This was the longest cruise we have been on, and we had lots of sea days to relax, read, visit with fellow passengers, watch movies and evening shows. The music on board in the evening was fantastic and varied. Lincoln Center featured a string ensemble which played everything from the classics to pop songs. The BB King Blues Club was very good, too, but the venue was often too cold for me. Our favorite was Billboard on board, featuring two piano players. This was obviously the most popular place to be as it was nearly always overflowing with people enjoying the music, and the playful repartee between the pianists. Folks were encouraged to make requests, sing along, etc.
During the day we sometimes played trivia, went to cooking shows, lectures, etc. The pools were nice and never overcrowded.
As far as ports go, although I'm glad we stopped most places, there were few I would choose to visit again. Particularly in Puntarenas, Puerto Quetzal, and Corinto it's difficult to really see much unless you take a tour. There is very little close to where the ship docks. However, we did enjoy the tours we took despite long bus rides in some places.
I would love to have visited Panama, but that wasn't an option on this trip.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Onboard Activities
We enjoyed many of the activities, but it seemed like there wasn't as much variety as some trips we've been on. There was a lot of trivia, some fun cooking shows, and digital workshops. I missed having some of the audience participation shows like the Newlywed Game. They had Bingo on sea days, too.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
So nice to have a balcony. The bed was comfortable and the sofa was nice, too. We were able to watch some live TV, some TV shows and many movies on demand in our cabin. We were right below the deck with the Lido pool and sometimes heard noises when tables were moved or kids ran around, but it wasn't bad.
Ship tip
If you like a cocktail before dinner, the Crow's Nest and Ocean bar offer Buy One, get the 2nd for $2 each afternoon.
Everyone rushes out to get a prime viewing spot, but the ship offers ample spots for viewing and the process really takes a long time. So don't worry if you don't find the best spot at first. Most people take a few photos and move around, so you should be able to find good views somewhere.
Not much at the port. Take an excursion if you want to see anything. We took the Jungle Crocodile Safari. It was relaxing and we saw lots of birds and crocodiles. The snack afterwards was just a little fruit and coffee, but bathrooms were clean and dancers entertained us briefly.
Take an excursion or be prepared to take a pedal taxi to get out of the shipyard. There is nothing we could see to walk to. Our excursion to Leon was nice, but it was an hour each way and about an hour and a half in Leon. The cathedral was beautiful, but be prepared to climb 60-70 steps in a narrow, dimly lit stairway without railings. Then you take off your shoes to walk on the roof to take photos. It was very hot the day we went so bring water.
There is a nice shopping area right at the port if you want to buy native crafts or souvenirs. I can't recall if there was any other places to walk to. We took a bus to Antigua and had time on our own. It's a neat old town with amazing old buildings. However, the cobblestone streets make walking more difficult and you will be pestered by vendors wherever you go.
Took a cruise on a catamaran and stopped to swim. Very refreshing and enjoyable. Drinks were provided. Looked like a lot of shopping nearby, restaurants and even a small beach right by the ship.
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