This was our first cruise. We chose it based on the facilities on board and the fact that it is a bigger, newer ship with water slides. We have nothing to compare it to but we had a fantastic, relaxing, fun vacation on this beautiful ship. The facilities are top notch. Food could be better in MDR at dinner time but the buffet was more than satisfactory. Ports were also excellent.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We arrived earlier than our time slot of noon. There were some lines but since this was our first cruise, the whole process was kind of exciting and we didn't mind. Suitcases were taken off us as soon as we got out of the hotel shuttle at the terminal. Walking onto ship was easy and we had lunch straight away at the buffet.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We mostly ate at the buffet as it was quick and there were lots of child friendly items at every meal. Also plenty of space and the tables with the aft view were pretty nice. The food was varied and good quality: I'd say comparable to good cafeteria food rather than restaurant quality. The desserts were very good, especially the ice cream. Breakfast was excellent with many choices, although it was the same every day. Dinner at MDR Manhattan room was not good at all. Service was slow and the food quality was very poor. Similarly for Savor. After trying these we just went to the buffet for dinner. The MDRs were excellent for breakfast and lunch though, faster service and better quality food. We only had snacks at O'Sheehan's which were tasty. We ordered the free continental room service breakfast one day and that was very good too. Convenient for early port days with tenders.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Lots of activities for kids and adults. Our favorites were the basketball court, mini golf, library (with board games!) , jogging track and water slides. Did not use the adult pool at all as it was way too crowded and the activities were not appropriate for kids (sexy leg comp, people pretend grinding against each other and much worse). Kids pool was ok but deep (5ft+) so had to constantly watch kids and have them wear life jackets. No chairs directly next to kids pool so had to sit on edge. Would have been nice if there were deck chairs around to read a book. Adult pool area is not family friendly and i wish there was more distance between the kids pool and adults pool so that kids don't have to watch the adult games on the big screen. Some of them were inappropriate for kids in the middle of the day.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Entertainment was pretty good. Loved the Brat pack, such a vibrant and energetic show, with great performances. We also enjoyed the juggling show immensely. Wish there were more family friendly shows like that on the line up. The one comedy gig we went to was awful and we walked out. All the atrium entertainment was entertaining although seating was a huge issue and we often couldn't see due to the crowds.
Children's Programs
We did not sue splash academy at all; chose to have kids hang out with us. We did visit the venue and the lack of windows put me off a bit. The staff seemed friendly though.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Service was excellent apart from dinner time in the MDR's where it was very, very slow. Especially loved the loved the welcome back to the shop at each port with wet towels, refreshing drinks, music, ice pops, music and dance. Compared to the other ships, this ship treats you like a royal guest when returning at every port! We tendered at two ports and the tendering process was streamlined and fuss free.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Very clean and overall great design. Only negative is casino is open to atrium and smoke smell travels.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Loved the cabin. First cruise so nothing to compare it to but it was very comfortable for 4 of us to sleep in. Bed, sofa bed and pullman were very comfortable. I slept like a log on that pullman. Balcony was large and very private. Bathroom was so modern, especially the shower. Excellent water pressure. Plenty of storage space in the room for four of us. We unpacked completely and put the suitcases under the bed. Lots of outlets.
We did a day pass at the Hilton Rose Hall through resort for a day. we had stayed at this resort before for a land vacation so we wanted to revisit. Beautiful resort with lazy river and water slides. Nice lunch.
We did a 5 hour island tour through tours plaza. We drove around the main city, visited the Mayan ruins, chocolate factory, east side of island, El Mirador, turtle nests and a large gift shop. Would highly recommend this company for a unique day in Cozumel.
We did the self disembarkation so we got off first. Super quick; got an uber to FLL. We managed to catch our flight at 11.17am with plenty of time to spare at the airport to eat breakfast. Our ship docked at 7am.
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