I used to find going on a cruise vacation a good value for the money and relaxing. I honestly enjoyed the trip I took several years ago on RC to Nassau and Cocoa Cay much more. I didn't feel hustled on board or in the ports of call. I got to enjoy my massage without being forced to buy anything extra. I got to enjoy the beaches and have a wonderful relaxing day on the private island. On this cruise I felt nickel and dimed at every turn. In future I will do much more research before deciding on a cruise vacation. For what I paid I could have gone to Europe.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Took a long time to find a space at the parking garage and had to rush to make our arrival time
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Dining room nice but was seated poorly. Service was top notch and food was good in the dining The food in the buffet was so so. I enjoyed the little cafe in the Solarium. The drinkd are very overpriced, especially with the automatic 18% gratuity added and they seem to be watered down.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Used the steam and sauna which were very nice and the only quiet place on the ship. Used the spa but after treatment very pushy with add on sales of product. Used the arcade which the machine we wanted to play seized up after starting, used mini golf which was fun but impossible on the top deck in gale force winds. Tried to use the hot tubs but they were always full, mostly with children who don't need them. It was not really warm enough to swim. There were no quiet areas to read or have a quiet conversation. All the music was too loud. The slots in the casino were confusing and high bets.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
The comedian was not good, all my wife jokes. Didn't see the stage show as our dinner seating was so late.
Children's Programs
No children
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Every staff member was friendly, helpful, and attentive
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
My state room was right next to the centrum which was noisy all day and night. There was not enough of a sound buffer for the volume at which music and games were played. They need more hot tubs in the adult only area, especially for those over 55 who need them. Everthing was clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The cabin was fine and very clean, the attendant was very nice. I had to pay for 2 passages to get a single room, which I thought unfair for those traveling alone. The bed was firm but comfortable.
Ship tip
Do your research ahead of time, ports of call nothing but tourist traps unless you pay for expensive shore excursions. Be prepared for lost of noise and expensive drinks, even soft drinks
Total tourist trap with high priced goods and junk. T shirt shops and overpriced silver jewelry. I asked the prices of some silver to find that I can get the same for one quarter of the price or less at home. No beach and nothing but bars and stores. A forced shopping mall trip that I am pretty sure the cruise lines get a cut of. Too many ships docked at once, super crowded
Again no beach unless you pay, and all the same junk shops and bars. We did find a side street where the locals had stalls and found a few things where they were willing to bargain, as I am used to. It was confusing and difficult to get back on the pier to get to the ship as we had to find the way to the upper level reentry, for which no directions were given.
I was dissappointed that I was unable to get even a cup of coffee as the signs for the gangway were practically out side my door and the staff were all herding us out. Felt like the bums rush. Glad we brought only carry on luggage.
I’m guessing you just don’t have a clear memory of your previous cruise. Even several years ago, there were vendors in ports hustling you to buy things, Spa staff trying to up-sell you, etc. Also there were lots of guests complaining how cruising wasn’t as good as it used to be. Some things never change.
A lot has changed since the pandemic. So many people that depended on income from tourists, lost so much money that they're playing catch up. And then inflation hits. Going to Europe won't change much, unless you're going to a wealthy country. Spain, Italy, UK, have the same beggars on the street and around the touristy areas. Iceland, Sweden, Norway and Finland shouldn't have many at all. Egypt is even worse than it was. Good luck finding a better itinerary.
Appreciate your feedback. Not sure how long ago you cruised but many things have changed over the years. Your plan to do more research is a good one. Hope you try again and have a better time. Choosing your cabin is paramount for us: cabins above and below at least 2 cabins from the elevator lobby and not near the atrium.
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