quality of food served at this restaurant. The cafes and other eating places on the fifth floor were good. My grandchildren loved Johnny Rocket and Ben and Gerry.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Though heaven knows we tried, I feel as if we need to take this cruise again, because there were SO many and varied activities we didn't get a chance to try them all :)
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The entertainment wasn't 5 star or "A list". That said, it WAS was entertaining. The comedians were hysterical and the ship's singers and dancers were very good.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
My 7 year old grandson loved the children's programs, to the extent he cried when he was "forced" to leave the ship! My 15 year granddaughter had a ball.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The cruise was a fantastic experience, especially all that was offered for the price. That said, the experience was made that much more special by the ship's outstanding personnel, especially in the dining room: Amy, Krishna and Amar.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The cabins are obviously in need of an update. However, we were aware that the cruise line is in the process of refurbishing this ship, so we weren't surprised. That said, all of the public facilities were quite beautiful and updated. As to cleanliness, I have no complaint. Every room
and facility was maintained to the utmost standards of cleanliness.
I would offer one recommendation, and it is offered with best of intentions. Given that the ship's personnel is so attentive to maintaining sanitary conditions, I would suggest that when the workers wipe the eating tables, they use some sort of an antibacterial or cleaning spray. That way the tables are actually cleaned and not wiped with some cloth that merely spreads germs from table to table. This is a pet peeve of mine.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
I switched with my daughter and her husband, so I stayed in cabin 8608 with my granddaughter rather than cabin 8368, because it was larger for them and their 7 year old son, so my comments will be about cabin 8608. The only thing I would say about the cabins are that they are in need of an update. However, we were already aware that they are in the process of refurbishing the ship so we weren't surprised. That said, the cabins were clean and attended to every day, twice a day.
Our cabin attendant, a gentleman by the name of Wendel, was friendly,
personable and very accommodating. I don't how he managed it, but
every request we made of him was immediately attended to, this despite
the number of cabins he had to take care of twice a day. He made sure our
cabin was neat, spotless, and had fresh towels and toiletries.
Ship tip
Get some sleep before the cruise and pace yourself while on the ship. There are so many activities on board and a different island to explore every day,
You'll need to conserve your energy. You may encounter difficulties, but hey, you're on vacation. Stay chill, keep a positive attitude and enjoy!
For Caribbean adventure information contact Caribbean Tourism Organization.
Holidays are a time for relaxation – but they are also the best opportunity to get a little adventure into your life. The Caribbean offers an extraordinary range of exciting activities on foot, on horseback, by boat or land transport.
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