Great Christmas and first since restart cruise! So glad to be back!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We were in the 10-10:30 boarding group. Even with all of the new requirements/protocols, we were pleasantly surprised at how quick and smooth the boarding process was. We were on the ship by 11:00 AM.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
As always, we loved Guy’s Burgers and the Blue Iguana. Steakhouse is good, but the grilled beef tenderloin I had in the MDR was much better than the filet in the steakhouse. Portions in the MDR are definitely smaller, but that’s okay with us. You can always order another if you’re still hungry. Number of MDR dessert options have definitely decreased. Only items we had at Lido buffet were desserts. We looked forward to the selection of cakes each day. The chocolate chip cookies aren’t too great, but the peanut butter cookies were good! I could tell that the buffet food selections have definitely been reduced - probably a supply issue and cost cutting. Pizza was very good, but avoid peak times as lines we’re long.
Platinum Restaurant
4 out of 5
Service ranged from very fast one night to almost painfully slow the other nights. Staff was always very friendly though! Not sure why so many people have problems or just don’t want to use the app to get a table. This system was in place before the shut down. It’s very user friendly and beats standing in line. We had YTD in the Golden Restaurant.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The Fun Times had numerous activities to choose from, but we didn’t participate in any. We spent a lot of time at the rear pool area doing some reading. There weren’t any “sidewalk” sales like in the past. May be a supply issue.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
We had seen all of the main productions before, but still enjoyed them. Singers were very good! Glory Rock Band is one of the best we’ve seen - their show in the main theater was absolutely amazing! Comedians were just okay. CD Leon was wonderful!!! Loved the Christmas morning service - was very special for us as Christians! We will NEVER forget it.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Our steward was okay. We only saw him one time. We were never asked if we preferred AM or PM cabin service, so it was serviced in the AM each day. Just a different experience from previous cruises. Wait staff was super friendly as always! Same for other crew members throughout the ship. It’s obvious they are glad to be back and glad to see passengers. We try to take time and talk to them, which they really appreciate.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Crew was constantly cleaning everything! The public areas look good, but the cabins are due for some TLC. Cabinets in ours were really abused and drawers didn’t work well. Balcony curtain needs replaced. We are used to this ship’s layout so we had no trouble navigating around the ship. LOVED that no smoking was allowed in casino, as that deck is a main thoroughfare to get around the ship. Although there was a lot of marijuana being used on board - strong smell from the smoking areas throughout the cruise. New muster drill process is also great!
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
This was a balcony cabin that we were thrilled to have at such a great rate! Cabins need a makeover, but bed was super comfy as always on CCL. We enjoyed reading on the balcony when it became too loud and crowded on the decks. Balconies could use a good scrubbing though. AC worked very well. Had noisy neighbors around us, but didn’t let it ruin our cruise.
Ship tip
Get to know the crew - they love for passengers to take the time to get to know them. Eat at Blue Iguana, Guy’s and check out the daily cake selection on Lido. Try the BBQ just above buffet area. Many people miss it - very good!
This is the only port that we disembarked in. Just walked around for a little bit and shopped. Stores are clean with friendly staff. If you plan to go to Sr. Frog’s here, you’ll need to show proof of vaccination.
As always, we did self assist. We are Platinum so we were off the ship by 7:45 AM. Facial recognition process is great - not stopping for customs. Very smooth and efficient process for us.
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