We will be returning to Royal Caribbean and will venture out again. Probably not the mega ships- don't need that experience; but we will now know what to expect and will enjoy more live music, peaceful reading areas and socializing as we please.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We purchased the Key which allowed no lines outside port; only line was ship registration and security photo
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Dining room was very good- our wait staff always recommended the best and we followed suit most times. The buffet (Windjammer) had excellent choices and varied menus each dinner. Breakfast and lunch were also very good choices.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Our family enjoyed the pools, table tennis, rock climbing, mini-golf, cigar sky bar, shopping, presentations on jewelry and more. The solarium pool was pretty crowded and had a few kids in there but overall very pleasant; the main pool was too loud and crowded for our taste but hundreds of people enjoyed it. The Key gave us special times for rock climbing and slides which was very nice. The only dislike was the presentation by the staff regarding jewelry and purchasing off ship. Their presentation gave way to fear for clients to purchase things in ports. My guess is they were driving customers to only specific locations.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We enjoyed the juggler/comedy show, the Saturday Night Fever Broadway show and the comedy show. All were vey good. I wish they had more to choose from but with staffing shortages we understand.
Children's Programs
No children participating
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
From the time we entered to the time we left the ship all staff were very courteous and polite. They went out of their way to ask how we were doing, if we needed anything and to ensure our needs were met. This was whether it was our cabin steward, the bartender or the housekeeping. I can not rave enough about the staff- they went over the top
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Yes the layout was very enjoyable- the ship absorbed the 4200 passengers (although I would totally support the ships keeping at 75% occupancy rate) the ability to move about the ship without hinderance was always there, the ability to move away from a crowd if there was one was always available. The areas were always clean or being kept up. The idea that you did not really notice the staff but they were there.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We had connecting with 8618 which was perfect- they opened the balcony between which allowed for extra space but separateness. The room was very roomy and more than what we are first timers expected. The bathroom was very spacious and the shower was very adequate. The sitting chair was a bit awkward in the space and we just use it to store clothes or items for the next day excursion- prep chair I called it. The bed was very comfortable- I was a bit concerned due to most comments on having to have a topper but that was not necessary. Our steward got us 3 soft pillows in exchange of the bales of hay hotels tend to have.... The desk/dresser area had plenty of room and shelves. The fridge was ok for keeping things cool- not cold. The ship provided C-PaP items for spouse and the walls were able to hold the magnets that we brought along. Overall I am extremely pleased with the choice and will probably only ever get a balcony or better in the future.
Ship tip
Bring magnet hooks to hang items inside or on balcony (low)
The beach shuttle never showed up so we were not able to travel around the area. The restaurants were very busy and short staff but such is life right now. Very convenient from Best Western to port
Wow! Enjoy the ability to see the animals and snorkel and do the beach. Enjoyed conversing with the 3 drivers we had taking us around; they are hard working people. Do not be put off by the chaos when you get off the ship and out of port for the private excursions, it is what it is.
This was our peaceful day of relaxation and no arranged excursion and it did not fail us at all. We enjoyed the shopping ability, the entertainment and the ability to be at this port with the free swimming pool, bar close, restaurants, and purchase of Aviary, massages or other things. If you wanted to get out and travel the walk through was easy enough and no problem. This is a port I would enjoy just hanging out in.
We did an arranged Atlantis submarine tour and had a bit of time to take a taxi to the main square and have a drink and walk about a bit, then hopped back into a taxi back to Atlantis which was very close to our port. What an experience- for those that don't dive this is a must. We walked about 1 block north to a small restaurant/dive/snorkel beach called Tikila Beach Bar which was excellent. We had lunch and drinks and then down stairs and walked out to the small beach entry area and snorkeled. Two walked back to the port from here to continue shopping while the other two enjoyed a beer and an downpour protected. Very very nice
Once again the Key paid off- we had the option to disembark at our leisure and had a breakfast in the dining room and then our bags were waiting for us at customs which was a breeze
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