This was a great cruise for anyone who wants a little quiet time with your partner. Be aware that most of the passengers were older and I would not recommend this for highly active kids or young adults who like to "party". Both would likely be disappointed. We, however, had a great time. Would suggest the drink package for anyone who likes alcohol. It includes soda and premium coffee. Would also suggest a dining package for the specialty restaurants if you want privacy. The main dining room is very "friendly" and you WILL be expected to interact with strangers. This is not my thing, so we ate at Chops, Izumi, and Giovanni's as well as Windjammer. I have no complaints with any of them.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Pull in, drop luggage, go through security, wait in a short line for Sea Pass, get on the boat. Easy and painless. Also the reason we will continue to cruise out of Baltimore.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Of course, the food can always be better on a ship BUT the specialty restaurants, servers and bartenders were exceptional. If you want a little privacy, Izumi, Chops, and Giovanni's can't be beat. There is no "cheap" liquor on the ship. Even rail booze would be considered call in most bars. Drink package is WELL WORTH the expense if you want to drink any more than 4-5 drinks per day.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
There is not a lot to do on the ship if you are that person who needs constant entertainment. The schedule is full, but a lot of that is shopping, spa, and other ways to spend money. Pool and hot tubs were nice but sometimes filled with old "campers". Fitness center was very nice and walking track was perfect. Never got to play shuffleboard or ping pong but they were both in good shape and not too crowded.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Lounge performers were adequate but a bit dated. However, the average cruiser was a bit dated as well, so this was probably to be expected. Only went to one show and ended up leaving early. Apparently, tango is not my thing. Bob the cruise director did not seem to engage with the passengers nearly as much as other cruises we have been on. Afternoon movies were a nice touch.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Top notch across the board. Room was made up multiple times during the day, restaurant staff knew their jobs and did them well. Bartenders were good with drinks and very friendly (except for one grump in the solarium).
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
I believe everything was clean and well maintained. This IS an older and smaller ship and may appear to some to be dated but we LOVED it.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Stateroom was exactly as expected. We had no complaints, but were not planning on being picky. Shower is small but doable with GREAT hot water. There's not a lot of room to psare, but I would never plan to spend much time in my room anyway!
Ship tip
I think this ship is dominated by oldsters, but if you want quiet and relaxed this is the ship for you!
Fortunately, we had friends pick us up but if not for that wasn't real impressed. Orlando is not close (lots of traffic), no matter what they say and Cocoa Beach is a typical East Coast Florida beach (a bit dumpy). Can't comment on Space Center but I'm sure it's nice.
Have been here twice in the past year. The port area is a bit rough, but GET OFF THE SHIP. There are plenty of things to do if you look. We have been to two separate all-inclusives and both were entertaining and provided good food and drink. One particular cabby named Nico went WAY out of his way to help us out. I think he was a good representative of the people of this island. Get out there and meet them!
Paid for a beach resort near the pier and enjoyed immensely. Took a cab to Fish Fry for dinner. Food there was OUTSTANDING but don't believe everyone who says it's okay to walk back to ship from there after dark. There were quite a few shady characters between there and the boat (one of whom offered us weed or cocaine). I'm a big dude and this walk was a little unnerving. Just take a cab. They are cheap.
This place is UNBELIEVABLE! Lots to do. Cannot wait to get back there. Only issue is that the bars had limited stock (no vodka or gin) but hey, rum was in season. Snorkeling was crazy good. Lots of room for the population of our small ship.
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