Bahamas Cruise

What can I say that many people before me hasn't already said?

The cruise was super.  This was my first, so I was totally amazed at how much everyone was out to make sure I was happy.

There's lots of opportunities to "add on" with drinks and such, but the staff was no less happy to serve even if you turned them down for whatever extra they offered.

Our room steward knew our first names on sight.  The very first day we were walking from our room and passed him.  He didn't see which room we came from yet greeted us both by name and asked if there was anything he could do.

We went on two excursions.  The first was at Half Moon Cay.  We went on the "Historic Nature Walk".  The walk was about 1.5 mi.  Our guide was very friendly and very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna we passed.  She made sure we didn't feel pressured to keep marching on and gave use ample rest time if we needed it.

The second excursion was the "10 Best of Nassau".  Again, our guide was very knowledgeable about everything he showed us.  This one was a bus tour.  We were taken to a rum cake factory (and given samples), a quick tour around the Atlantis resort, then a stop at a rum distillery (with more samples).  Along the way, we were given the opportunity to see the "poorer" side of town (which is where the real culture is).  At all times our guide kept us entertained and informed.  He was a bit political (their politics, not ours), but that only made the tour that much more "real".

Back on the ship and sail back home.  It seemed the whole ship was even more lively knowing it was the last day before the real world would come back.

The one thing I'm ever so glad we bought, as it was well worth the price, was "Faster to the Fun".  From embarkation through the excursions to finally debarkation it sped up the whole process.  No matter what add-ons we buy for the next cruise, this is one we will definitely add.

Out of all the great things I have to say about the cruise, there are two complaints I have.  One is the elevator waiting areas smelled like stale tobacco smoke.  Not sure why as these areas are non-smoking, nor did I see anyone smoke there.  I'm guessing that, since these areas are where most luggage passes, it may be that the luggage is the source of the tobacco smell.

The second complaint has to do with the karaoke DJ.  He allowed "mic hogs".  There are supposed to be two sessions.  We went to the second session and found that it was more of a continuation from the first session.  Those who got to the first session submitted lots of tickets for their songs so that, by the time we got ours, we had to wait for over an hour for our turn to sing, meanwhile singers from the first session got to sing two and three times while we waited our turn.  Unless you're a fan of karaoke, this will be a small issue hardly worth mentioning, but for those of us who enjoy making other people's eras bleed, this is a huge issue.  :-)

All in all, though.  These two inconveniences will certainly not stop us from planning and going on our next cruise.