The ship is an older one, but wearing its age well. The crew is fantastic.
The weather was perfect! Most of the passengers spoke Spanish, so there was a slight problem with some directions, shows and tours being almost exclusively run in Spanish. However, we considered that part of the experience and were able to work our way around it most of the time.
The ports were all good, except Montego Bay. We wanted to see the museum dedicated to the Christmas Uprising of the slaves (a great little museum) and so were off the usual tourist paths, but well within the center of the business area. Being accosted by young men who accuse me of bias if I don't buy what they are selling (or go where they want me to go) is not my idea of fun! Being followed for blocks by them was annoying and unsettling. Save for that port, all the others were good.
I'd strongly recommend this for anyone in North America looking for a break from winter weather! Forget Florida - how does 90 degrees and tropical breezes in February sound?
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Most of the time superb, but there was the occasional miss. The Windjammer - the general buffet restaurant was a zoo a great deal of the time, but that's a cruise. Options included having room service or getting something at the pool. Plus the 'dinner' dining room was opened for breakfast.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
This is not a knock on the entertainment. For a cruise it was average.
Some of the entertainers were great. Some of the show numbers were terrific. Some seemed less than polished. Of course might have been trying to handle closely coordinated dance numbers on a rocky sea.
Almost all the entertainment was exclusively in Spanish. Not a problem with singing and dancing numbers, and actually added a interesting dynamic to the "game shows" which used audience participation. Of course you'd be surprised how much you can figure out just by body language and interpreting the situation. We didn't stay long, but got an alternative enjoyment from watching something that way.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
We had a problem with a noisy state-room (nothing could be done - we were below the pool, where many of the late night parties were held). We weren't moved, because there were no other rooms, but at least we were shown concern.
Dinner service was excellent. Breakfast servers were great, but the seating staff were a little unfriendly when we'd ask to have a table for 4 or 6 and we were waiting a few minutes for the rest of our party. I'd have happily waited outside for the entire party to arrive if they'd asked. Instead they'd seat us and then keep trying to put strangers at the table in the empty seats we were holding.
Questions and problems were addressed promptly and with seemingly real concern.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The size of the junior suite was larger than I expected. Very nice! The wood work and the sliding door, as well as the paint on the outside show the age of the ship and the fact it spends its life in salt water.
Seemed like an interesting old city, but the historical walking tour we wanted was canceled. I'm not interested in shopping, which was a big part of the one we ended up taking instead.
Should have gone off on our own, which is easily doable at this port.
Wonderful people - friendly, helpful, glad to see you. Not many cruise ships yet, so still laid back and in its original form, but that is changing.
Terrific forest walk with great views; great snorkeling. You could walk the main street with ease and without any hassle. Nice bar (small, open) close to our cruise ship where were sat out on the deck drinking a diet coke & 2 local beers. 3 people bill = $5. Amazing.
Can't find a Margaritaville or Hard Rock Cafe anywhere near where we docked!!! FANTASTIC!!
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