Overall, the ship is the best part of this cruise! Ports are okay, but nothing special. The ship is the best we have been on and we've been on over 15 now. Food, staff, activities, facilities, etc. were all OUTSTANDING! On and off literally in minutes! Busy but not crowded. What else can you want from the world's second largest cruise ship! I don't see how anyone can complain about the food...what we experienced was nothing short of exceptional across the board. Only thing I didn't like was that they now charge for room service, which used to be free.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Fast and easy. No lines. Walked right up to security, nobody in front of us. Same at check in. Waited five minutes to board ship.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Ate in Chops, 150 Central Park, Windjammer, Main (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), Park Cafe, Sorrentos, and a couple others. We've been on over 15 ships over the years and this was by far the best quality food of any of them! Surprising to see so many reviews of bad food for similar ships. This was truly exceptional!
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Rock climbing, flow-rider, pools, hot tub, thermal suite (extra fee), Ultimate Abyss, waterslides, etc. Had a blast. Other than peak times, waits were always short to reasonable on a FULL ship (6500). Many times there were no waits at all! Of course at 1 pm on a sea day, the lines are long, but plan right and it's not really crowded...busy yes, but not crowded.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Normally I skip these on the ships as they are so cheesy. Shows were unreal. Ice show, water show, Grease were all Broadway - quality productions. Only one that was really cheesy was Columbus, but I think it was supposed to be. Didn't really enjoy that one, but the others were OUTSTANDING!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Best we've had on all our ships! Sports staff was great, cabin attendant, while new, was outstanding, all our servers were fabulous, etc, etc, etc. Can't say enough about the staff on this ship!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Loved the size and all the options. Could do more with the Boardwalk area like adding street performers, or more activities...seemed kind of like an afterthought. Ship was spotless!
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Biggest cabin we have ever had on a ship! Very comfortable. Shower held two of us with room to spare...other balconies we have had on other ships the shower only really fit one person. Loved it!
Ship tip
Plan to avoid crowds. We experienced a busy ship which is to be expected when it is almost at full capacity of 6,500. We didn't have many crowds. Book shows online in advance and get there 15-20 minutes early for the best seats. Keep in mind that the first few rows for the water shows are wet zones. If it were a bit warmer at night, we would have just worn our bathing suits and got drenched.
Nothing really outside the port other than Jiuci Patty - great local dive with the best patties and fishcakes around! A must try. Very chaotic, but true local flavors.
Been there for over 20 days between all cruises and a week-long vacation and this was our best day ever. Started with a zip line adventure at Fly High Adventures Zip Line Park (not available from the ship). They pay your taxi back and forth and it's great fun. Just my wife and myself on the lines. Had a blast! Great, friendly staff. Followed that up with a nice massage up the road from the El Cid, and had the best Guacamole and Fajitas EVER at Ernestos Fajita Factory! Great morning!
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