It was great for my first cruise I don’t have anything else to compare to, but I enjoyed it.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
I bought a drink package and it was great. I didn’t eat much, but I am a vegetarian and I am aware that I am limited in my options most places since it’s obviously going to cater to the majority. I did order room service twice and that was great. For breakfast I ordered coffee, waffles, eggs, hash browns, a croissant and fruit. I went to the buffet once asked if they had a salad and they gave me a look like I was crazy so I just smiled and retired the idea I would be eating then went on drinking. I ate at the black crab one night and that was good. I had a salad, a vegetarian Jamaican “patty”( basically an empanada) and more fruit.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
I didn’t care about onboard accommodations, but based off the list of activities they list daily there were definitely a lot available so I’m sure someone with their family would have plenty to do.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
I’ve seen reviews of the wait staff being rude. I’m not sure how, but I also began most of my conversations with “may I or please” and ended with a “thank you”. Everyone was so kind and I liked that wait staff let you be. I was so worried about my first cruise because of some reviews I had seen, so the staff definitely exceeded my expectations.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
It was a bit confusing finding my room, I was drunk 99.9% of the time so it’s definitely not their fault. I eventually got the hang of it. It’s also my first cruise so I’m not familiar with the layout of a ship. I was honestly just thrilled I had an area to smoke. I was mostly hanging out on deck 14 because of the smoking area, but it was still great because of the easy access to the bars. There was always someone wiping down tables and cleaning them off so it was definitely maintained. The room was great. Someone mentioned it was run down, but I was happy. There was a safe so I could lock up my travel docs/jewelry and plenty of closet space. Overall I was very content given it was my first time.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Ship tip
If you’re planning on drinking just get the drink package. I had one included when I booked my cruise and I was able to upgrade it to the next one up, but I’m sure I would’ve been fine without the upgrade. I’d recommend going to your assigned restaurant instead of the buffet. I’d do the express walk off even if you didn’t have to go to a flight right away. There’s a lot of shops outside the port. I went to the Hotel Yvie again (I went for brunch before embarking) and had a brunch then relaxed before my flight.
Again no offense to the Ocean Cay I just don’t think I’m a private island kind of person and I wish there was 2 days in New Providence and 1 day in the Ocean Cay. I could’ve even done 3 days in New Providence I just loved exploring there and I felt I had so much I still wanted to see. If you have a family though it would be great since it’s secluded and wouldn’t have to worry about your child wandering off far since there isn’t anything there. I wasn’t able to do the Ocean Cay snorkeling experience because of weather conditions, but it is a cute little island for laying out and swimming around.
I loved New Providence. It was beautiful. I paid for an excursion with Liberty tours and Richard was our tour guide. He was great and I felt like we were able to see so much. I’m just disappointed there wasn’t 2 days in New Providence and 1 day in the Ocean Cay. The Ocean Cay was cute and I’m sure for a family it’s a great option because there isn’t anything there, but for someone that actually wants to go out and see different things it was a bummer. Other than that I had a great time. I ate at the Twisted Lime and they had a great veggie burger. There was a lot of shops around there as well. I went to the Coin of the Realm shop and was able to get a beautiful silver coin and some earrings. Also to all the people complaining about the vendors being pushy you’re literally visiting an area that most of its revenue comes from tourism. Don’t make it seem like these vendors are attacking you or going to take your money. They were always kind and all it takes is a simple smile and a “no thank you”. I always felt safe even when I went out and wandered alone by myself. Maybe if you have a problem saying no just don’t go out into the areas where the vendors are. I will say you are missing out though. There is a shop by the queens staircase and I bought a carved fish. They also had drinks and other little things for purchase as well. Everyone was always kind, but I also was just happy to be there. I only brought $200 in cash, but I definitely should have brought more at least $400 and I would’ve spent it all. Also Bahamian wine is delicious I hate wine and I could down a whole bottle. I just didn’t bring enough cash so I ended up just purchasing a cup. There was a lady with a stand right outside the port.
Miami airport is a dump lol it’s not too far from the port though and there are plenty of shops around the port too. I went to the hotel Yvie when I flew in and when we disembarked. The restaurant in there is great for brunch I tried to find another restaurant across the street in the shopping outlet, but I preferred across the street plus there was a cvs next door so you can stop for things like sunscreen before embarking.
This is more dependent on customs because the ship has to wait for clearance. I did express walk off and was down at deck 6 by 6:30 then we started at about 7:20ish and I was out waiting for a taxi at 7:43. So it didn’t take long at all.
Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising! Appreciate your delightful detailed review. Glad you enjoyed your first cruise and hope you have many more!
I had to laugh at your comment about being drunk 99.9% of the time. I purchased the drink package (for the first time) for my upcoming cruise and I wonder if that will be me.
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