We booked a shorter cruise for a quick getaway out of the cold. In that sense, expectations were met. However, we agreed we won't do any more shorter cruises, or cruises on smaller ships.
We felt this cruise had more young families and singles/young couples than any other cruises we have done. Perhaps it's the price for shorter cruises? Or that the ship's itinerary was "party ports"?
We enjoyed meeting new people and having 5 days of warm weather. But as an overall observation, we will continue back to larger ships and longer sailings.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The main dining room menu had little variety. We didn't eat in any specialty restaurants. Buffets were fine. The burrito bar was an added surprise, the deli station was good, and the pizza station had excellent pizza, but the process to get served was in need of review.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We did not participate in any onboard activities. This was a smaller ship (101,000gt) than we normally sail (130,000-160,000gt), so the activities seemed limited. No rock climbing, wave pool, ropes course, basketball, etc. There was mini-golf, but due to the number of families on the ship (odd to us), the mini-golf, hot tubs, and high slide were busy with the kids. Jogging Track was small and in need of upgrading. Fitness center was fine.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The 2 Stage shows were AMAZING! Unfortunately parents with kids had to be warned of the shows' content due to costuming. The DJs were excellent. The other performers in the smaller venues on the ship were ok. The main band was located in the casino - a smoking area - so enjoying them was not an option for us. Comedians were good. We especially enjoyed Jorge.
Children's Programs
No kids.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
No one went "above and beyond" but everyone was friendly and helpful. Cruise Director was the BEST we had ever had on a sailing. Ryan was HIGH energy, funny, engaging, and personable.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
The ship overall is very GREEN (color). Another venue we couldn't attempt to stay in was intense RED. Common areas were clean and well-maintained. We were taken back by the lack of concern for using hand sanitizer in the dining areas. This aspect for health was the least of importance on any ship we've ever been on.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
It was a standard balcony room. It was located near the front so we heard lots of entertainment noise as well as people noise wandering the hall. We purchased ear plugs in port and were fine.
Ship tip
If you are young, or have young children, this may be the ship for you. If you are 50+, probably not the one.
We were only in port from 7:30a-1:30p. It was not the time frame to get a real taste of Key West. Most shops didn't open til 9:30/10a, and of course evening is when the real culture begins.
In years past we were docked closer to downtown. Now it's the farthest away from downtown. Tourist trap. And unless you book an excursion you'll be back on the ship within an hour. Weather wasn't the greatest, so we did not book an excursion.
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