I would do the Mardi Gras again if the itinerary changes. I have been to AMber cove and Grand Turk enough. Ship is large with lots to do and has great food and entertainment.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
zipped right through
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Free coffee was everywhere! JavaBlue and Pig&Anchor and Lido. Choclatini was delicious as usual. Food in main dining at dinner had the souffles I love. Many free eating sites like Shaq Chicken (excellent) and Guy's (Yum). Also pay alittle at Bonsai Sushi and for beignets at Emeril's - delicious.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We did the Bolt for the extra $15. Definitely an experience to be done once. We did some trivia but found the afternoon ones too obscure for us. The Broadway show was great. Hard to see the shows on the Grand Central stage -- weird seating arrangements. What we craned our necks to see was very entertaining.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We loved the fiddlers...so talented. They did movie songs during a trivia quiz once and were spectacular. The Broadway main theatre show was excellent -- good singing and dancing and stage setting with the changes was quite stunning.
Children's Programs
no children
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
As usual, service was impeccable. Dining staff called us by name, was able to serve us before they had to do 'showtime'. Cabin stewards now only come once per day but that is plenty for us. We always had clean towels and a cute towel animal. Liked the noon recap by the captain over the speakers. Only saw Lee the cruise director at Platinum party, but found him genuine and very likeable.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Loved that the elevators pointed out forward and aft on the glass doors. So rarely got lost. It is a big ship but easy to navigate. The Hub app helps.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
This is a cove cabin and we love the secluded feeling. One thing that was interesting, we took on LP gas at 4am prior to docking back in Port Canaveral and they locked up the balcony so no one would go out (a danger?) These cabins are definitely narrower than others in the fleet and other cruiselines' ships. Well appointed and liked the small bedside tables and lights.
Ship tip
If you go in a group expect to do a progressive meal situation because eating spots are all over the ship. You will wait while someone wants a salad at Lido and then someone else a burger at Guy's etc.
The port area is clean and pretty. We went right to our shore excursion with David Gonzalez for the Mountain view and City sites. EXCELLENT. Guide and driver were top-notch. The ride is in an open bus/truck and breezy. David narrated about the status of living there in DR. All very informative. We saw the Christ statue and the cable car at the mountain top and took a walk through a beautiful botanical garden. Stopped at a gas station for bathroom and empanadas and beer then onto downtown Puerto Plata for a view of the square and stop at a chocolate shop and other souvenir places. Enjoyed it tremendously.
We just got right off the ship and walked about 1/2 mile and were able to swim in the ocean. Plenty of bathrooms and feet washing stations and shops there at the port.
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