This was a great adventure and vacation. So many things for family members to do, but not so many that they could enjoy together. The rooms were comfortable and clean. Getting on and off the ship was easy even with 2 wheel chairs. The food was tasty and well prepared. The Caribbean experience delightful. The only disappointment was meal time with a party of 9, the time we hoped would be the most enjoyable family time. Every dinner experience was stressful. However, the staff were friendly and worked to help us enjoy our time on their ship. The age of our party ranged from 8 to 88.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Traveled with in-laws who are in their 80's and the process was painless even with them in transport chairs.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The food quality was excellent and they were able to cater to our dietary needs in a tasty fashion. Unfortunately our party of 9 spent more than 2 hours on diner every night waiting to be seated or waiting for our dishes to be served. The music levels in the main dining room were very loud at times making it necessary for some members of our family to leave the dining room until the musical pieces were over and others took their hearing aids out. Our dinner experiences were the low points of each day and the cruise experience.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Basketball, pool and hot tubs, massages and acupuncture at the spa, Build a Bear workshop, musical shows, comedy shows, Morning shows, Afternoon Tea, we took advantage of so many on board activities.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The stage shows were entertaining but the performers were just okay - some were obviously the dancers and others the singers. Emerson, Rev. Dr. E was really good all the time, whether in person or over the PA system, whether with kids or adults, whether being serious or impersonating the captain.
Children's Programs
2 out of 5
My 8 year old daughter lasted 30 minutes with her group and wouldn't go back. I think she just didn't want to miss out on what we were doing. My 16 year old spent a little time in his age group club but after a few visits he did his own thing with his older brother. Unsure why my kids weren't entertained at the kids clubs - but there were lots of other things for them to do.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Bjorn was our steward and he was very patient with my boys who would sleep past noon and he somehow worked around their dirty socks and clothes on the floor. Martina, Welly and Shon were our table staff for 5 out of 7 dinners. Martina worked hard to try to keep our experience positive. She knew our challenges and was frustrated like we were when timings were off or entrees were wrong. Welly was very attentive and brought my daughter a cup of cherries when he noticed she was eating everyone that came on our drinks.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
There were times when there was an awful smell near the elevators and stairways. Unsure if it was a plumbing issue that was being addressed but it was stinky. I thought the staff did a great job keeping up with the messes of so many kids and vacationers. The ship's decor was on the gaudy side - so many women's breasts on the walls by the cabins - inappropriate for my 8 year old and teenage boys.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The cabin was a bit tight for 4 of us mostly in regards to where to put our clothing. Lots of hanging space but we were a party of 2 teenage boys, an 8 year old girl and myself. Only 3 shelves in the one closet - 4 would have been helpful. Only 3 drawers of size in the desk - not even enough for 1 a piece. If the room is meant to sleep up to 4 people it would be appropriate to have suitable places for 4 people's clothing. We did have enough room for all the suitcases we brought. We loved our balcony. The location was convenient to the Taj and Butterfly theatre. It was far enough below the Lido deck that we didn't hear the late night parties hosted up there. I would chose this room again.
Ship tip
Go to the Morning Shows with Dr. E in the Taj - you will learn so much and be entertained.
We rented golf carts and drove up to Pillary Beach. It was a great adventure. We brough snorkel equipment with us and had a great time. The experience was complete with the donkeys on the beach. Would do this again and maybe explore a bit more of the island.
This beach was so beautiful. We did not do any excursions. We did snorkel with our own equipment. We rented a clam shell umbrella for my elderly in-laws but while they were protected from the sun - it was TOO HOT. There was no breeze under the clam shell. They returned the ship after an early lunch. It would have been better for them to find a shelter under the trees on a bench rather than pay for a VERY HOT CLAM SHELL. The kids had a great time. It truly was beautiful.
We did different things at Freeport. Some of us took a taxi to a Tiano Resort and spent a couple hours enjoying their amazing pool and the secluded beach. Others went on a Jet Ski excursion. Both were perfect for the family members involved. Wish the time on the island was a little longer.
We asked lots of questions and had a plan in place by Saturday night for how to get off the ship with my in-laws in transport chairs. It was painless. Thank you.
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