This was my first cruise. I traveled solo. The solo program is great although more activities could be organized for the group. There was a lot of good entertainment, very good food in the complimentary dining areas and I never felt the ship was crowded. I really enjoyed the excursions I picked. I wanted to relax and have fun and in that aspect, the cruise was a big success.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Checking in was really fast. I didn't have to wait at all to get my card. Boarding went smoothly and was well organized. I didn't think I had to wait that long before I was on the ship
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The food in the complimentary restaurants was great. Enough choices for breakfast buffet and lunch. The dinner menu was different every day and still had a few dishes that you could order every day. Seating was quick as well. I did not eat at any specialty restaurant and didn't feel the need to go either. Service was good.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
I visited the fitness centers several mornings and always was equipment available. The adult pool is not too big but great to cool off. The camera for the plank was broken.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
There was a lot of entertainment around the pool. I personally don't like all the R-rated games but the rest of the crowd seemed to enjoy it. The music around the pool was good. The shows were great and not every seat was taken in the theater. Most shows in the Atrium were a lot of fun. Again, some R-rated shows are just not my cup of tea. I also liked the dance lessons in the Atrium. I liked the music on the latin nights and at the glow party. The music on the other nights didn't have much variation in beat. Those nights there were less people on the dance floor so I was not the only one.
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
I thought the ship had a good layout. All areas where clean. I hate smoke and didn't have too many issues walking through the casino to the restaurants. I really liked the quiet waterfront (deck 8) where you could sit outside, listen to the waves and get a lightning show in the sky far away.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
I was in the studio to sleep and get ready for the day. For that the 99 sqft room is big enough. The bed is big enough and comfortable. The shower has a temperature setting. Just as in a hotel, the water pressure could be stronger. The toilet area is really small. I was able to hang all my shirts and pants (16) and the room had enough other stowing facilities. I didn't use the hair dryer in the room. The TV only has a few channels. The room does not have safe but not a fridge.
Ship tip
When you are traveling solo, sign up for the solo program. Even when you are not staying in a studio. It's the easiest way to meet someone on the cruise. The solo program lead will arrange reservations for the group and seating to the shows. We did eat early (around 5:45) to accomodate the large group. If you sign up, you are still free to join the group or not for each activity.
Some shops in the port. Several excursions to choose from. I had a lot of fun doing the jungle walk, Zuperman zip line and then the 11 other normal zip lines as part of the adventure package. The normal package doesn't do the 2 Zuperman zip lines (laying down instead of sitting up). The longest of the 2 lines lasted about 38 seconds.
I just relaxed on the beach and at the large pool. The beach sand were more shredded sea shells and very hot to walk on without shoes. There were enough parasols for shadow but you might have to walk a little bit if you are late at the beach. They have zip lines with one going from the lighthouse. laying down, to the beginning of the beach.
There are several excursions. I picked activity level 3 again: the speed boat and snorkeling activity. I've never been in a speedboat before and really enjoyed it. Instead of going straight from A to B in 10 min, you go 20-30 min making left and right turns one behind the other. The first time we were almost at the front and we were going fast. After snorkeling you switch who steers. We had someone in front of us that slowed down for each turn. We were not allowed to pass so that was less fun. The snorkeling is easy as you flow downstream. There are not too many fish to see. You shouldn't pick this activity if snorkeling is your main goal.
No. On the Getaway, there are a few floors that go all the way from the front stairs/elevators to the stairs/elevators in the back without having to go through the Casino. I had a room forward, the Tropicana is at the aft. I've walked the little hallway outside my room, the waterfront on deck 8 (and pick up a drink at the Sugarcane / Mojito bar) or one of those connected floors from front to the aft.
I printed all the paperwork at home, including the voucher for the trip back to the airport. I had signed up for the 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM check in but the special shuttle leaving from the side entrance of the Embassy Suites airport didn't leave until 10:40 AM. We then picked up 3 others so we arrived at the Terminal after 11 AM. That was no problem at all. Check your paperwork as it will indicate terminal B or C. It's at the same location, just two different entrances. I could have checked in faster but I forgot to link my credit card to the account in advance. In less than 5 minutes I was in the waiting area.
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