We never considered ourselves “cruisers” and a lot of the social activities weren’t anything we cared to be a part of. Selling watches and purses every evening in the promenade, cheapened the whole experience. It was fun to people watch and there were lots of little things to discover along the way.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Day Spa and Fitness Center
3 out of 5
I thought it was pretty bold to try and sale a first time (and probably only time) customer $2000 skin care products. Was just getting a pedicure which was average. Staff were friendly!
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Platinum Theater
4 out of 5
Attended the Saturday Night Live play and LOVED it!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
ALL the waiters and other service providers were always smiling, accommodating, and pleasant to be around. Loved the cultural diversity! Our room steward, Valent, was so kind and kept our room always looking neat and clean. It was nice to see him after a long day. Like coming home to family.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Impressed by the constant cleaning from the top to bottom of the ship. Overall well-maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Roomy. Perfect temperature. Bed comfortable. Very clean and neat.
The people of Jamaica were the nicest and most welcoming of all the ports. We took a 5 hr bus tour to Montego Bay and the countryside. Visited a plantation and ate. Traditional Jamaican meal and drank Lemon Red Stripe. The Red Stripe beer you drink in the US doesn’t compare to the one we had in Jamaica. Hope to return!
We booked a “non-cruise affiliated excursion”. We did just fine. No problem with getting back to the ship on time for departure. We went to Isla Pasion. It was a little scary getting there but once we arrived on the little island, it was awesome! The food and service was great. Nice to not be in a crowded, commercialized, tourist trap. This was very laid back.
Very very difficult time finding parking lot by address. Traffic flow was unorganized. Parking lots advertise “free parking” for veterans and must check on that when you arrive. Of course when you arrive, they don’t have any “free for veterans” parking available. I hope to never have to visit Galveston. The terminal was ok.
Had no idea that beaches could be so beautiful and the water clear as glass! We did the late morning Jeep tour and had the best time. Our Jeep didn’t drive well but we still had fun! Prior to starting the Jeep tour, we made our way over to 7-mile beach. Can’t wait to go back!
Sounds like you had a great cruise, but didn't enjoy every single thing about the experience, most likely due to "expectations" you previously had. I had a great first cruise despite some of the things that I wasn't prepared for, because I failed to research. You live & you learn! I will agree with Jack, as far as you love it or you hate it. Every mainstream cruise line has revenue numbers to meet, and market onboard for that, so there will ALWAYS be a $10 sale lol. Hopefully, your next cruise vacation will fare better. Thanks for sharing your experience.
One thing is for sure about cruising...
(1) You love it.
(2) You hate it.
There's no 50/50. Either you do or you don't.
Something to keep in mind... As a first timer your expectations will let you down most of the time. If you go expecting a theme park type of time... Surprise Surprise. Don't go on a cruise with expectations and experience things as they are. You won't be bitter about things you had high or higher expectations about. AND... Do your research way in advance about what you plan/want to do. You'll be prepared to have a great time.
Maybe you should fly since you're not a "cruiser" I hate flying so I cruise, I'm not a flyer so I stay out of planes. Your experience is yours. I've lived in Texas most of my life. I love Galveston. It's rich in history and a quaint part of big beautiful Texas. If anyone is curious, check out Galveston island for your self. Experience it through your own eyes.
Wow, only one star for Galveston?!? You state, "I hope to never have to visit Galveston." You already have another cruise book for April 19, 2020, so it appears you want to go back to Galveston. Try to go down a day or two before your cruise and see everything Galveston has to offer. I don't understand why people give Galveston one star when all the do is drive down, get on the ship, and once cruise is over the leave and go home.
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