It was a great trip catching up with friends. I really enjoyed the stage shows. The dancers were fantastic and the singers were great. The visuals were also fantastic. Eating at the buffet was our favorite option…until we found the Pig and Anchor smoked meats lunch on the last day. I will find that the first day next time!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was very smooth and efficient.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
We did not experience any of the specialty restaurants. We tried both buffet and main dining room. The experience at the main dining room was lack luster. The service over the three nights we tried was average and the food came lukewarm most of the time. We found that on the buffet you could get most of the menu that was being served in the dining room but because you were getting it out right out of the pans, it was hot. Also it doesn’t make sense that thay have a rule where they will charge you an additional $5 for a third entree in the dining room…but you can take as much as you want and as many items at the buffet as you like. Also, they cram so many events in the evening (comedy, show, etc) that eating at the buffet made it easier to squeeze in dinner between rushing to get in line for things.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
The pools were maintained very well. I didn’t use them but sat out at them every day. By the end of each day they would look very cloudy…I assume that’s from sun lotion from swimmers. But every morning they were fresh clear pools. I used the sky ride bike that they had on this particular ship and it was fun. I did not use the Sky Zone trampoline area as they were charging extra to use that and aside from extra charges for specialty restaurants and things like Bingo where money is won, I don’t see why they charge extra for activities on ship. They don’t charge for the water slide, using the pool, basketball court, or sky bike ride. The Fitness Center was clean and the equipment was in great condition. I used this several days of my trip. I did take one Pilates class and did not take another class because of the attitude of the instructor. It was as if he knew enough to get through a 30 minute class but then immediately followed up the class with getting attendees to come get a posture evaluation which was immediately followed by a sales pitch for $199 inserts. Do I need them…probably….but me and my entire group that used the fitness center and spa were surprised with the push to sell things and then the changed attitude (and not in a good way) when you didn’t buy something.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Stage shows were THE BEST part of the cruise on board. DJ’s were good. The violin trio that played in the lobby area several times during the week and at the first stage show were PHENOMENAL!! The piano bar player was also good. He was not as entertaining as the piano guy on my last cruise…but he was fun, played well, and had fun with the audience.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Service from waiters was excellent although the teamwork and smoothness of the dining process was “off” every night we used the main dining room. Our room steward was fantastic and always had our room done first thing in the morning. Other ship personnel we came in contact with was good as well. SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to the brewmaster in the Pig and Anchor Pub where we attended a paid for brewery tour. Yes…this ship has an on board brewery. The brewmaster did a great job of explaining the process and the special challenges of brewing on ship. Plus we got a souvenir glass.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Ship design is great and it was always kept clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Great view from the balcony and great ability to use the thermal spa area which was included with these rooms. HOWEVER…the fact that they up sold the thermal area to others for $149 for the week that weren’t on staying on the spa floor made it a VERY busy place and almost impossible to use some of the things offered in that area since there were no time limit rules and therefore some people would grab a book and take up a heated chair all day long, for example.
Ship tip
Try the Pig and Anchor barbecue at lunch. It is hidden. They have a menu that they charge for some things and at dinner, but lunch is included and the smoked pork and andouille sausage is amazing. We didn’t find it until the last day. You have to go through the pub and out the door and then turn left.
Quick and easy! We took out luggage off ourselves. Scan of the sail and sign card to get off ship and then a face scan to verify who we were at customs. That was it. Best off boarding experience ever.
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