This was a cruise of "firsts". First time we cruised for more than 7 days. First time we drove to the cruise port (from WI.). First time we embarked out of Mobile, AL. First time we embarked in 47 degree weather with wind & rain. First time we had bad weather and rough seas for the first 2+ days. First time I got queasy on a cruise (slightly). First time we had a port of call cancelled on us (Bimini). First time I was on a cruise with 4 sea days. First time my wife needed a wheelchair for debarkation (and I should have also reserved one for embarkation).
Don't get me wrong. We had a good time, with pleasant experiences, a few laughs, and some nice memories. It's just that it was the first time ever...... that I wasn't sad or sorry when it ended.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Embarkation itself was normal. The weather sucked, so we were glad the line finally got us indoors. In hindsight, I should have reserved a wheelchair for my wife.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
All food venues were good. Only one forgettable dinner in the MDR. Steakhouse was excellent.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Serenity pool was nice, when the weather cooperated
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Good comics, good musicians. didn't make the main show, Did a lot of early "after dinner" retiring
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Usual good service all around
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
We've been on this ship before. Nice décor and well maintained.
We did not visit this port because it was the only island I wanted to see on this cruise. The cruising gods knew this and hit us with very strong winds and high seas, making it impossible to dock. Seriously though, the waves were nasty, so it was the right decision to skip that stop.
Just walked around the port area and bought a few gifts for the people back home that were looking in on our cat while we were gone. Typical port area that after we left it was boxed up and shipped to our next stop
My wife needed a wheelchair. The line for people with disabilities was excruciatingly long and slow, with only one service elevator. At least the weather was more pleasant than when we boarded.
Glad you had a good cruise and thanks for
sharing. Guests requiring wheelchairs embarking need them over a 3 1/2 hour period (spread out) whereas debarkation has the same folks trying leave the ship in 1 to 1 1/2 hours and with 1 elevator to get them downstairs, so it does jam up... Mobile is a popular port and highly rated one. The weather was a real problem for everyone that day, which was too bad... I recommend that you try Mobile again. Cheers!
Thanks for sharing. We usually cruise out of Galveston, but in January, 2026, we're cruising out of there. We chose it because it's 14 days and some of the ports are Puerto Rico, Curaçao and Aruba. We're driving. Did you stay at a hotel? If so, which one? Where did you park? I hope your next cruise is memorable.
Thanks for the review. Sounds like weather was the root of most of the issues. That’s the risk of cruising in the winter and not leaving from or going very far south. Wheelchair, cane, etc gets you priority to pass up the long lines for embarkation. Interesting that it is the opposite for debarking.
HMMM....overall, was it worth the $$$? haven't heard too many positive things about Mobile either, which we could manage to drive to instead of NO or GAL. Seems like a so-so cruise to me. Just got off one that was a bit less than that, so I can relate...
Appreciate your detailed feedback. Sorry the weather was crummy. That makes it hard to keep the positive attitude. At least you learned a lot with all those firsts. Glad you MOSTLY enjoyed your cruise.
Definitely had a lot of first experiences, rough seas sometimes get to me as well. Glad you had an enjoyable time otherwise. Thank you for your review.
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