We loved having so many ports on this cruise. The staff was amazing and drink package superb. Kids had a great time as did we. Most beautiful port was Grenada, rainforest island. Aruba is a dry island but we were here during the rainy season so still pretty and plenty to see. Excursions were good but descriptions are definitely lacking. Do some research. Food great compared to the other cruise line we've experienced. Would like to see more "fun" activities like comedy, games, etc. The pool area had some fun stuff happening.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Lines were only long inside the terminal getting our room keys and photos, but the process was very simple and staff friendly.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The buffet at breakfast and lunch is really good but super crowded and next to impossible to find a table for our large family. Many of the large tables taken by 2 people. The buffet at supper not crowded at all but limited selections since only about half the buffet is open at supper. The dining room food was great for all 3 meals. The staff is friendly and seating is immediate. The service at supper we found slow and the meal took forever. For 3 courses, we were there nearly 2 hours every night. Also my husband found the beer in the dining room not very cold. We very much enjoyed having 2 bars right inside the dining area for juices, sodas, beer, wine, specialty coffees. The coffee at the free beverage stations can be bitter sometimes, and it's definitely strong but I didn't complain after a long night out! We didn't use specialty restaurants.
Sports Bar
3 out of 5
Service was slow at times. The staff is very busy here. Glad to have a place to go to eat different food (not extra money!) that is American and tasty plus any drinks we wanted. Bowling game in there was very loud. Reception issues at the beginning of NFL playoffs that was eventually resolved. Some games were without commentators. And in the very back you could barely hear anything at all. Try the mozzarella sticks, spinach dip, MSC burger, and wings!
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We only used the pools. My kids really enjoyed. The water is a little chilly this time of year but still enjoyable on the warmest days. The indoor area was nice also. Plenty of chairs. Wish the water slide didn't have cutoff of 8 years old and height minimum.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The talent was amazing for the nightly shows. We really enjoyed the pirate play, silks, acrobats, singing, even opera! Of course the Michael Jackson tribute was a blast. You gotta check out the staff talent show!! Super fun and really really good! The kids enjoyed the 4D cinema.
Children's Programs
4 out of 5
All my kiddos really loved the Kids clubs and activities!! They went to dinner with the clubs also. My teen is still texting some kids he met on the cruise in the club. They enjoyed playing video games and sports also. I had 2 teens, 2 kids 8 and 11, and a younger age 4. The staff is amazing with them all! The only reason not to give 5 stars is the teen club didn't follow the schedule given us, mostly due to having to few people to do some of the activities.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Everyone was friendly. We appreciated smiles from all crew including officers. We had one officer stop to carry a plate with my child to the table! We did have a problem one day ordering room service that never arrived for my sick kid in the cabin. Also, the staff at the Excursion desk were NEVER friendly and NEVER helpful. In fact, in our last encounter we requested to speak to management and were refused. Disappointed but the rest of the ship's staff made up for that experience.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Beautiful ship. Constant cleaning. In fact, don't set anything at all down on the table while eating!
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
All as expected. Love having a balcony. Wish we would have figured out the interactive TV earlier, especially since we felt like we didn't know where to get general info and answers.
Ship tip
The website is basically a sign in. I would love to see more general info on their site. Be sure to dig around on the TV in your room to get basic info. Get to the buffet early or else you'll be eating outside.
Orderly but long line for "express walk off" as we carried our luggage to get off as quickly as possible. Otherwise there would have been way too much waiting around. We were to be out of the room by 8 am but not scheduled to be at our meeting point until 9:30! What the heck to do for an hour and a half with 5 kids! Anyway, the line was forever long but stayed moving pretty much the whole time and getting off and customs was quick and easy.
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