I was happy to support the economy of the islands that are still recovering from the 2017 hurricanes. And the sun and warmth when it was 0 degrees at home didn't hurt either!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
It has been 2 years since we left out of the Royal Caribbean Miami port. It was very efficient and handled well. We were there with a ton of people but did not have to wait too long in line in the noon to 1 pm timeframe. Bonus was that the cabins were opened at 1 pm and were were able to go directly to our cabin with our carry-on luggage.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
There were 8 of us who met every night for MyTime Dining at 5:30 pm and got the same table and waiters. The food was wonderful, especially the lamb chops (my favorite). The two bottles of wine we brought on board with us were held by the waiters and brought out for us at each dinner. Christine and Ida were very attentive to our needs and got to know who wanted what and had it ready (coffee, wine glasses, etc.)
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
There was a wide variety of activities but we mostly hung out by the pool or hot tubs. Our companions did everything include sushi-making, cup-cake decorating, yoga, bingo, casino, and belly flop contest.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Royal Caribbean always seems to have the best evening entertainment. The show "Mama Mia!" was superb! A lady sitting in front of us said she saw the Broadway production and this was better! It was interesting with a British based cast to hear the accent and English terminology. Gave it a delightful difference. Each and every voice was strong and pleasant to hear sing. Enjoyable!
On the other hand there were two comedians who were very funny in the R-rated "Comedy Live" lounge but when they did a "family friendly" show in the large amphitheater, the one (from NJ) just didn't understand that family friendly meant the material too and not just the language. Many families and older folks left the show with the older comedian from NJ and didn't get to hear the better comedian from Georgia who was on after him.
Children's Programs
Did not have children, although the movies played in the children's area could have been viewed by anyone.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everyone was friendly and attended to every need.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
With 6,280 guests on board (plus staff) the ship was not too crowded and there was usually a spot you could find to read or do an activity. There was a high demand for lounge chairs in the adult solarium at the front of the ship but there were plenty at the sides.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The room was terrific with lots of storage space and the balcony even better with its views. I love the starboard side which is frequently the side against the dock.
Ship tip
Check out the drink ticket ads which are posted at a couple of bars (like Boleros) which offers 10 drinks for $79.99. We didn't find the offer until 2 days before leaving. The offer is sharable among family and friends.
Loved St. Maarten. Take the "Royal Fun Family Food Tour" and tell Deja we said hi! They take you to a cheese store to taste champagne, cheese, and have a snack of mac and cheese. Delicious! Then on to the French side where we had the most delicious BBQ lunch. and then back to the Dutch side for dessert at "Carousel" where we watched them make gelatto and got two scoops. The Italian owner explained the whole process -- and we got to ride on a carousel!
My brother was on the Open top double-decker bus tour and said they never left the Dutch side. It rained a bit and they had to pull its top on. He was jealous that we went around the whole island and saw it all.
I chose this itinerary to support the economy of the hurricane ravaged islands and I did my part. However the tour we selected "San Juan Cultural Experience" was lame. It was our guide Enrique's first day back in 6 months and the tour was lame. The first stop in the old city he said go explore and see you back in one hour. WHAT? Thought this was a guided tour! Second stop was at a VanderBilt hotel. Again - go explore the beauty of this luxury hotel and be back in 30 minutes. Third stop was 20 minutes out of the city for lunch at a little place that would not have seen much traffic if we weren't hauled there. The food was atrocious. I can't help but think this must be Enrique's in-laws' place or some such. One party on our bus demanded to leave at that point, they were so mad.
My brother took the same tour but was on a different bus. His experience was different and they never went to the little town of Luisa for lunch. They got a guided tour of a government building which was beautiful and built with marble from all over the world. They enjoyed their tour. Wish we were on that bus with them.
My brother and sister-in-law did the zip-line. They enjoyed it. After that the cruise ship provided a picnic lunch at the beach. Then it was just a day at the beach.
Swiftest disembarkation I ever experienced. Didn't even need to show them my passport as they did facial recognition. No questions either about anything being brought in.
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