The cruise was nice and offered a lot, but it wasn't the cruise for us. We mainly chose it for the debarkation location so we could drive there easily. We are retired and didn't seek out many strenuous activities that were offered. But, we took advantage of the activities that we wanted. It was a nice relaxing trip with great (too much) availability of food. One negative was that I felt that someone was always trying to sell me something and that turned me off. I would prefer keeping the "hawking" to one area away from the small cafes.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
The actual processing by Royal Caribbean was good and fast. HOWEVER, the drive from the entrance of the port to the drop off was horrible. It took one hour to get through the line. This is probably handled by the port, but the cruise line should have some say in how it works. It wasn't handled smoothly and we should have been able to bypass the normal drop off point and just drive into the parking garage if it was busy. We could have then just pulled our luggage to the entrance. We have left through Bayonne 3 times before and it was always fast and smooth for drop off and parking. This was not a good first impression.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We loved the food and the ambiance of the Grande dining room. Most every dish was perfect, and when it wasn't we were offered replacements immediately. The buffet was very good and we always found seating. We did not eat at any of the specialty restaurants.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We did not take advantage of all the activities. So I would say that this really wasn't the cruise for us. But, we did like the things we did. I loved the solarium (adults only) and found it relaxing. The special shows that we saw were excellent and far above typical cruise entertainment. The outside pool was fine. My only suggestion (and this might only be for a small number of people) is that I would have liked more FREE activities like crafts or lectures that weren't geared to buying things.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We didn't really sit much in the venues with bands or vocal performers. But we loved "The Gift," "Spectra's Cabaret," and "We Will Rock You." Excellent talent and marvelous digital effects!
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Very friendly and accommodating. My only criticism is that I felt some of the staff in the buffet area and around the pool deck were not very motivated. Still quite friendly, but not quickly responsive to cleaning tables or getting drinks.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Good design and very clean. The layout of the ship was excellent. I just felt that the Esplanade (atrium) area could have been a little more welcoming. Also, there was too much hawking of goods going on in that area when it should have been better for strolling or cafe seating.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Very comfortable and clean. The bathroom shower design was beautiful. Only criticism is that the night stands were small and tight, and I kept hitting the phone when I was in bed.
Ship tip
I would recommend eating meals (or at least all dinners) in the standard dining room. This might not always be possible when traveling with children. I think the cruise was a good opportunity for families to get beautiful group photographs and because of that there were many extended families traveling together. Also, the "Family" pool was a terrific idea that allowed people with children to have a really fun time.
I love Bermuda and always feel safe. Unfortunately I don't think we had enough time to do a lot of sightseeing on our own. We had been there before and did not go on an excursion.
Disembarkation was seamless. We were scheduled for a reasonable time and had a good breakfast before sitting in a comfortable lounge area to await disembarkation. No long lines or delays. The system works fine.
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