This was our first cruise. We just wanted to try one out before taking a longer one. I would definitely go with a group of people if I went again and go someplace I knew would be warm. We don't like to just hang around, we like to be doing stuff so it was hard for us to just sit during the day. One thing I was really bummed about was the food. I like a few beers, but to sit in a bar all day long. This was also a lot of 20-30 y/o people so not really our age group (50's).
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Four different lines to go through during the process but most went very quickly. Directions to the parking ramp could have been better. All signage to the ramp was for the Queen Mary which happens to be the same ramp but that is not explained anywhere and there is a lot of road construction in the area. Check in is the longest line and that was only about 15 minutes.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
I have always heard how great cruise ship food is so I was highly disappointed. The buffets were typical buffet food. Dried out and cold. Pizza place was excellent however but only one staff person out front so could be slow at times. Dining room was iffy. Steak was good as well as lava cake. Prime rib about 1/2 inch thick and all were well done even if you asked for rare. Vegetables were like mush and you wouldn't need teeth to eat them. Omelet in the dining room was very good. Saw a few people get en entree, take one bite, make a face and order something else. Deserts were minimal in choice. My cheesecake with caramel sauce was extremely dry and had one swirl of caramel on the top that had dried up.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Not much to choose from during the day. Men's hairy chest contest didn't really trip my trigger. It was only in the 50's with a pretty strong wind so it was way too cool to be sitting around the pool. I don't really go on a cruise to shop, minimal board games in the library.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The 2 comedians were good. The stage show with singers with songs from the 70's and 80's were very good. Tried going to the Karaoke bar thinking there might be some talent there but had to leave after 2 songs; a bunch of drunk women who couldn't sing. There were 2 different guitar soloists in the main lobby late afternoon/early evening who were very good.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Waiters and room stewards were usually pretty good and helpful. Our room steward was excellent. Most weren't bad but they didn't look like they loved their job. There was one bartender who was very crabby, and unfortunately she is the one we remember along with our really good steward, Jonathon. One bad apple sticks out in a crowd.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Ship was very clean and well kept.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The size of our cabin was a pleasant surprise. It was larger than I expected and very comfortable. It did not really feel small at all. The bed was very comfortable. We had plenty of room.
Ship tip
Bring a good book, deck of cards or a game if the weather looks like it is too cold to be outside and it's not your thing to sit in a bar or casino all day.
We just walked the downtown which does not take a long time. We had been there before so did not do any tours. If you haven't been there, do a tour, just going downtown is a waste. Spend your money and take a tour.
I am going on two Princess cruises Ruby (10-day Baja/Mexico,) in April and the Grand (10-day Alaskan cruise) in Mid May. This 3-day cruise (Imagination,) is for my best friend of 35 years and I to go on a cruise together that her doctor is approving. She has stage IV inoperable cancer. This cruise we both understand if we don’t want to, do not have to get off the boat in Ensenada. The longer cruises were too long & tiring for her.
We love cruising and went on the imagination for a weekend bachelor party. I had a good time but I don’t think that this is representative of a 7-day Caribbean cruise. Try princess or celebrity.
My girlfriend and I are going on this cruise this February. We are both married and leaving our husbands home. We are in our mid-60’s. Any boat activities we would be interested in? We are looking forward to the night entertainment and food variety. We are also thinking of gambling, sea cruise activities and are there any movies either in a onboard theatre or even on deck under the stars.
Also the longer Cruise have less of a party atmosphere. All of the cruises out of the West Coast can be a little cooler. If you want all warm weather you really have to take a Caribbean cruise
Sounds like you would enjoy a Princess cruise. They are a little higher end with much less of a party atmosphere and a little older demographic. The 3 i was on most of the passenger's were 35ish-70ish and i found them to be much more relaxing than carnival
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