If there had only been one or two things that were bad, it would have been a good experience. But having a bed that was uncomfortable, food that wasn't great, entertainment that was lacking, and an overcrowded ship made this a cruise that was more than a little disappointing. This was the first time I was ever relieved to be home from a vacation.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Very smooth process and quick to get us on the ship. Luggage was not handled with care and obviously sat out in the rain as our suitcase was soaked and most of our clothes were wet.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Complimentary dining was lackluster and reminiscent of school cafeteria food. We did not have a single meal in complimentary dining that was great, it was all very ok. Specialty dining's were quite good, but an expensive extra cost.
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
Activities were extremely crowded and poorly scheduled. You had to arrive 45 min+ ahead of time to attempt to get a seat. Activities were often scheduled all at the same time, and often at lunch/dinner times.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
We did not see a single performer that we thought was a wow. Comedy was lackluster, Dueling Piano's was really an all-request sing-along show, Beatles cover band wasn't great.
Children's Programs
Didn't travel with a child.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Majority of ship staff was very friendly and attentive.
Ship Quality
1 out of 5
Layout was TERRIBLE. Main thoroughfare of the ship was directly through the casino that allows smoking, making it an uncomfortable journey to get anywhere. Queue's for dining, bars, etc. would often back out into the walkways, making it extremely difficult to get anywhere. The only paths from Port to Starboard side of the ship were the Fore and Aft elevators - all paths through the center or ends of the ship were "crew access only". Ship was clean, but run-down looking - carpets were worn out, walls had many marks on them, etc.
Cabin / Stateroom
1 out of 5
Cabin was poorly laid out and made it difficult for two people to maneuver within it. We'd often have to step over the bed to get around each other. Our "King size" bed was not long enough and left our feet dangling off the end even with our heads against the headboard.
Ship tip
Bring lots of stuff to do - board games, downloaded movies, etc.
We did the Appleton Rum Tour. Only excursion I've ever been on where they made us wait on an uncomfortable crowded bus for over 30 minutes for passengers that were late. Would not have been so bad if we did not also have a 2.5 hour bus ride to get to Appleton. The Distillery was beautiful, the tour interesting, and the food they served us was delicious.
Stingray Island is more like Stingray Ghost town now. So many people and only a handful of stingrays being passed from ship guide to ship guide to pose for pictures with tourists.
I think no matter how great the cruise was, you would still have a fell short feeling. I've been on the Epic and had a great time and did not experience what you whined about. My only issue was with bathroom set up, but otherwise, it was great. Perhaps when you go on your next cruise, just enjoy it, cause things will go wrong when you have to share a ship with 4000 other people for a week all doing things around the same time.
Appreciate your feedback. When it’s one thing after another it makes the overall experience lacking. Sorry this cruise didn’t meet your expectations. Hope your next one is better.
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