You need to be the kind of person who enjoys partying, shopping, and gambling to enjoy this experience. There did seem like a lot of fun stuff for kids, but that did not apply to us. The shops on the ship are very pricey and the casino reeks of cigarette smoke. The whole boat is essentially a nightclub, casino, and mall rolled into one. Also they assume you will be up until past 11pm. There is noise everywhere until that point.
I do recognize that for many people this cruise was a wonderful experience. I don't expect Royal Caribbean to change their successful model because I didn't enjoy myself. I think my partner and I are just not cruise people. We like quiet relaxation and this cruise did not provide it.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Easy and hassle free
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The tables in the dining room were so close together that we could not have any privacy. I had no real desire to be part of a strangers conversation. We stuck to the buffet. The food was pretty good. The scrambled eggs looked gross though and the fish was always overcooked.
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
The pool was incredibly over crowded. I could never even find a place to sit. They had a DJ playing thumping music constantly, so I was never able to relax and enjoy a book or soak in the sun. Even the adults only pool was loud and crowded. Many people seemed drunk and despite being an adults only pool, I often found children in the area adding to the general pandemonium.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
I hated the DJs but the Magician was fun. The other shows started so late that we usually skipped them.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
I wish the staff would have stopped knocking on our door at 9pm when we were trying to sleep, but otherwise they were very nice.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
The common areas were fine. The living areas and decor are outdated.
Cabin / Stateroom
2 out of 5
The bed in our cabin was the most uncomfortable thing I ever slept on. It was like a stone slab and gave me a back ache. Our balcony was lovely but the railing had been varnished and was still tacky for much of our trip. That does no seem like the sort of thing you do when people are in the ship.
Ship tip
Get to the pool deck very early if you want a space to sit. Bring earplugs.
We were in Nassau for two days. The first day we did excursions through priceline and other third party sources. A day pass to the Atlantis resort beaches and aquarium was well worth the money. Our tour of the island was really cool. The second day we booked a day trip to Pearl Island after they canceled our day at Coco Cay. The island itself in nice and I had a lot of fun. However the process of getting lined up and onto the ferry was so chaotic and mismanaged that I don't think I would want to do it again.
I agree with you, I don't think cruising is for you. I think you would be much happier at an all-inclusive resort. It would be much more to your liking and you could still get many of the same amenities.
Don't throw out cruising just yet! You CAN all you are looking for in a cruise with the new line Virgin Voyages! :) NO KIDS at all on the ship, and a better more relaxing way of cruising! Look them up!
We were on the Mariner in 2008. I thought the cruise ship was loaded with an older crowd. We got stuck walking behind people who basically shuffled as they walked.
The ship wasn’t loud or quiet. Yes, pools were always packed. But that was mainly on the days we were at sea.
All in all we had a great time on our cruise.
Cruising isn’t for everyone, I think you found that out. Maybe try another cruise with another couple or a group. Don’t give up.
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