In my opinion, cruising from New York in winter is not worth it. The first 2 days and last 3 days are cold and windy so it really feels like a 9 day cruise on what is a paid 14 day cruise.
The sickness (stomach virus) that occured on the ship ruined the experience to some degree.
Disembarkation was a complete disaster.
We did not make a scheduled stop at Great Stirrup Cay.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Embarkation was smooth in the Manhatten terminal. Could use additional seating in the terminal. We were on the ship in 2 1/2 hours.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The food was good in the ship's main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and buffets.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Pools are extremely overcrowded. Finding a lounge chair after breakfast was impossible. We elected to go to the sun deck on the top of the ship. The fitness center is too small.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The entertainment was good. Some shows were booked fully and could not be reserved.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Service was just OK. Drinks were watered down. Had to ask every time to make it strong. Sometimes they complied and sometimes not! Room could have been cleaner. Waiters in all restaurant's did a very good job but elsewhere was a 2 star experience.
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
Had a virus infect numerous people and that is when you saw full blown cleanup measures. Spraying and complete wipe downs were seen all over the ship. The amplified cleaning especially impacted the buffet where crew staff had to load your plate for you. It was mayhem so we decided to no longer eat at the buffet.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
It was just ok...carpets were filthy.
Ship tip
Hit the sun deck on top of the ship if you can walk up a few levels of steps. Easy to get a lounge chair and relatively quiet.
We pulled up to Great Stirrup Cay on a clear beautiful sunny day and were preparing to board a tender to this beautiful island when all of a sudden the ship's captain decided to cancel the excursion due to ocean patterens due to occur latter in the day. Did not recive a detailed explanation from any of the staff that I asked. Only that the Captain make the call. Apprently this cancellation happens often for Great Stirrup Cay. I have seen past reviews that documents this. The island really looked nice and we were all disappointed as this was supposed to be our first island stop aftere cruising 3 days in a row.
Not what I expected. Take the public transportation. At port they make you believe that there are no taxis so they round you up in mini busses that are supposed to stop at various streches of 7 mile beach, however the driver was lobbying for us to go to one specific establishment. I asked if he were making a stop at the Royal Palms and he said yeah man wherever. Well, his first stop was his preferred drop off point so I asked why he did not stop at Royal Palms and he said sorry my man but this here is the best place. It was not, it was very narrow and crowed beach. Lesson learned: Ask for public tranportation. Its outside of the fenced it area were the fleet of ripoff mini vans are parked. You will see mini van (public transport) stops along the side of the road. Public transport uses mini vans as well and are just a few dollars to get you where you need to go and get you back to the port.
Very Very nice. 4 stars because you have to pay for food, drink and ziplines. Beach chairs and umbrellas are free. Go early for the best choices in seating.
Terrible experience. Disorganized. Port crew was very stressed due to delays, yelling at each other and at the passangers. We had tranfers though NCL to the airport. We were told to disembark at 7:45. We did and as soon as we departed the ship we and many others were told to stop just prior to baggage retrival area. 3 hours latter we retrived our bags. Unacceptable standing and waiting for hours!
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