Great cruise with nice ports and completely able to design your vacation the way you want. Wonderful staff that go out of there way to make your trip a memorable one.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
The overall experience of boarding this ship was wonderful. Our Set Sail Pass was signed, Passports in order and the employee that handled giving us our Sea Pass Card was efficient and very cheerful! My husband was pulled over to a table because he had an electric strip with no surge protector in his bag. After confiscating that the Security person decided to also take our square recharge station for all of our apple products, phones, watches, and i pads. Then came back to the other security officers and said that my husband tried to "hide" those items. I had been standing by the conveyor belt during the entire time and not once did my husband try to prevent the officer from "searching" his carry-on. That was disappointing.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We were in the Grande Dining Room at a table for two. We like it that way because we wanted this cruise to be just for us. Our waitstaff couldn't have been better. The food was so much better on this ship than on the Freedom last August. My only complaint was that the main entree I ordered on one of the formal nights was beef loin and it tasted like liver. I asked my waiter if I could just have a plate of vegetables and they were there immediately with the replacement. The atmosphere was very nice and we enjoyed the experience very much.
We ate one evening at Central Park 150. A nice concept specialty restaurant that uses organic food exclusively. Nice atmosphere, but too much salt in everything for our tastes.
The Windjammer buffets were very good with the exception of the rewarming of the corned beef hash. The last day during lunch I had greek salad and there was a hair that stopped my enjoyment. The other things that seemed to bother me was that when the workers were wiping down tables they were using the same rag on every table and most of the ones we sat at were very sticky. Sometimes the parents of small children aren't watching them and they will occasionally take food or desserts and then put them right back into the serving trays. Beware! :)
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
My husband and I both enjoyed the zip line on the ship. You must remember to bring socks if you are planning to do that activity.
Our favorite place was the whirlpool in the Solarium. No kids under 16 and a peaceful relaxed atmosphere. It was great.
We played miniature golf, but perhaps more adult sized clubs should be purchased. The golf course was fun and I got a hole in one on the ninth green, so I was very happy! The golf course is used by a ton of teens and kiddos, so we waited until late in the evening. When we got there only tiny clubs were available. As others decided to leave, we were able to use the adult sized clubs.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
We saw Cats! Love it, but it was very l- o- n -g! People sitting in the aisle had the actors and actresses coming up to them as they did various songs and acts. That was both fun and surprising. We loved the ice show, very wonderful costumes and superb skaters. Wear a sweater, its chilly. The headliner show was a treat and such energy and vocals were much appreciated. We couldn't get tickets to the Comedy show, always booked. Bummer!The aqua show was fantastic! We loved it! We danced at Blaze. Great Dj until around 12:00 at that time he went crazy and began with the crude stuff no one can dance too with filthy lyrics. We wanted to go to the White Night Party, but that lost its appeal as well. We have been to many before, but there didn't seem to be any place to dance in the Promenade with all the people milling around on the fifth floor. We watched for a brief time as did many others and left. Studio B would have been a much more appropriate venue. We attending the 80's Dance in Studio B and had a fantastic time. The crew in charge of that were so much fun! Everyone that attended had a great time!
Children's Programs
No kids
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our waiters were Rolando and Roman, couldn't have been better! Our room steward, I Mead was always one step ahead of us with wonderful service and very personable. The Windjammer personnel were excellent to us and so kind.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship's layout is good. Very well-maintained for the most part with the exception of the scum around the lip of some of the whirlpools.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The room size was ok, the closet was very cramped. The cleanliness of the cabin was good.
Ship tip
Pack your bag and then take out half of the items and leave them at home. Take at least 3 bathing suits so you always have a dry one to wear!
Our day to have the ship to ourselves and relax. We have been there many times before and done the jet skis, the Dragon's Breath and the beach and slide.
Smooth and courteous. We always get a porter to help with our luggage, they whisk you right to customs and while everyone else is standing in line you are ready to get into your taxi. They are worth their money!!!
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