Family of 9. Was an awesome experience. Wish we had 1 or 2 more nights.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
4 staterooms, 9 family members. My parents were sailing on the previous itinerary so we skipped the porters and brought our luggage with us and stored in their room. Rooms were open and available at 1 pm. Waiting area at the terminal looked comfortable. Embarkation for us was quick since we were booked in a suite. Highly recommend, especially if you haven't done it before.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We used the windjammer twice - once on boarding day, once on departure. MDR for all dinners, no specialty restaurants. Ordered room service for all breakfasts and once for dinner. Being able to use the MDR menu for room service is exceptional.
Food was fantastic. I don't see us using specialty restaurants unless as an exception. I ordered the filet mignon for my son (12) for one dinner at an $18 upcharge and he loved it. UDP and DBP just aren't worth it for us. We aren't big drinkers and the MDR quality is great. We will continue to buy specialty meals a la carte and avoid the packages.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Used fitness center twice. My girlfriend and I are gym rats (5x, 6x per week) and found ways to continue our routine. Dumbbells only went up to 70 lbs which required some creativity for me but variety is great for any fitness routine so we made it work. I will say that the movement of the ship makes it difficult for squats with free weights, but we would never complain. Gym is not as furnished as some of the larger ships, and there's some competition for weights/machines, but nothing to stop you from getting a good workout in.
Didn't use rock climbing walls, pools were good, lifeguards present.
Hot tubs dropped down to only 2 active after 8 pm one night. Was told after 8 pm they typically have 2 open in the main pool area and 1 in the solarium. This was one of several signs that the ship was not optimally staffed, but we chalked it up as expected challenges post COVID. Had to move from one hot tub to another at 11 pm on one sea day. We don't sweat the small stuff.
My son and I used the arcade a few times, most games are $2 per use. Water slides are super fun. We had very little wait, even on sea days. ship supposedly was at about 85% capacity by my calculations, seemed like an older crowd.
We also did the escape room, was fun if not a little cryptic. Some of the puzzles were super abstract and not incredibly well designed. We did end up "escaping"
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Unfortunately didn't see any shows but we don't regret it. Live music was great throughout the ship.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
MDR staff were amazing. Concierge, Dudley, was truly a world class professional.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Royal Caribbean standards haven't missed a beat since COVID. Was exceptionally well maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Booked an owner's suite for the first time, 1328. Was an exceptional room and we will look to cruise in an OS again if the price is right. Initially had a GS and upgraded for a few hundred more. 12 yo son slept on pullout couch and had zero complaints. Recommend additional mattress pad for couch, but he didn't need it.
Ship tip
Shop for competitively priced sailings, this ship has some super low rates where you can get a lot of value.
Labadee is BEAUTIFUL! We did the dragon's breath flight line and snorkeling. Flight line is unforgettable and we will definitely do it again given the opportunity. Snorkeling not so great. They take you to the sea side vs the bay and we experienced a lot of current. Snorkeling equipment was pretty cheap. Good experience but not great. Would have rather relaxed on the beach.
Barefoot beach is a super awesome perk if you can get Labadee as a suite guest.
We booked the shore excursion transfer to MCO. it was quick and painless - Dudley (concierge) even met us halfway and expedited our transfer through customs.
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