Managing the movement and feeding of the thousands of passengers was very well done. Staff were very pleasant, and well trained. Cleanliness was very good. Food and drink surprisingly good (do get the beverage package or you will pay pay pay). Entertainment very good. Good variety of activities, though some were crowded, others requiring additional payment. Inevitably, when you land in a port you overwhelm the local area--this did not sit well with us and we won;t be cruising again, even though the onboard experience was relaxing and well managed.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Pretty amazing how they can move thousands of people so effectively. But they have you board before the rooms are ready so seek out an open bar (Tobacco Road is one) and have a a drink.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food was excellent, and considering the vast number of people served they do a good job of seating everyone. It is hard to get the reservation time you want but if you show up at the desired time you can be seated after a short wait. The buffet at peak breakfast time is crowded.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
ropes course (scary!); water slide (fun!), hot tub (crowded), fitness center (crowded after breakfast), Escape room (great puzzle but group sizes are too large @ 10+), karaoke (way too loud--ow), small dance exercise class (very good--wish there had been more--wanted Zumba!), slot machines (fun, eat your money), video arcade. I did not participate in yoga because there was a hefty charge. :-(
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Choir of Man (Broadway quality!), After Midnight (very good), piano bar guy (excellent)
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Remarkably good--smiling, helpful staff. Extra remarkable as I understand that some work nine months without a day off!!! They turn around the ship (passengers disembark, new passengers embark) in New York in just four hours.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Very well designed. Cabins don't feel crowded, large restaurants aren't just vast squares. Bars have some character. Unfortunately the casino can get very smoky as cigarettes are aloud. And the cigar bar allows cigarette smoking so forget enjoying a cigar onboard.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Cabin was very well designed and not cramped for two people. Balcony large enough for the two chairs and small table provided. Cleanliness very good--thorough cleaning every day.
Called "Orlando" in cruise literature, Orlando is an hour away. Kayaking with the manatees was a bad, expensive joke. Way too many people and no manatees this time of year.
Invaded by thousands of cruisers every day--poor Bahamians. Nearby beach (walkable) was loud and not great. Other beaches require taxi ride. We downloaded a walking tour and had a pleasant, interesting tour of Nassau. Segway tour and reviews looked poor. Diving with a private company was very good.
The people at the ports are suppose to be ready for the deluge of people every day, even sometimes 5 or more ships at a time. They're used to that. That's how they make their living. Making a living can be hard, as you may know.
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