My experience was great! Reviews should be strictly based on your cruise experience not other passengers. It is not the cruise’s fault or responsibility for the passengers behaviors. Like, on the Tuesday night when everyone was taking pictures. These 2 guys and a lady were taking pictures in the middle of the stairs and did not care that there’s other people waiting to freaking pass, Or people who do not the meaning of get inline and wait. Don’t just stick your arm in-front of people to grab a bread. Or pretend you don’t know what’s going on and cut in line because you don’t want to wait in a long ass line and couldn’t wait to go to Catalina. 😔 Again! Cruise employees were great just not some passengers.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
The embarkation process from parking to check-in at the terminal was seamless. The check-in officers and staff were efficient and professional. The boarding after check-in was not a long wait despite the many people. Instructions and procedures were clear and employees always prompted and directed all passengers to the right directions. The only inconvenience was the converging of ALL passengers in the lunch area. Even though the deck more than accommodated the passengers, it was chaos. Passengers, robotically got inline for the buffet or anywhere they could get food. Some passengers did not know how to wait patiently in-line. It was crazy! It was like living in an apocalyptic dystopian mayhem; except there’s no zombies and there’s an abundance of food! Then, there was an employee getting mad at the passengers! Saying, it’s not that complicated people. The 2 buffet tables are the same. BUT nobody knows that! LOL! The drinks fountain was also a long line. On the 2nd day, the cruise made sure there was employees all over to direct and help passengers.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
If you’re not a fan of the masses… make sure to check out suit down meals and specialty restaurants. Also, make sure to download the HUB app.l to check out what’s available, costs and reservations. We were lucky to have reserved our dining at the Sunrise restaurant because it was one of the highlights of our stay. Our server Richardo (and his team) was exceptional. Great service, very attentive, professional and informative. The entertainment was fun too! I did not get a view of the singer but it was still good and hilarious (it’s ssssshhhow time).
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
There were a lot of activities on the ship. We did mini golf and used the pool. My son enjoyed the kids water area and I enjoyed the tube slide. The pool was too cold so we got out quickly. The jacuzzi was a mess and gross! There was food around and in it. Passengers should really adhere to rules and watch their kids. In my opinion thisis not the cruise’s fault.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Dj at the pool was good. The Filipino couple in the lobby area were fantastic!!! They have an amazing voice and good vibe! They really got the crowd going!
Children's Programs
3 out of 5
I was disappointed that I could put all my kids together due to the age difference. Bummer
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All staff were great! Hospitable, hard workers, and professionals. We also enjoyed the Filipino lady bartender at the casino! Very attentive and great memory.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
It was good. The hallways were great, as well as the different areas of the ship. The he buffet… again! No matter how much the employees clean l, it’s the passengers that don’t care.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
I was pretty impressed how big the cabins were and happy that our cabin were connecting rooms. It was clean and the beds were comfortable. We all slept through the night and slept in.
Ship tip
Download the HUB app! Be nice to your server, porters, and staff. Kindness goes a long way and we were treated amazingly by all the staff!
There was a very long line. You have to get line to get on a small boat to take you to the island. But first, you have to find the end of the line. It was very non-safe. If something was to happen, everyone will trample on each other. The cruise needs to find a better system for this. Maybe, have passengers reserve a time slot to get inline just line the terminal check-ins.
The lines didn’t ease up til 11-12. Then the lines were moving.
The island was okay. Idk what I was expecting. It’s a beach with a lot of tourists.
Encinada was amazing! We just walked out of the ship got directed on a bus and BAM! We got to see the La Bufadora and ride a horse. We did not book a trip with cruise but there was some guys offering trips by the ship. We took a bus round trip bus ride for $4/pp to plaza Pueblo antiguo. Our tour guide was a wonderful man, Alfredo! La Bufadora was fun, everyone spoke English and was giving tourists a respectful space. Still, watch your kiddos.😊
“Apocalyptic dystopian mayhem” (I Love this accurate description) is why we completely avoid all cruise buffets - except to grab a cookie or ice cream at times. The buffet immediate ruins my cruise mojo.
Great review! I totally agree on everything you said about the fellow passengers. I have learned who to avoid, also how to not be “that guy”. I have noticed that the longer cruises tend to have a better, more pleasant atmosphere as well. Happy cruising!
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