I was very disappointed. I had been looking forward to this cruise for six months, and I left the ship in tears. I was expecting a much better experience. This was my first and last cruise. I am deeply saddened that I wasted so much money on these cruise tickets. I never want to cruise again.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
Not good. I was unaware that it would take 4 hours for luggage delivery. We were tire from traveling to the port and wanted to relax by the pool. However, we could only wait around in our cabin until our luggage arrived—then our vacation could begin.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
The food was just okay. There were some nights where the food was downright inedible. I was not impressed.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Pools were okay. I thought they were very small for the amount of people onboard. They were very crowed. You couldn’t swim without bumping into someone.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Entertainment was okay. Many of the DJs and performers were very good. Although, some acts were very cheesy
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The customer service was excellent. No complaints there. I think the cruise line should put more effort into keeping families together. Many of the ship’s staff work very hard and they haven’t seen their families in 6 months or more. I find that unacceptable. I felt I was unknowingly participating in an organizational exploitation of workers. It broke my heart that workers, particularly mothers of young children, were unable to see their kids for such long periods of time. The industry is taking advantage of their workers and it is abhorrent.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was pretty clean. However, there were a lot of tables and common areas on deck that were not bused for long periods of time.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Cabin was always clean. Housekeeping did a great job.
Ship tip
Bring your own soda because you will get price gauged if you want to buy on the boat.
The beaches were a 30 minute walk from the port. There were no clear directions to get to the beach and we had to rely on the goodness of strangers to make sure we were going in the right direction. We had to pay extra for beach chairs and umbrellas which we thought would be provided in the cost of the cruise. The beaches had broken glass in the sand, the bathrooms were dirty and had rusty nails lying on the ground. The beach we were directed to had a construction site next to it which blew a lot of dust and debris onto our beach area. In addition, we were not permitted to fill up our water bottles which we brought with us. We left the beaches early to avoid dehydration and water price gauging water.
To me it sounds like you did no research on your cruise or any cruise for that matter. Your issues are things that could have been avoided if you would have done a little research.
Don’t give up on cruising , yes good tip in carryon pack a swim suit and change of cloths for all in your party , the food yes sometimes not the best but their is usually a deli or pizza we have don that route if all else fails and The Mariner we just sailed in September we hang out at The Solarium pool it was nice , and I’m a website researcher so when I book a cruise I go on cruise critic to get tips on ship I’m sailing on also study the deck plan of the ship study dining options what is free and what is for a charge with good research you will enjoy give it another try and when I leave a ship I’m crying because I have to go home!
Once we get onboard we head topside for a drink and to mingle. Always manage to meet someone that we see throughout the trip. Absolutely no reason to wait in your cabin for your luggage. The fun begins as soon as you’re onboard! Maybe you’ll give it another chance with different expectations. Seasoned cruisers know what to expect and love every minute of it.
I wasn't a fan of Nassau either, but I do love to cruise, we go to Cozumel at least once if not time a year and have roamed the entire island every time and always find new hidden treasures and meet the nicest people
Don't give up on cruising, every port is different and what's right for others may not be for you, but the opposite is also true.
Not trying to be rude but helpful. A lot of your issues could be resolved with some researxh. Waiting for luggage isn't necessary. I pack a swim suit and change of clothes in my carry on. Enjoy the pool, get drinks and food, wander the ship. With each port there are excursions if you want to do that. Roaming on your own is on you to find out where and what to do. Ask the cruise staff and they can recommend local spots if they are familiar with the Port. Nothing is free or included unless it says so, so read your itinerary and cruise contract. Did you eat in the main dining room?
You can go get your luggage upon arrival. You do not need to wait for it to be brought to your room. Also, you dont have to stay in your room whole you're waiting for it. Go have a cocktail meet some people, get to know the ship.
The staff know what they are signing up for. It's a commitment they're prepared to make to help their families out financially coz while onboard, they don't need to spend a cent, so it's good $. It's definitely not for everyone & I would never encourage anyone to work that long away from home but for some people, it works.
Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. It sounds like you did not do much research before the cruise on what to expect. Most of the things that you mentioned are normal for a cruise. Taking up to four hours to receive your luggage is average, and it can take longer. This should not prevent you from starting to enjoy your cruise however. You can still go to the restaurants, explore the ship, use the pool if you packed a swimsuit in your carry-on, etc. As far Nassau, it is not owned by the cruise line like Coco Cay, so nothing is included there. Again, some research before arriving would have had you better prepared.
We've all been 1st time cruisers. What I have learned is that before any cruise I research the ship, ports, and excursions. Knowledge is power. The experience is what you make of it. It's like any vacation and needs a lot of planning to pull it off. If you choose to do another cruise do your homework and don't let the little things ruin your vacation.
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