Fantastic Trip

We were originally scheduled to cruise on the Empress OTS but our cruise was cancelled. I had to scramble to get a cruise on the same date and out of the same port. We arrived at the port at 11:30 am and was on the ship by 12:15 pm. We we greeted by a staff that was welcoming, energetic and organized. Our rooms were not available until 1:30pm so we headed to the Windjammer for a great buffet lunch. Although the buffet was crowded we had no difficulty finding a table. There was a variety of food that satisfied every one in my group. There was Italian, Asian, American, and Mexican.  There was something for every one even the fussiest person. They also offered gluten free, and vegetarian entrees. I did not purchase a beverage package and I was able to bring on-board two bottles of wine and a 12 pack of water with no difficulties.

After lunch we headed to our cabin. The cabin was 2084 an oceanview cabin that can hold 4 people. I was traveling with my daughter and her friend. The cabin was just the right size and had a Pullman bed for the third person. My daughter said that it was very comfortable. I had read reviews that there was mildew in the rooms but I did not experience any issues with the cabin. The shower was a little small and the shower curtain did not hold in the water well. I found that using the handheld prevented any water leaking on the bathroom floor. The cabin attendant was very attentive, informative and provided us with ice twice a day.   If you are prone to Sea sickness this is the perfect cabin because it is mid-ship and a lower deck. I usually get sick as a passenger in a car but with the help of the Scopalamine patch I had no issues at all.

The welcome aboard party got everyone in the mood to PARTY and that was when we were introduced to our FANTASTIC Cruise Director ELVIS. Everyone was singing, dancing and drinking.

We had My Time Dining and was introduced to Ashok our waiter and his assistant Francis we were so happy with their service that we requested them every night. Everyday there was a different menu and there was a variety entries that everyone would like. The food was great in the Main Dining Room and we were able to request as much as we wanted. We had breakfast and dinner daily there except for disembarkation where we had an early breakfast in the windjammer. The Park Cafe in the Solarium provided snacks throughout the day. 

The adults only solarium was very relaxing and less crowded except on sea day where everyone enjoying the pools and the sun.

There was a special activity where we had the opportunity to meet the Chef and tour the Main Gallery. The Galley was spotless and there were whole pigs cooking in the ovens. You could smell the bread baking in the ovens and the staff was preparing the food for the passengers. The chef made a special lunch for the tour group that was fantastic. Although there was a fee for the activity it was worth it

The welcome aboard show introduced us to all of the singers and dancers as well as Elvis and his entertainment crew.

There was so much entertainment on the ship from Broadway Style shows, 70s dance party, Name That Tune, Bingo and many other great activities. I have only been on 2 other cruises and Elvis was the best Cruise director so far. We seen him numerous time walking through the ship interacting with the passengers and making us laugh.

The weather was great and it only rained once at night.  We decided to go to Coco Cay early and returned to the ship before the barbecue started at 12noon. The Tender ships were crowded heading to the beach so we decided to lay out on the pool deck for the rest of the afternoon.

The water on Coco Cay was clear and there were numerous clown fish swimming around my feet nipping at my ankles. I took a couple of pictures of the fish close up. Many people brought their own snorkel equipment and they headed out further out to the submerged plane.

The next day we headed to Nassau (Not my favorite port) and took a water taxi to Paradise Island and Atlantis. The water taxi was crowded and there was a tour guide who explained a little bit about Nassau and paradise Island. We had some fun in the casino and won some money.

Overall the Cruise was entertaining, relaxing, and fun. We decided to use Express Departure and was off the ship by 8 am. We had to carry our own bags but that was not an issue at all.

This is my first experience with Royal Caribbean and will not be my last!!!