Overall this was a nice trip, despite having to miss a port due to a mechanical issue with the ship. It was definitely crowded with nearly 4,500 guests, but for the most part waits were not bad. Only twice had a little bit of trouble finding a table in the buffet (one was a morning where it had rained so nobody wanted to sit outside where there is a lot of seating). I always ate dinner relatively early so waiting wasn't an issue, but there were waits as it got later. As one would expect, the pool bar was very crowded during the day, but you could get a drink with almost no wait at one of the other bars.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
The line outside the San Juan terminal was long, but it moved relatively quickly and they were pretty organized.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Food was average in Taste. The buffet was your typical relatively bland options. The specialty restaurants were great (Cagney's and Teppanyaki).
Teppanyaki
5 out of 5
Teppanyaki is always a fun dinner. The chefs put on a great show, and the food is really good. You also can't possibly leave hungry as they give you so much.
Cagney's Steakhouse
5 out of 5
Food was exceptional, equivalent of eating at a fine steakhouse on land. All of the courses were prepared perfectly, and service was at the same level.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
The two pools on the main deck were probably the smallest I've seen on a cruise ship. With 4,500 people, they were full when we were at sea. They didn't really have a lot to do on sea days, and whenever they held activities in the atrium it filled quickly as it is way too small. They also showed movies here where there was seating for less than 50 people.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Shows were great. The Epic Beatles were exceptional, the comedians were funny, and the magician was both funny and a good illusionist. Burn the Floor had a lot of energy. The biggest downside was the Cavern Club where the Epic Beatles perform most nights and is really small. You need to be there an hour early to get a seat. The comedy club wasn't much better, at least 30 minutes before to get a seat.
Children's Programs
No kids
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All of the staff members were friendly and provided great service.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Overall the ship was in good shape. Really didn't have any issues with the overall layout and staff were always keeping it clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The size of the cabin is fine. It had the most storage space I've seen on a cruise ship. I didn't mind the split bathroom as I was staying by myself. There were two issues I had with it though. There are no USB plugs (not surprising based on the age of the ship), but also only two US outlets, and none on the same side as the bed. Additionally, the bed is rounded to fit in the cabin, and at 6'2", I would hang off the bed.
Ship tip
Arrive early to venues if you want a seat. At least 30 minutes is a good basis.
San Juan is a great place to visit, definitely worth spending some time walking around Old San Juan, plenty of shops and restaurants along with sights to see.
Nice port, lots of shops nearby. Did a Scuba excursion which was good, but later found out it was the worst of the islands to dive (Bonaire is first, followed by Curacao, then Aruba).
Port is right next to downtown. Definitely walk across the floating bridge into the main downtown area. Plenty of shops and restaurants, plus sights, and colorful buildings.
Smaller island, not much in the port area. Did an 4x4 excursion which took you through the middle of the island (very desert like) and down to the southern tip to see the lighthouse and salt mines.
Very lush island with a large port area of shops and a few places to eat. Did the St. Kitts Rail & Sail excursion which started with a boat ride up the western coast then a ride on the historic rail line around the island.
Disembarkation was quick and organized, off the ship in no time. Definitely don't try and get an Uber from the port though, either do the cruise line bus transport to the airport, or grab a taxi (they are plentiful).
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