Overall, it was a very enjoyable cruise with great food and entertainment and wonderful staff. However, embarkation was a bit frustrating, and the ship was absolutely packed, so patience with elevators and crowds was required.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Embarkation took around 2.5 hours from exiting the car to getting onboard. The staterooms were not ready until nearly 4 PM when we were sailing away. Compared to my past cruise, embarkation was slower and more chaotic this time, but not awful.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The main dining rooms, buffet, and specialty restaurants were all excellent. We had exceptional meals at Teppenyaki and Ocean Blue. We tried and enjoyed Food Republic, but I don't think we would eat here again as we prefer other specialty dining options more. American Diner was fine, but nothing stood out. The only less than great experience was at The Local. Some of the food items were poor quality (wings and pretzel bites), and service tended to be slow. Still, overall the food was excellent. We do wish there were more late night dining options. The buffet closes at 9 and the dining rooms at 9:30. After that, your only options are to pay for room service or eat a very limited menu at The Local.
Ocean Blue
5 out of 5
Several things we ate (filet mignon, firecracker shrimp, clam chowder, and au gratin potatoes) were incredible, and everything else was very good too. We would definitely eat here again.
Teppanyaki
5 out of 5
This was an incredibly fun hibachi experience. The food was delicious, the portions were huge, and the chef was very entertaining. I was crying with laughter at one point because he was so funny. Teppenyaki is now our all time favorite specialty restaurant.
American Diner
4 out of 5
It was fine, but nothing on the menu stood out as something I want to eat again.
Food Republic
4 out of 5
The tuna poke nachos, kimchi fried rice, and Korean fried rice were excellent. We also tried some type of dumplings, which were good. However, we found this restaurant to be expensive and not as good of a value as other specialty options.
Savor Restaurant - Main Dining Room
5 out of 5
Always good - the best meal was braised lamb shank at dinner.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
There was plenty to do. We made use of the pool, hot tubs, and Spice H20. The observation lounge is nice to spend time in.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The Elements show and magic show were excellent. We enjoyed the music, but wished there was a rock band other than the Beatles cover band as that is our preferred genre.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everyone was kind, helpful, and attentive and went out of their way to be friendly and provide excellent service.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship was spotlessly clean. I enjoyed the layout. The ship had over 4200 people (sailing at around 110% of the 3800 passenger capacity), so it did at times feel very crowded, especially the buffet and elevators.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Clean, good size, well designed.vWe liked the room (12256), but it was a bit noisy from the pool deck music. We would pick a different deck next time.
Ship tip
Expect a packed ship and to have to wait for elevators (or use the stairs frequently), and a busy buffet. However, we never had to wait anywhere else.
Appreciate your detailed feedback. Seems like more people are trying cruising as a vacation causing crowded ships. Every flight, cruise, and/or festival we attend seems to be more crowded than ever. Sorry you had that problem on this sailing. Glad you enjoyed your cruise in spite of it.
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