For experienced cruisers, I don't think this cruise meets expected level of satisfaction. Only thing that might attract you is the price, which is very competitive, especially with kids under 12 cruising free. Expect some hiccups.The passenger to crew ratio is more than 3 to 1, which is a warning sign of what to expect. NCL or Royal Caribbean will be my next venture, during the winter when there are less kids and less humidity.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
Left bags curbside with porter for a nominal tip, then proceeded to boarding line with paperwork in hand. Overall, it took about 45 minutes to get to MSC counter for check-in. Once paperwork was verified, got cruise card and boarded the gangplank. Greeted immediately by crew and went to the 6th floor bar to retrieve pre-purchased drink tickets, about a 10 minute wait.
We were told bags would be delivered to our door around 2:30, when cabins are usually ready. My bag came at 3, daughter’s was left in front of an adjacent cabin, and my other daughter’s didn't come until 7, which prevented her from swimming or changing clothes. Their disclaimer is that all luggage be delivered by 7PM, similar to the absurd on-time policies adopted by airlines, publishing a flight that usually takes 2 hours as taking 3 and a half hours so they can say they are are on-time and cover their incompetency. Unfortunately, this initial inconvenience diminished hope of a relaxing and stressless vacation.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Located Aft ship, large buffet had a rather narrow walking area between stations, causing undesired traffic accidents. Lunch and dinner MOSTLY catered to American tastes, with burgers, fries, pizza, pastas, cold subs, cheeses and cold cuts, and several international dishes from Eurasia. Breakfast was choice of eggs, undercooked bacon, sausage, various forms of potatoes, cereals, baked goods, and some international fare I can't pronounce. Unless food was just brought out, it was lukewarm at best. Free coffee, fountain juice and water. Prepared coffee concoctions and other drinks were made at several bars in buffet area (ticket needed, thus another wait). Black Crab Main Dining Room was nice, very nice server, but kitchen screwed up daughter’s vegan meal request, so did not dine thereafter.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Pools were salt water, main being mid-ship and adult aft. Adult pool was small, best used in morning. By afternoon, found hair floating and became uncomfortably hot. Nice hot tubs. Did not use solarium pools due to warmth of day and lack of breeze.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Along with cabin, best part of cruise. Since we were on board for 3 nights, hit 2 of the 3 shows. Missed first one, a tribute to Queen. Second night was Treasure Island pirate show, which had lots of acrobatic and theatrical movement. Superb. Last night was Michael Jackson show, all lip-synched but very well choreographed dancing and visuals.
Children's Programs
Children are past-age.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Mixed bag. Cabin Steward Michael was exceptional, which raised this rating. OTOH, buffet and outside poolside bars staffed and poorly executed. There were no poolside servers, forcing you to go to either of two bars at perimeter of pool area, each with *one* bartender. Each line had at least 15 minute wait. Of course, everyone in line had to order a mixed drink, which attributed to absurd wait. Sucks if you just wanted a beer. Lounge areas inside had much better service, less than 5 minute wait. Some published drinks (Angry Orchard) were out of stock BEFORE we left Miami, which is indefensible. Also, some liquor like Jack Daniels is considered "premium" which made pre-purchased adult drink tickets insufficient.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Well maintained ship, not an ounce of visible rust on the hull. Public areas were modern and continuously cleansed. Well-lit atrium and signage was adequate once you got familiar with the layout of this large ship.
Only issue was adult pool in afternoon.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Well designed and modern. Ample room, with two twin beds that coverted to queen and fold out couch (where I slept). Bathroom was also modern, but tight. Room saving shower door smartly folded inward to give more room at sink, good pressure shower, but rather intimidating toilet that was as loud as an Apollo rocket lifting off. Balcony had two chairs and a makeshift ottoman/table. We were aft, port side on deck 12, allowing a nice high view. Emergency exit in back of ship was enormous "balcony" which was hardly known by other passengers, with access to other decks.
Ship tip
Prepare for international crowd, with little or no Americans in crew.
Have your credit card connected to your cabin when embarking to allow more flexibility with cruise purchases.
Onboard cams can be viewed on cabin television. Soothing music if you have problems falling asleep.
Opt to take luggage off ship yourself. Time saver.
Did not do excursion. Nothing special in the city, typical port with vendors and small shops. Taxi ride to Atlantis was a waste of time. Need an expensive wristband to see property past the reception desk and boutiques. Only productive part of visit was sports book, albeit limited betting options.
A bit disorganized. We opted to carry our own bags out, so kept bags inside cabin and met the following morning at 6:45 in theater. Depending on which crew member you talked to, there was a different answer as to who left ship first and where in area to line up.. Nonetheless, decided to leave with my sister's group since she had the car. Eventually got off the ship around 7:45, breezed thru Customs and headed for her car in the garage. NOTE: the Port of Miami parking garage had no signage on how to exit, so we drove several places before eventually figuring out how to get down to ground level and where they pay booth was. Took 10 minutes. Rats in a maze.
I believe that one crew member per party should be sufficient unless you are a party of 5 or more but less than that, one crew member is sufficient. I wouldn't want to have a crew member per family member only because it's unnecessary and takes away from others who probably have more people in their party.
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