We loved the transatlantic cruise. We were worried about possible rough weather but the Captain planned ahead and kept us out of harms way. There were so many fun activities to do while sailing for 7 nights in the sea. The time went by quickly and we did not experience any seasickness at all. We loved our ports. Only thing we really didn’t like was all the time zone changes. It is easier to do on the ship rather than flying. By the last full day, I had an occasional cough. And more folks here and there did. No Covid. It came with a fever by the time I got home. All in all it really was the best 13 night cruise we have been on. Definitely recommend the suite experience!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We were greeted like royalty the minute we approached the building with our own entrance, no line. An English gentleman accompanied us to an elevator to 2nd floor where another man looked over our passports while we were seated. They offered us beverages and snacks too. Then we just walked onto the ship.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
My husband loves the convenience of the buffets. It was better than HAL in my opinion. You could mostly self serve. A nice ice cream, frozen yogurt, and gelato was included just steps outside the buffet. Also a bar and baristas next to buffet. There is also a free pizza station too.
Luminae was very good. The service was incredible. Only for Retreat guests, so you can meet the same folks regularly. We tried Blu also very good. Loved the Spa Juice/Smoothie Bar. Had several yummy things to eat as well.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Much to do. Never had time to read my book. My husband spent most of his time reading or in the gym. We both liked the Beatles show. The Irish Tenors was quite enjoyable. Crystallize was the most entertaining production show-as good as Cirque de Soleil. Watching Officers vs Guests play volleyball was fun. Walking the Rooftop Decks. Attended the Art Auction. Even won a piece of art in drawing. Attended a dance lesson. Enjoyed a few talks at Podium. We both loved sitting on 4th deck listening to live music and having our lattes. Much more!
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our room steward Jane was fabulous. She serviced our room twice a day. Our shared butler, James, was also very good. They learned our names quickly. Always had kind things to say. I would say 99% of the crew was very pleasant and professional. The Luminae staff and Retreat staff were over the top professional, kind, and ready to serve you. I once left Retreat when Carolyne said goodbye. I wasn’t sure she was speaking to me. So she followed me to the elevator. So sweet and well meaning. We felt very cared for. Genuinely good folks. Employees, although tired with all the time changes crossing the Atlantic Ocean were always smiling and working diligently.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was quite functional but also very beautiful, more like an art museum. Although there were only forward and aft elevators, they were quick and convenient. So many fun areas to explore. Walking to Eden was like an adventure. You really have to book a cruise on this ship to experience.
The Rooftop Garden was another lovely area. Many beautiful sculptures throughout the ship.
The area for debarking on our excursions was quick and efficient.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The Magic Carpet Suite was very roomy and beautiful. The king bed was a little hard so Jane brought some mattress pads in that softened it. The balcony was large, 2 chairs and 2 chaise lounges. However it’s cantilevered over the deck. With high winds and waves, the wall made awful loud sounds for 2-3 nights. Ear plugs did not help. This is a design flaw. They could not do anything. Once seas were back to normal, it was mostly quiet. Our bathroom was fantastic. Rain shower//tub with side jets. A toilet room with an opaque glass door. Lots of shelves for toiletries. Large enough for 4.
Ship tip
Bring your own books as library is gone. There is a small bookshelf by guest services with limited selections.
The ship tours were already full for Blarney Castle so we used SEG for the Castle and scenic train ride. It was a Sunday so maybe that’s why things went haywire. The tour operator said part of the tour would be eliminated to get us back on time. Ok, no problem. They made a big deal about arriving 15 minutes early to avoid missing our private train. We waited over 1.5 hours for our private train.
Wouldn’t call it scenic. Then we transferred over to a big bus. More waiting while other tours arrived at Blarney Castle. On the way back, it was getting within 25 minutes of the ship leaving. We had raised concerns on the way back. Just a bus malfunction or fender bender and we would have missed the ship!
Disembarkation only. From our viewpoint it didn’t look very nice. Just an industrial port. But we just used the ships “excursion” to Heathrow. The traffic was awful. They say it would take 1hr 40minutes.
I had tried to avoid the big bus ride on way home, but we had too much luggage for the Viator private car with 2 large and 1 medium suitcase. I would prefer to avoid this port in future as it is much too congested with traffic.
We took the free bus on the pier outside the ship into town. We shopped a little. Don’t forget the umbrella or rain poncho. We ate the obligatory Fish and Chips from Bennetts. Then drank a pint of ale. The fish is big enough for 2!
This was my favorite tour. Flanders thru the ship. It was a well organized bus tour. Took us to the Rooses Chocolate store first where you can watch it being made and try samples. Loved the shopping. Next stop was a lovely Neo Gothic castle you were allowed to walk inside. Fun to see the canals from the bus and hear about history. Last stop in a town call Damme, where you can grab a quick bite or beer and enjoy the small Dutch town with medieval buildings. Highly recommend this tour!
We live in Florida and drove to Orlando and took Brightline train to Ft. Lauderdale. Our hotel was so close to the Pier, you could almost walk, but don’t consider. Very convenient. No excursions.
We used Viator since the ship excursions were already booked. We did tour of Volcanos.
Carla was a great tour guide speaking excellent English. She also was an excellent driver. Had about 6 stops. She took photos of us and provided much great information. Would definitely recommend. Was a wonderful day that went by fast.
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