The cruising this time (after the previous 3 days to nowhere) was pretty good. A much more leisurely and sedate experience. It was unfortunate Mare was off the itinerary, as we wanted to again visit - oh well, next time.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Except for the wait in the customs area between the first and second cruise, the outcome was not too bad. We lost a couple of hours but were ahead of the pack when we were invited to reboard for this cruise, and our bags were moved for us.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
All bookings for dining rooms via the App. It does not always work.
On Any Time Dining we (party of 4) booked as soon as we were able, however, waits of more than an hour were commonplace.
Food quality varied from some really good dishes to some pretty feeble attempts. On night 2, our booking was made at was made at 6:15, with table becoming available at 7:15, followed by bread 7:30, entrees, arriving 8:05 (served luke-warm). Drinks were ordered with meal but did not arrive for 25 mins. Dessert finally served at 8:35. Table 646.
App failed again at breakfast. Had booked into Gold Pearl and all seemed good for a 30 minute wait. The open time was until 10 AM, and we booked at 9:40. We found out that they had to extend operation, as the app got smashed with bookings at 9:30 and they were overrun until 11.
Mudslides or Toblerones were not available, due to a shortage of the base mix. Choctini's are not quite the same. But, the beer is beer... YAY.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
There is a wide choice of onboard activity. If you look, you'll find something suitable.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Shows are reasonable, even having seen them a few tomes in the past. Some of the performers should probably try to whistle or hum a bit more often but the songs / acts are all different and they each had a following.
Children's Programs
No Kids - but their presence was seen and heard through different Dr Seuss "parties" - they looked like they were having fun, fun, fun.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Cruise Director Lizzie was often on the microphone with her highly enthusiastic commentary. The kids (of which there are plenty), all respond to her "cheerio"...
The wait and service staff, as well as stewards are great. There is nothing you can't ask. They seem to be a bit more in control this cruise (as opposed to the prior 3-day cruise to nowhere).
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
The décor is a bit tired, but in reality, you don't look at it that often.
The room opposite ours was a supplies room. There was lots of corridor noise as talking and equipment banging outside our stateroom, especially early. Some cleaning equipment was left in the corridor outside our stateroom for entire cruise. I had to see steward due to excess noise outside our room.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Our stateroom had a connecting door and the neighbours were sometimes noisy. Seemed the neighbour was having protracted conversation with visitors (possibly whilst child minding for the family).
The bathroom had a smell to it like it had been smoked in and a false eyelash was stuck to outside of basin whilst the shower flooded over the bathroom floor a couple of times.
Our Stateroom was just below Gold Pearl Dining room, which is a good location for speed to get there, as only 1 floor away. But have now figured what some of the noise above was of a morning... 😀
Ship tip
You can find a place to relax most times. There are a number of areas where you can usually sit back and chill. Activities are planned at various places throughout the day, generally at 30 minute intervals. Trivia and the like mostly, unless you want the Art Auction, or Spa treatments. Staff are great. There is nothing you can't ask. Red Frog Pub, while not like the Legend or Spirit, is fun.
Sounds like they have some bugs to work out but glad you could still find some good times. No cruise will be issue free so if you can look for the good you will always be happy.
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