We went without our kids for the three night cruise for an anniversary. We booked a balcony guarantee which we later upgraded to a junior suite guarantee and ended up on deck 10. Our room was spacious and we enjoyed the walk in closet and the extra room and balcony space. We purchased the unlimited dining package and the deluxe drink package. We have been on 15 RC cruises so we enjoyed dining at some new restaurants and all of the specialty restaurants were really good. Coco Cay was wonderful with enough shade and plenty of relaxing including the beach and pool areas. On the ship the solarium had these amazing beds that were quite comfortable and great for naps. We weren’t big fans of the entertainment other than the ice skating show. I recommend the balloon drop in the promenade on night one. Hopefully you will have the same cruise director Marcelo who is funny and high energy. The highlights of our trip were Jamie’s, Izumi hibachi, Chops, Coco Cay and the solarium.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We parked around 10:00. We checked our luggage and went through check in and security within a few minutes. We sat in the suite lounge area and were able to board at exactly 10:30 since we were in a junior suite.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Specialty restaurants were really good. We had the unlimited dining package. Jamie’s Italian served very fresh tasting food. Chops had great service and excellent steaks. Izumi hibachi was better in the food and show than my local favorite similar restaurant. Playmakers was decent bar type food except the cheese was a sauce and just OK but the wings were delicious. Windjammer breakfast and room service breakfast was just OK. Coco Cay had lots of options but I enjoyed the snack shack the best.
Windjammer Café
3 out of 5
Only made it here for breakfast. Food was just OK. I found the omelette station to be just alright but they do give you a pager so you know when it’s ready. Some food was warm and some wasn’t. Pancakes and waffles were thick but not light and fluffy and almost inedible. Grits were too runny.
Chop's Grille
5 out of 5
Loyd was a great server. All food was excellent. Filet mignon is a must have.
Café Promenade
4 out of 5
Only got the coffee and pizza from here. It was frequently busy. Not bad for a pre dinner snack when you have a late dinner. Coffee drinks were good.
Solarium Bar
5 out of 5
One of the best spots for a drink. Most drinks available and not very busy but limited hours. Nice bar staff.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
So many things to do around the ship on such a short cruise. There are the pools and hot tubs, water slides, flow rider, mini golf, rock wall, ice skating and more. I tried the sky pad which was fun but brief and had a wait. Escape room was overly challenging but my wife said she enjoyed the challenge anyway. Don’t expect to finish in time.
Solarium
5 out of 5
One of my favorite spots on the ship especially if you don’t want to get too much sun. There are some day beds that are great for naps. They are so comfy. The bar is a lot less busy here too.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Ice show was better on other ships due to more group performances and they were very loosely tied to the shows main theme for most of the show. Main theater shows the first two nights were just OK and we skipped the last night due to other performances. Marcelo the cruise director was funny and high energy. We enjoyed the midnight balloon drop night one and the pre party on the promenade.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Excellent friendly service throughout the ship from dining staff to room stewards or even the random employee you passed. Only gripe is they needed more bar staff at times at the pool bar.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Fairly easy to navigate the ship. Nice promenade area with multiple eating and drink options.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our first time in a junior suite. We typically book a balcony room but it was for an anniversary so we splurged on an upgrade after final payment when the price came down due to plenty of them were available. We loved the extra space in the room, nicer bathroom with tub but it was a big step over the side of the tub even for a tall person. The storage space is insane especially with the walk in closet. The balcony was naturally wider with the larger room. The room was on deck 10 in the starboard aft section of the ship but not too far from the rear elevators.
Ship tip
You won’t have time to do it all on a short cruise so make your priorities and review prior cruise compass for list of expected show times and listed activities. I recommend passports even though they are not required. It will save you time in your embarkation and disembarkation process.
The line backed up significantly and came to a stop for several minutes. It was a quick customs process for those with US passports with the facial recognition. Those with passports were waiting up to 45 minutes in line. It probably took almost 30 minutes from the time we got in line until being outside the terminal and that was with us even going to the opposite end of the ship for disembarkation which skipped a bunch of the line.
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