Nice Cruise

For those of us living in central Florida, the Port Canaveral port is very convenient.  We used Park N Cruise which I would highly recommend for parking.  Go to their web site to see recommendations and experiences of others.

The ship is nice, but starting to show its age.  In fact, it is to be replaced by the Epic next fall.  The deck plan is a little awkward, but after a day or so, you easily adjust. 

The food is good to very good.  We ate in the buffet a few times, but most of the time ate in the Windows, a more formal dinning room.  The food was very good and staff as throughout the ship is excellent.  We had one of the best steaks ever in this dinning room.  We did not eat in the specialty restaurants, but comments from others were very favorable.  The food in the buffet was of a great variety and also very good for the most part.. 

There is plenty to do on board and on the tours.  We did not take any tours as this is our 27th cruise and have seen the sights in most of the locations.  We had not been to their private island before and it is very, very nice.  They have several beaches, beach chairs and many covered areas.  If you want to get a group together for lunch, they can accommodate you  either in small covered  private area overlooking the ocean or in larger common area shelter.  I am sure their is a fee involved, but unsure.  Also, they have ATV riding, parachute rides, walking trails and all kinds of water sports for a fee.   The liquor package is honored on the island although you will pay an additional 7.5% Bahamas tax. You tender to the island, but it is well organized and only a very short ride of maybe 5 minutes back and forth.  They also has some small shops where locals sell items, a band, many ship supported activities and a nice lunch on the island.  

Entertainment was good to very good, especially for a smaller ship.  I believe from the size and responses of those attending, they had similar feelings. 

The rooms are nice and in keeping with most cruise ships and lines.  Again, the cabin steward was very good and promptly kept the room very clean etc.  Again, everyone was very polite and friendly, not to mention efficient.  

Boarding and disembarking the ship was well organized and almost effortless.  We normally have carried our bags off, but this time decided to hand carry only what we needed after packing and leaving our bags to be taken to shore.  We went down for a leisurely breakfast and after a few minutes waiting and chatting with other travelers, walked off without having to deal with the suit cases.  You can select a time frame which to disembark the night before.  The suit cases were waiting for us in one area upon departure and within a minute at most, were walking through customs and out of the building. 

This is a little long, but our experience with the ship and the cruise.  Would I recommend the cruise?  Yes, as most cruisers would find this a nice cruise.