I never had an interest in cruising, but it was a great experience that left us with fond and happy memories all the way around!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was quick and seamless. We were on the ship within 30 minutes of parking our car.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
I did not have high expectations for dining while on the cruise, but was pleasantly surprised. There were multiple venues, most of which were made-to-order. Even the one buffet option was very good - lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from, which is key for me. The main dining room served a lovely brunch and delightful dinner each day - complete with evening entertainment by the serving staff.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
There seemed to be activities for everyone. Though we were not terribly interested in shows or events taking place inside the ship, we wanted to be outside enjoying the ocean view and soaking up the sunshine. The pools and hot tubs leave a little to be desired, as they were so small that it was hard to ever find a free spot to be able to get in and enjoy them.I enjoyed the ropes course and the walking track, though they began placing sun chairs to the walking track after 10:00am in the morning, which essentially closed the track for the rest of they day. To me it seemed unnecessary when there were many other places the chairs could be placed on decks not meant as a walking track.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The DJ's and activities taking place on the Lido deck were great! We only attended one inside show, "Love and Marriage," it was cute and nicely done.
Children's Programs
No children.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
I cannot speak highly enough about the room stewards - they were fantastic and always called us by name when they passed us in the halls. The waiters were generally wonderful and also called us by name, only one or two exceptions there. Christoper in the main dining room was outstanding!!!!
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Giving this four stars because of the design layout, though it very likely cannot be helped. The kitchen sits mid-ship on deck 3 and 4 (I think) and this causes an unusual situation where you cannot access the main dining room except by going up and over and down again. I never could figure out how to get there on my own. Cleanliness, however, was exceptional - the rooms were spotless! Around the ship I'd always pass someone scrubbing walls, railings and other highly touched, or untouched, surfaces at any point during the day.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our room was incredible - spacious and exceptionally clean! Everyone said we wouldn't spend time in our cabin, but we loved it there! Our balcony was so nice and such a great place to relax and watch the ocean, sunrise and sunset.
Ship tip
The first day will be a little crazy - everyone wants to get to the restaurants and a drink in hand as soon as they come on board, that will settle down after the first day. Spend time at the beginning getting to know the layout of the ship - it'll make everything else easier later.
This was an amazingly beautiful! When everyone gets off the boat they will go to the left - go right and enjoy the quiet side of island to yourself for the day! Beware - the flies that come to the place where they serve lunch are horrendous! Don't expect to enjoy the meal - I've never seen swarms like that in my life! Instead, bring along your own snack and enjoy it as you sit and stare at the beautiful colors of the water, at a safe distance from the masses of flies!
The port was fine, not the cleanest place or the best smelling. We enjoyed our excursion to Belmora Island - it was a nice place to get away from the heat and the masses and enjoy the cool and beautiful water.
I could not believe how quickly they get 3,500 people off the ship! We left our room at 6:45am and were in our car by a little after 7:00am, and everyone was still incredibly friendly and helpful throughout the process.
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