While our expectations were low given some past reviews, we thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and the ports with one exception. The ship and cabin were great however the elevator waits and crowding were off-putting. The staff was excellent, as was the food and the entertainment. Quebec City is a highlight - make time for it. It is like European cities - different culture and language (although everyone accomodates English), so much history and so many historical buildings, easy to get around on foot assuming you can handle constant up-down (hilly).
Embarkation
1 out of 5
Many cruises, worst and longest embarkation ever..almost 3 hours in line to boarding ship. Never again from NYC.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food and selections were very good at all levels..buffet, main and speciality dining
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Mini-golf, outdoor football games on big screen by pool, fitness center. Too cold for water activities and go-carts closed several days due weather as well.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Took advantage of many perfomances and events and found them all very professional, better than we have seen on any other cruise.
Children's Programs
No children
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Service in every area was quick, pleasant and exceptional. Cabin well maintied twice daily.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
All areas were clean and well maintained. Not sure if it is design or large capacity but only complaint I heard repeatedly and we expereinced repeatedly was long waits at all elevators during peak daily activity, dinner hours, shows, embarkment and disembarkment. Too much is scheduled and centered in the atrium due design of ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The room is very comfortable and the bathroom is spacious , with a tight dual vanity that is nonetheless very useful and a large shower area. The cabin was clean when we arrived and kept very clean duing our stay. Thanks to Christian for that. The cabin has numerous shelves but is lacking in drawers. There is ample hanging space but had I not had packing cubes clothing storage and organization would have been difficult.
Ship tip
Relax and be prepared for numerous waits around elevators. Also know that room drawers are minimal in the min--suites so have an alternative and bring extra hangers.
DId an excellent private excursion - Walking Tour of the Freedom Trail - getting on and off a breeze but port is a hike from anything to be seen in city.
Port adjacent to old Portland and shopping/restuarants within easy walking distance. DId an excellent private excursion of city, Kennebunkport and places in between. Easy on/off ship.
Port was fine - some shops at dock and easy off/on. Did a private excursion thru Sydney to Cabot Trail. While Cabot Trail is beautiful found the long drive out and back was too much for the scenery.
The port was great with quite a bit of shopping at docks and short walk to town - easy off/on. The town and outlying areas are quaint and beautiful with lots of history and sights. We did a provate tour and loved it.
Not much to see in the town and minimal shopping/eating establishments within walking distance of the ship. Easy off/on. In hindsight should have done excursion. We did not do one.
Quebec City was the highlight of the trip. Europe wrapped in a North American package. Did a walking tour of the city and spent extra day visiting. Wished for more.
Disembarkation was not good. While there was a labor disruption, I spoke with cabbie and several customer service reps and they indicted this is the second largest ship that comes into the port and the disembarkation process to get to ground transportation is lengthy. Took several hours to get to cabs from ship after labor disruption was over. Again, the longest process we have encountered om any continent.
The first sentence of your review shows that you can’t always trust super negative reviews, ones with one star for everything. Sometimes these are just unhappy people that won’t be satisfied with anything. Glad that you enjoyed your cruise.
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