getaway

We have been cruisers since 1980.  We wanted to try your line of ships. Here are our comments.

The wait at the terminal, outdoors in the heat and scorching sun, was 4 hrs. long.  The line wound around the entrance, with babies, families, elderly, etc. subjected to this unbelievably long wait. It doesn’t matter the reason. We should have been let inside to at least get in the winding lines.  A Doctor on vacation tried to talk to someone at the locked doors, to no avail. Water was brought out hours later, but the people in the heat weren’t told about it.  I felt so sorry for everyone. Our first night on the ship was memorable.  We heard banging and movement of heavy objects that was intolerable. I called several numbers, got the run around, told there were no rooms to switch to, and the night supervisor came by and said the same. They offered us earplugs!We couldn’t believe it. I was a miserable night. No sleep.  The next morning, the main desk informed us a set was being built for a show-the reason for the   noise; and they would move us to another room. What a mess. Freestyle dining was new to us and we went with the flow. We enjoyed the Tropicana music and all the staff were great.  The food was unusual-oxtail, for example. One time we got up and went to the buffet. The Garden Café staff was always attentive. The shows were disappointing. Only Burn the Floor was worth seeing. People walked out of the accapella music group. And to charge for an entertainment show? The Illusionist. I have NEVER heard of doing this.  I know the bottom line is money, but guests should not be confronted with endless add-ons, including food to pay for --on the right side of the menu!  Other cruise lines are a step up in respect and manners when it comes to so many add ons—arcade, bowling.  I guess we’ll pay for the pool next.  But you already do charge $199 if an adult wants the exclusive adult pool, spa experience.  Speaking of pools. When I sat on the edge of the pool, I noticed people were walking by with black marks on the bottom of their bathing suits.  Sure enough, when I got up, it was too late. The black line that had been painted onto the pool seating area was on my suit, too.  Never to come off.  A $100 Lands End suit. In the garbage.  When I told the main desk, they just looked.  I imagine you made a lot of money off the drink packages. People made sure they got their money worth by throwing up and passing out.  This encourages abuse. Some of the ‘PG-13” family shows were more R and X rated.  I’m speaking of the ones in the Atrium.  Trying to stick a broomstick in a strategically placed “hole” on your partner, for ex.  The music at the piano bars was OK.  Once again , the grey long haired guy threw out nasty comment about oral sex, etc. We never returned. We realize most of the world has no morals and values, but the cruise line should set the standards. We enjoyed putt putt and the water slide. It was always too windy to open the zip lines or ropes.  I guess a fee will be placed on them soon. With the outbreak of bed bugs and viruses, mattresses need a zippered waterproof cover. Pillows, too.  And please do not place carpet anywhere, please!!Germs!!!  There was some type of unit in a closet down the hall from our room.  Water leaked onto the carpet in front of it. Always mildew, wet, musty.  The staff said it knew about it, but nothing was done.  Debarkation went smoothly.  We had our own carry on luggage. We wish the best to your cruise lines.