The ship had engine problems which no one told us about until we were on the ship. One of the stops was Puerto Rico but since we got there late, all tours were cancelled and we never saw what the island had to offer since many places were closed and it was dark. We were never able to get deck chairs until the late afternoon as they were all taken. Even at 8:30 in the morning the chairs were taken even though there were signs stating that you could not reserve chairs. The food was not that good and there was little variety. It was ridiculous that you had to pay for ice cream!! The entertainment was bland. The best part of the entertainment was "Sarge" a comedian who was great. On a positive note, the staff was very friendly and the Cruise Director and Assistant Cruise directors were the best I have ever seen on a cruise ship. They did make this trip at least enjoyable. One of the stops on the ship was Tortolla. Don't waste your time, there was nothing to do or see. It actually became the joke on the ship even among the cruise directors. The main theatre was too small and could not fit all the people who wanted to see the shows. We had to get there at least 1/2 hour before the show in order to get seats and sometimes it was difficult finding seats. The movie screen on the pool deck was kind of cool though. We actually enjoyed that. Contrary to what we had heard the sound system was fine for the movies.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
1 out of 5
There was little variety in the restaurants and the buffet seemed to have the same things. We noticed that there were items offered for breakfast that we also saw at lunch and lunch items were offered in the dinner buffet. It was great that the buffet was open 24 hours a day for access since there were times when we were not hungry and normal eating times.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
The activities were okay. I wouldn't say anything positive or negative. The entertainment was not that good. Only "Sarge" the comedian was good. He actually performed three times during the cruise. I was actually very disappointed in the entertainment since I have been on other cruises where the entertainment was fantastic.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Everyone was very friendly and willing to help but praise goes to the assistant cruise directors. They went above and beyond by always being available for whatever you needed. An example was with assistant cruise director John who actually went out of his way to teach my daughter how to do a very fast line dance that no one else could get. He gave her a private lesson on his own time. He was the best.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was immaculate. The elevators were slow so you walked up and down the stairs most of the time but that was really not a big deal. Sometimes, it was annoying that you could not access all floors by one set of stairs.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We had no problems with our stateroom as there was actually more room than we expected since on other cruise ships the rooms were actually smaller.
We went on a tour of Tortola which was to include a tour of the island, time at the beach and lunch. It was basically a ride to the beach and lunch. Since it rained, we were stranded on the beach for three hours with nothing to do. The tour should have been cancelled. We took it because we thought we would at least see the island - we didn't. Also be aware that when you see beach chairs set up on the beach - you have to pay for the chairs. No on tells you this. Many of us had arguments with the natives over this. It was $5.00 a chair which was not posted anywhere and they waited until you were settled to come over and ask for the money. Since it had rained, the sand was wet so we had no choice but to pay for the chairs. So be aware of this scam. This is also true on other islands but some of them do post it and the chairs are not set up.
We went to Magan's Bay which was great. We also went on a submarine tour of the coral and fish in the water. This was very entertaining. We didn't go shopping so I could not recommend any of the stores. Overall the island was good.
We took a tour of the island and went to the beach. While the island is not very developed, we did enjoy the tour since we had a great tour guide - Vin. We also enjoyed the beach except that there were many rocks on the floor of the ocean. So be careful when walking in the water. It was cool though to be in the ocean with the ship just 100's of yards away. It made for cool pictures. Margaretville is overpriced and not a big deal. Drinks were $14.00 each. I would skip it and head for the beach or pool at Margaretville.
Couldn't tell you anything about Puerto Rico since we arrived late and everything was closed, tours were cancelled and it was dark. We had no idea where to go or what to do so as so many other passengers we returned to the ship fifteen minutes after going on the island. It was a great disappointment.
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