Our First Cruise

Several of us traveled together and it was the 1st Cruise for everyone.  It was my wife and I, our 21 year old daughter, my wife's parents, and my wife's brother, his wife and their 2 teenagers.

Everything was outstanding except for 3 things. 

1. We called to make sure you had Dr. Pepper and then bought the soda package for my 3 daily sodas...but they didn't load any Dr. Pepper so after the 1st day, they were out and I had to drink cola...which I don't like, but at least I didn't get any caffeine headaches. 

2. There weren't any clocks on board and everything is time driven...be in the Ivanhoe Theater at this time to do an activity...be on the Lido Deck to do something else.  Clocks would be helpful.

3. On the 1st day we did Muster.  We stood in one place for over 45 minutes before they came on the intercom to tell us anything...and after about 5 minutes, they showed us how to put on a life vest.  By this time, we would have all been dead if it was a "Real World" scenario.  How about updating it to the 21st Century.  Have everyone watch the video while standing in line to get on the ship and they have us each go to the Muster area and check in with a Kiosk to prove we know how to get there.

Now, some of the many wonderful things we experienced. 

Our room was much bigger than we imagined and we loved the towel animals.  Room service was prompt and food was really good.

We loved our excursions and we participated in many of the activities on-board.  We played games, went to 4 comedy shows, listened at the piano bar, had at least one drink in every bar on-board, and ate at every restaurant at least once.  We had a birthday dinner in the Steakhouse but we were extremely impressed with the regular dining in the Washington Dining Room.  Our team was excellent and Sudipta knew EVERYONE's name the very first night.  His team ( I. Wayan and I. Nyoman ) were also outstanding.

I think one of the biggest things we were impressed with was the attitude.  They had us for 7 days and then get a whole new load of passengers and yet everyone (and I literally mean every, single one) of the crew always had a smile when they spoke...even just to say "Good Morning".  On the nights when they danced in the dining room, all the wait staff danced along...but they danced with smiles on their face like they were having a lot of fun...just doing their jobs.

It was great time and the whole family feels closer because of this time we had together.  We are already planning our next cruise and the parents want to try a River Cruise.

Thank You All for such a GREAT Time!!!!!