This cruise had both positive and negative aspects as with anything in life. We really enjoyed our dinners each evening and being able to use the app to check in. We also enjoyed going to the piano bar and the different shows. If you don't like crowds, then just save yourself the trouble and don't go on this cruise ship. I thought since it was a bigger ship, it would not feel as crowded but it did. Also, the ports of call weren't as "tropical" as I was expecting. I should have done more research because there were no beaches within walking distance. It was at least a 30 minute drive to even get to a beach. I enjoyed spending time with my family. It had been about 10 years since we had gone and a cruise. It will probably be another 10 before I go back. I will definitely choose a smaller ship next time. It may have fewer bells and whistles but that also means fewer people and maybe actually having a shot at getting a seat by the pool.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
Embarkation was somewhat disorganized due to not being able to see the signs for the "groups". We signed up for a specific appointment time and then half way through the wait, we realized that we were in the wrong line because we could not see the signs. The signs should be TALL where you can see them easily. And there was no one directing people to stand in the correct lines either. It was confusing. Once we got through that first line, it was relatively smooth.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
I really liked being able to use the app to check in for dining. That saved us a lot of "waiting" time. The dining room meals were fabulous. The Lido buffet breakfast was the same every day and was a bit disappointing. We tried having breakfast in the dining room one day and it was the same. To me, the dinners were great but breakfast was mediocre.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We really could not enjoy the pools like I had hoped because they were so crowded the entire cruise. I tried multiple times to just get a seat near the pool for my husband and I, but people would leave their towels and other items to "save" their seats. There was a sign claiming that seats could not be idle for more than 40 minutes, but I do not believe this was enforced which was very unfair. If you did not get up at 7:00 am and go claim a seat, you would not get one.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Performances were great. We enjoyed the comedians, stage shows, and especially the piano bar performances. You have to get there really early to get a seat though. Be prepared to wait in line.
Children's Programs
My son ended up finding some friends on the ship and did not really do much with the organized group for his age.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
The staff is all so friendly and overall do a really good job. We only had 1 dinner out of all of the nights we were there that I was not happy with the service (our last night). Our room steward was fabulous. He did an excellent job. My main complaint would be the lido marketplace staff really struggled to keep the ice cream machines stocked and open. At one point, the machines were working, but there were no spoons and cups but rather than restock the items, they started closing the machines early. If they are going to post hours that ice cream machines are open to 12 AM, then they should be open to 12 AM. I know that seems like a silly complaint, but when you are on a cruise, that is one of the fun things you have access to and it was kind of disappointing when you go to get a late night treat and you just can't.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Ship was very clean and well-maintained. Common areas were very nice. The one design flaw is that there are too few elevators for the amount of people on this ship - especially when trying to disembark. We took the steps as much as we could but there are times when we needed to use an elevator and they were PACKED all the time.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The cabin was comfortable. There were 4 of us in the room. I liked how the pullman was over the couch sleeper sofa which made it like bunkbeds. I don't think I could have stayed in room without a balcony. I was out on the balcony a lot just so I did not feel "closed in" because the room is pretty small, but that is normal on a cruise ship. We also used a lot of extra hanging organizers that we brought with us as well as magnetic hooks to really maximize the wall space we had. If you are sharing a cabin with multiple people, I highly recommend doing this.
Ship tip
My one piece of advice would be to get there early for any shows you would like to attend to ensure that you get a seat. It was very crowded.
We booked the excursion to do the Flying Dutchman zip line. The tour company was extremely disorganized. We waited over 3 hours to do a 30 second zip line. Very disappointing.
Disembarkation was a HOT MESS. We booked a time to disembark and were told that we would receive notification in the app when to leave. Well, I have yet to receive any notification and would still be on the ship if we had followed the instructions and waited to be notified. It was basically every man for himself to get off of that ship. The line for the elevator was so long that we ended up hauling all of our luggage down 6 flights of steps. Again, too few elevators for the number of people on this ship. It was awful. Once we finally got off of the ship, the terminal staff were really impatient. I get it, there's a lot of people trying to leave, but barking at people to go all of the way to the edge of a moving line is not going to speed things up at all.
I don't believe Vista is a larger ship. Ive stayed in the Vista Havana area and loved it.
I just got off Jubilee and that's a big ship. I never felt crowded and always saw available chairs at one of the 5 pools.....and that's with over 6400 people on board.
Sorry for your bad cruise experience in some terms, I would recommend if you visit St. Marteen better try one the beaches especially Maho, also there's lots of stuff to do, San Juan PR is just mostly walking, shopping and eating but outside San Juan is more tropical
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