I loved being on my first cruise. Although I was alone and after seven days, that kinda got old. People were very nice (because I am a very friendly person) to me even the staff in the buffet area etc . Some of them I even gave a hug because that is who I am and since they are away from their family for months at a time, I knew some of them needed a hug from an nice old lady. In the department I work in, most everyone is an international. I am very well respected and liked by all and they let me know this. So I like to treat others in the same way.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
I was in a wheelchair (thank goodness) or my arthritic body and hurt sacrum from United Flight would have totally given up as the lines were so long.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The service and food in the main dining room was EXCELLENT. Even though I sat at a table for two (by myself) they made me feel more welcome and part of everything. The buffets were great also. Sometimes a little hard to find a place to sit but most people were nice to an old lady and let me sit with them or at their table. I had the anytime dining seating. So no pressure to be there.
As for the drink -- Although I only had a few drinks I had finally paid the price for alcohol beverages. About the second night, a lady in the casino told me I had reached a level in points where I got free drinks. I told her I already had drinks and so they compensated me with a couple of dining extras. BUT in HINDSIGHT I should have TAKEN THE FREE DRINKS AND CANCELLED MY BEVERAGE DEAL. NOT SURE IF I COULD HAVE BUT I SHOULD HAVE TRIED.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Since I had hurt my sacrum when departing my last flight, I did not engage in fitness centers, swimming, etc. Just sort of wandered from here to there. MY COMPLAINT would be there should be MORE SEATING in hallways at least near elevators. Everyone was RAVING about the cruise director. Actually, I heard his voice CONSTANTLY OVER THE LOUDSPEAKERS and I found his accent and voice annoying. Sorry. I went to bingo once. It was okay but nothing special. Except the COST was High. I need to read the daily news we got more carefully because if there were comedians, etc. I did not know about them.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Children's Programs
I did not have any young grandchildren with me. But I would like to compliment the staff and at the same time inform parents about the safety of their children. I was looking through the glass at the children playing and one of the workers came out and told me that I could not be where I was because it violated their safety issues. I left and I think this should let parents know that the staff is being on the lookout for the safety of their children.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
About 3 am the first morning, I awoke from all the sounds and rocking I experienced in cabin 1202. Between that and already having hurt my back on the plane, I went to customer services and the next morning I was moved to a handicapped room next to elevators on 7th floor. Much Much better. I appreciated that very much.
Ship tip
Being my first cruise, I thought going down early morning with my own luggage was a good thing. No more.. That meant even though I had health issues that I had to drag my big suitcase and small suitcase through miles and miles of corridor that led to get off the ship. Next time, I will put a label on luggage and put by my cabin door the night before. If I am correct, had I done that before, my luggage would have been waiting for me in an area of building just before I got on bus for airport. Boy was that a dumb one on my part. Hurt Hurt Hurt
Came by United from Memphis to New Orleans. My tour person had housed me at a hotel thirty something miles from port. Therefore, it costs lots more money for cab. I barely got there before midnight.
I did the pub crawl. The people in charge were great. They split us into two groups and we walked in different directions to each bar. Got a free drink at each one and a t shirt. Worth the money. But - it had rained the day before and it was scorching hot.
There were several other ships docked at the same time so I figured I would have to wait in long lines for anything. Also it LOOKED VERY INDUSTRIAL area. Not inviting.
As I mentioned in earlier comment, I will know better next time. Put your luggage outside your cabin the night before and then pick it up in the terminal after you have walked in the miles of corridor getting off the ship.
Great u had a good time its easy to get into a conversation with someone as there are so many friendly faces ... you really need to check your fun times left in your cabin the night before thats hope people know what’s happening around the ship .. good your first experience was great enjoy plenty more places to go and ships to try .. happy cruising
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