Don't miss this ship and explore it fully. If the suite experience is in your budget, definitely try it! The minor knocks should not deter you.
We look forward to our next trip on Beyond.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We were in the Retreat. We pre-registered everything possible. Entering the terminal there was a separate line making sure you have the main documents: Passport, Drivers license, negative COVID test and vaccination card. Inside another brief review and escalator to second floor suites lounge. Food and beverages provided, comfortable seating areas. A smart pad equipped staffer did a final check and took a photo. We were released to the gangway in about 15 minutes, including snacks in the lounge.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We did only one specialty dinner - La Petite Chef (great fun) - Luminae was terrific for both food and service. Special menu every night plus a classic selection as needed, all great. The beverages - not sure I remember, but I know they were the best! People who tried the Blu and the 4 main themed dining rooms raved about them. The Ocean View Cafe (buffet) had a great selection for breakfast and available seating (although the ship was 1/2 full). Interesting areas with comfortable seating and floor to ceiling windows. The pizzas at the rear were tasty and the view from the stern was beautiful. On the sea day back to Fort L. we ate at lunch at the Roof Top Garden specialty restaurant, the food and service were top notch, but the weather turned chilly, rainy and windy. We were offered blankets and moved to more protected seats. Would do it again on a better day.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Other than the entertainment, the on-board entertainment was OK. We generally like to chill on sea days or port days if we stay on the ship. There were some offerings such as game shows and line dancing and pool games. I think some interesting lectures would attract many interested cruisers. The cruise director, hotel director and HR chief did an interesting presentation at sea.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Entertainment on board excelled. The theater-in-the-round, with its fully digital screen was exceptional. Please keep the live band. The three main production shows in the theater were breathtaking. Travis Cloer, a Jersey Boys star, did two sets of incredible Four Seasons songs. All show must be seen and make for a great value. The fabulous cruise director, Giuseppe, seemed to be everywhere and kept us all entertained with his crazy antics.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All the service staff were ready to help and just chat. Our Retreat Host was always looking to help and our room attendant was great. Luminae, Retreat lounge and sun deck service was second to none. With nearly 1:1 staffing, the staff seemed happy we are back on board.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship is still new and in great shape, very clean and orderly. COVID wasn't much of a factor on board, mandatory in the terminal, strongly recommended on the ports of call, especially in stores. We greatly appreciated the well-used wash up areas at entrances to Oceanview Cafe and other eateries. I was impressed by a large number of comfortable and varied seating areas throughout the ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Sky Suite S1 is a nice-sized room, well laid out with the bed facing the balcony, wide screen TV and large balcony. The bathroom is spectacular with a large tub and integrated shower with rain head and body jets, large two-person sink, plenty of storage, both open and in drawers. The opening mirror is a highlight with sea views. Two downsides: the limited inside seating and the couch is not comfortable and the balcony had only 2 chairs and a small table, no lounges.
Ship tip
Don't miss the entertainment and explore all the nooks and cranies.
Didn't tour. Overnight at Quality Suites was fine and reasonable with some breakfast included. Around the corner at 3 Sons was the best "New York Pizza" this New Yorker has ever had. Do it!
Generally very good. Our host escorted us to the gangway. Our luggage ticket number was not ready at the time of our scheduled airport transfer, but there was no rush. Customs check was super easy, with no human interaction. Once we got the luggage were were on the street in a few minutes.
Thank you for a thorough, in depth review. It is so refreshing to read a review written by someone with a proper use of grammar. Again, thank you! I appreciate it. And I appreciate you.
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