Good times had but at the cost of getting COVID!! It was a shame they took away the safety protocols and I was foolish enough to believe getting the vaccine plus 3 boosters was enough to keep us safe. Everything is a learning experience and I have processed this one and will not make the same mistake twice. When I can I’m wearing a mask around large groups of people. Cruise lines are not looking out for your wellbeing just there bottom line so live like COVID is still an issue because it is!
Embarkation
3 out of 5
I am someone who is handicapped, i use assistive devices (cane sometimes 2) so as a RC newbie I purchased the Key for expedited embarking not knowing that those with handicaps are given the opportunity to get on board early. While attempting to bring my carry on luggage (knapsack with my meds and small wheeled suitcase). I was struggling and my wife already had more than enough in her hands already when we passed Customer Service where I asked one of the staff standing there welcoming people that I am having trouble with my bags and would like some help getting to my destination for our “Specialty Lunch” for Key members. When I asked for assistance I got a finger and a go there to the restaurant for the Key. When I complained onboard I was told it was a misunderstanding but I call BS because I was very clear. Not the way I wanted to start the cruise.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We did not do any specialty restaurants so all in all everything was very enjoyable except for the special Chanukah dinner where brisket with latkes were offered. What came on the plate was two slides of rump roast and raw shredded potatoes, not as advertised and not even close. I was disappointed at this but other than that everything else was excellent.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
First off no COVID precautions, it was a free for all!! With that said:
There is a lot to do on this ship!! For families there are the pools, sports complex, wall climber and surf simulator. For people like me who want to be as far away as children as possible you will love the Solarium, the adult only place on board for sun and relaxing pools. I kid you not it’s like day and night when you walk through those Solarium doors, once they close it’s quiet and peaceful. There you can get some sun, soak in the many pools, read, get a bite to eat and play cards. People were actually very respectful of each other and the silence was proof of that. And of course the casino is always fun, expensive if you’re not on a budget but fun!
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Apart from the “Embarkation Incident” and lack of enhanced COVID protocols everything was great with the staff. First because I was unable to participate in about all of the special things for Key members I was able to get a refund after my wife continuously went to customer service.
Our room steward was Wonderful!! He was so busy all the time but always made sure we had what we needed. Our first day I noticed how dirty the glass on the balcony was that the poor guy went out there and cleaned it in extremely cold weather leaving New York in late December. He earned every penny of the extra tip we left him. Our servers at the main dining room were also very nice and accommodating!
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Big boat but it doesn’t seem so. Public places appeared clean however you found the occasional child toy, wet towel, etc laying around.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The cabin itself was nice, same as every other balcony room except you get an extra 2 feet of balcony space!!
Ship tip
Book excursions as early as possible and don’t think you have to do specialty dining unless you want to. We were also able to get by without a drink package on what was offered plus we were able to bring 2 bottles of wine aboard.. Also wear a mask when attending any entertainment that children may be at, they are little germ factories! I had a really bad time with COVID so I’m not the most objective on this topic!!
Great place to take a cruise from especially if you live on the east coast (as south as Mid Atlantic) and get on some great cruises going all over the world! Just don’t shoot any video or take pictures inside the port, you will get scolded!! 🤷♂️
Thanks for the info @NicolaB. This was my second cruise so knowing that I can call for assistance beforehand will definitely help and hopefully eliminate any unnecessary costs and stress! Again thank you for the information! Happy Cruising!!
@amorad2112 I am disabled and have been on four cruises and going my fifth one in October. I always book assistance for help with boarding, etc and it has been a great help to me as I have very limited mobility. I have never purchased The Key for the reasons you stated. I can’t fault the help and assistance I was given.
@799spence Talk to me after you get over COVID!! I really do not have time for DUMB comments like yours. I’ve given you way more attention than you deserve.
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