Although my wife and I are in our pre-retirement years, I did not quite expect the overwhelming number (80%) of very elderly passengers. The positive aspect is there were only a very few children and teenagers aboard, but also only few couples in their 30s - 50s. We needed a lot of patience with blocked hallways and passageways filled with scooters, walkers, and SLOW movers, but for the most part, we enjoyed our fellow passengers.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Dinner was always exceptional in the dinning room. We opted for the late (8:00 p.m.) seating to allow for any late returns from our shore excursions. We also paid for the additional dining experiences with the Chops Grill, Giovanni's, Izumi's and the Chef's Table. Unless you want sushi, skip the Japanese dining. The Chops Grill and Giovanni's had wonderful food and service and the surcharge was minimal. But the pricier Chef's Table was well worth the cost for an excellent dinning experience with a small number of food connoisseurs enjoying themselves. The Executive Chef hosted the meal, and each course was paired with an excellent wine.
Breakfast and lunch were mediocre at best, and any special items (berries or steak) were not available in the general dining areas. The coffee was HORRIBLE, thank the sea demons that Starbucks was available for a decent cup of joe.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
The smaller activities were usually limited to trivia, bingo, or fee based spa services. Due to the colder weather, activities on the pool deck were limited.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The evening shows were excellent, with a variety of acts. The staff was usually involved with some skit or production that included the guests.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
It was nice to have the views and extra space the JS offered.
The Acadia National Park was a wonderful excursion for the short period of time we had at this destination.
***For limited mobility persons and some of the very elderly, I would be cautious of taking this shore excursion as it required using a tender (shore boat) to get ashore. On our return trip to the ship, 3-ft swells and brisk winds made for an adventurous transit back aboard; with a very scary time for a few passengers who had mobility difficulties.***
The Freedom Trail (free walking tour) was a wonderful opportunity to travel through the heart of the city and have a quick visit at some of the historic landmarks.
***Limit your time at the Boston Commons area as there are many homeless and the foul smelling odors are prevalent.***
I was expecting an older crowd but what disappointed me was some of their behavior. Not all but many rude guests, rude to the employees and other guests. one man called a woman a hefer (like a fat cow) in the Windjammer. At first it was a little funny but it started to grate on my nerves after 9 days. I'm sure their mothers did raise them like that. Glad to say the employees just took it all with a smile and went about being professional and did a great job.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
