I want to come as with my significant other the next time! I know he will enjoy it! This was my first cruise and I enjoyed it immensely. We were warned about sea-sickness but none of us got sick. You hardly know the boat is moving. Almost every night I didn't realize when we had left each Port. Also, Houston's Hobby airport is closer if you're flying in. (The travel agent didn't tell me that.)
Embarkation
5 out of 5
The embarkation experience was excellent. We arrived early from our flight and shuttle from Houston (George Bush) and were able to check-in when we arrived! After going through a wave of happy people who had just debarked, we found the experience to be very organized and all cruise-line employees were helpful in pointing us in the right directions. Also, check your bags when you arrive because the baggage check is on the opposite end from the check-in area.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The dining was exquisite for the most part. Lots of choices and the meals were well planned. I did not enjoy the pizza but everything else was good. The only thing I wish would change is the price of the drink cards or offer a less expensive one. I do not drink that much. Had the ship offered a less expensive one, I may have purchased it.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
There were numerous on-board activities. You can be fully active for the entire 7 days if you'd like! I enjoyed the exercise room and sat on the deck a lot just watching the water. I think just about everything you enjoy doing...this cruise offers it. I haven't been to the movies in 10 years but I went to the movies at sea!!! What fun!!!
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The stage shows were Broadway-style! The entertainers did a Motown musical the second night. We had a wonderful time! Most of the musicians were very good but I did not see them all. I only saw one comedian the last night on the ship, he was not very good.
Children's Programs
No children with my family group but there were 100s on board having an awesome time
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
I really don't think these personnel get paid enough for the wonderful way they treated us! The staterooms were spotless and the waiters always got our requests right -- and that is massive if you think about the number of guests on the ship! The only personnel who did not seem as friendly were the ones in Guest Services. I had not received my pre-paid excursion tickets and had to explain this matter to the gentlemen three times. Overall, everyone was professional. Also note that you cannot bring irons (even the small ones). The ship offers rooms with irons and laundry but the laundry machines barely worked. I had to go to second floor to iron. I wish they could offer more areas for washing and ironing. I hate taking dirty clothes home but, I'm over it.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Perfect! A city sailing on the water!
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The rooms are understandably small but we managed. The room stewards kept our rooms clean so we were happy to tip them when we left. The balcony was a great place to be on the days I wanted some peace just to watch the ocean and see dolphins here and there.
Ship tip
Carefully plan for the money you want to spend. It was my first cruise so I was unaware of the many items I would see and want on the ship. They have shops, jewelry, a candy store (my sister overdosed on chocolate), and determine how much you plan to spend on drinks if you choose not to purchase a drink card. BTW, sodas are not free!!
The Port of Galveston was good. I wish there was a separate area for the embarkation and debarkation processes. It's too many people and possibly unsafe for children, the elderly and the disabled.
No excursion. We chose the Hop On and Hop Off Bus for $19 each. There were 4 stops but we did not get to them all because we got caught in traffic. But we were able to shop and my daughters and nieces enjoyed the beach. It was kind of crowded but the people were pleasant.
We chose the Sting Ray and Rum Beach excursion. My daughters and nieces had a ball swimming and "kissing" the sting rays. Understand that this is a 30 minute boat ride to the middle of the ocean. You can stay on the boat and watch others (like my sister and I did) but have your bathing suit on if you want to get in the water. It's waist deep but some people snorkeled too. I did not like the bar/restaurant that goes with this excursion. The people were unfriendly and refused to give you change in American dollars...which I didn't understand because we paid in American dollars. Weird but, I'm not an international traveler so I may have missed that course in school.
We did something different in Cozumel and took a tour called "Give Back with Purpose-Community Tour." Part of our excursion costs went to an orphanage and a church they are building. We were taken through the city with a tour guide who explained everything along the way (I was unaware that mo-peds are the main means of transportation there). Also, a part of our excursion included lunch at one of the businesses and it was delicious! I encourage you to take a break from the beaches and go on this tour on your next trip to Cozumel! BTW, you can make a contribution to this group anytime!
Hobby is like Midway in Chicago. Nobody checks it unless you ask. There is another one for cruises leaving out of Port Canaveral other than Orlando that isn't checked unless you ask.
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