Great 7 night cruise with excellent service, good food, and not too many passengers (1832) on board. Our 2nd cruise since the virus stopped them, and we loved everything but the mask wearing.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
26 minutes from curbside to walking onboard. We had dropped off luggage earlier, then parked across the street @ Galveston Park & Cruise. No shuttle because it's so close....still, we called a Lyft due to cold, windy weather & wife's hurt foot. $6 with tip. I'm sure the 13 inches of snow back home had nothing to do with our excitement to board.... Yes, had to wear masks indoors, but wasn't that big a deal & we knew in advance, so couldn't really complain.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Really enjoyed the food & service in the Main Dining Room. Ivan & Nurman were great waiting on us. We had to explain the Seinfeld reference to Nurman, Asst. Waiter, because when we saw him we'd say "Hello, Nurman...!"
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
So much to do. We actually liked the selection of shows & activities on this Freedom class ship better than our August trip on Oasis class. FYI, the big screen TV over the pool area is still not operational. With only 1,832 passengers and 1,300 crew onboard, nothing was difficult to access.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Performers have been excellent. The In the Air show where they hang/swing, well, in the air, was amazing. Comedian Rick Corso was talented, also did some singing & playing of instruments. We saw his family show & the adult version on the last night of the cruise at 10:15pm. Ice show, spectacular. Jersey Tenors, great! El Gaucho comedy & magic, very entertaining. Saturday Night Fever was our favorite show on 2nd to last night. The Cruise Director was absent (Covid?) so the Activities Mgr., Enrique, stepped up & did an ok job.
Platinum Theater
4 out of 5
Good theater, but even with reduced guest capacity try to arrive about 30 minutes early to get good seats, especially for popular shows like Saturday Night Fever. Vaccinated guests on deck 3, but you can go to Deck 4 (balcony) where some unvaccinated children may be. Fine seats on 4, but a little far from the stage.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The Staff was simply wonderful. Don't know how they can remain so cheerful & helpful while wearing those masks, even outside, but they do. Wendell, our cabin attendant, was the greatest. Phenomenal staff all the way around the ship.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Beautiful ship showing her age very slightly, but very well maintained & staff cleaning constantly. As mentioned in previous reviews, the beds are a bit firm, which I prefer, but wife doesn't. We both slept fairly well though. We had to keep in mind cabins underneath us, for noise. Tried to be quiet in the late/early hours. The folks over us came in late every night & threw shoes, etc. on the floor, slammed drawers & cabinets, etc. as if no one else was on the ship. Annoying.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Cabin was great, beds a bit firm, but manageable. If you're new to cruising, the cabin walls are metal, so if you buy some strong magnetic hooks that really increases your ability to store & dry things.
Ship tip
Arrange parking @ port in a nearby lot in advance, especially if you'd like your car left indoors like we did @ Galveston Park & Cruise.
19 minutes from them checking my SeaPass card while leaving via the gangway to retrieving luggage & driving away in my car which was parked @ Galveston Park & Cruise. Wow. We love the facial recognition entry instead of having to show passports.
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