This was a family reunion/ birthday celebration for my daughter, turning 30, my wife, turning 60, and her mother turning 90. Our group was obviously mulitigenerational, and the nice thing about a cruise is with the variety of activities, people can go their own way, and still easily meet up for group celebrations and dinners. We all had a wonderful time.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Our embarkation could not have been smoother. We required wheelchairs for 2 of our party of 8. While the chairs were being arranged we were asked to gather our group at a meeting point. We were met by cruise representatives who expedited our check in process. Excellent service!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We had superb service in the dining room from Gamma. She knew our names, remembered things we regularly ordered, and helped arrange a table change to a round table for the benefits of one of our party who is deaf. A round table allows her to see everyone and communicate more easily. All of the food service staff were friendly and accommodating, and ready to do anything to help a guest. Really my only complaint regarding food service was the buffet. Firstly, the hours Other cruises I've been on had at least one buffet through the day. On this ship the buffets closed at 2:30p, leaving very limited food choices until 6:00p. So if one had a late breakfast, and wasn't hungry before 2:30, they didn't have too many options. And if one's dinner assigned time was 8:15, that makes for a long wait. I would have liked to have seen more food choices during this time. Secondly, I'm not sure exactly why. Perhaps the way the food layout was arranged, but the lines were constantly bottlenecked and did not move smoothly.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I used pools and hottubs early to beat the crowds, and was happy to find an abundance and variety of deck seating, both in shade and in sun at all hours. Especially nice was finding some quiet and secluded spots away from the noise of the pool. Guests were asked, and signs were posted about 'saving' deck chairs, and an unattended deck chair would find it's towel removed after 45 minutes of inactivity. The fitness center was quite nice, as was the outdoor running track.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
I did like the musicians I saw around the ship. I did attend some of the trivia events around the ship, as well as a couple of comedians.
Children's Programs
I was not traveling with children
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
I already mentioned our dining room waiter, Gamma, above. All staff I encountered were friendly, helpful, and ready to do anything for a guest. My room steward (Ari?) was extra nice. My room was always clean and attended to. And when I mentioned to Ari that a lamp was not working, he made sure it was seen to. I want to give a special mention about Claudia (?) from South Africa, at Guest Services. She took care of our every question in the most pleasant and efficient manner. Especially when she found out that we had visited her country and home town.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was very clean, and it seemed, constantly being cleaned. When I was up on decks early in the mornings I always encountered crews scrubbing and cleaning every inch of the decks.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
My small cabin was perfect. We don't spend a lot of time in the cabin, so when we're not in bed or in the shower, we find somewhere on the ship to hang out. Other cruise friends have advised me to upgrade for a cruise to a balcony room to enjoy coffee in the morning, and cocktails in the evening out there. Maybe next time!
Ship tip
Just relax and have fun. On a short cruise like this, you can't do everything the ship has to offer. And as I mentioned above about the buffets, plan your meals accordingly.
It was very hot that day, and our group, which included some mobility challenged, hired a car and driver for a tour around, and then returned to the boat. Some in our group went to a local beach. None of our group booked an excursion.
As smooth as our embarkation. We were asked to assemble in a ballroom. Names were taken, wheelchairs and pushers were provided and our exit was smooth as silk. Could not have asked for more.
That sounds wonderful! I'm glad your family got to do that together. I agree, that's such an amazing part about cruising, there's something for everyone. I'm also glad everyone had a great time in Port. Thanks for sharing!
Just one of many positive aspects of cruising. Do what you want all day, then come to the MDR and share your adventures in the evening. Glad your family had such a great cruise.
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