I proposed to my girlfriend on the first day (didn't even wait until we left the port), and we had one of the best weeks ever on this cruise. Great service, food, drinks, ports. Perfect first cruise.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
The port was not too bad, I guess. Never embarked on another cruise so not much to compare to. Only complaint is nobody told me where to check my bag before getting in the security line, but my bags were small enough to carry on so it worked out.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Ate at the Windjammer (self-serve buffet) for breakfast and lunch pretty much every day. I thought the food was pretty damn good for a buffet with a good amount of variety.
Ate at the main dining room (Edelweiss) for dinner 5 of the 7 nights. I thought the food was very good (keep in mind how many meals this place is churning out) and the place looks pretty classy. I loved my servers and bartenders.
I bought the BOGO specialty dining thing for $40 per person which allowed my fiance and I to eat at Giovanni's the first night and Chops Grille the next night. Giovanni's is good for Italian food and they had some great appetizers (all you can order, of course). Chops Grille was really good - got the filet mignon.
I bought the alcohol package and highly recommend it - I was on the fence about it but don't regret purchasing it at all. You will be left out if you don't get it!
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
It's not one of Royal Caribbean's biggest or newest ships so I suppose the other ships have more things to do, but I was never bored (maybe the alcohol helped with that). The Cruise Director (Elvis) and his crew were very entertaining. Even though the ship doesn't have a lot of activities built into it, the crew will keep you entertained. There is a nice broadway theater on this ship. I was impressed.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
See "Onboard Activities." Like I said, the crew are entertaining and there are a few nice venues for shows/dancing/etc.
Children's Programs
No kids
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The service makes the cruise great. Older ship, but the people are great.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Ship was built in 1997, but it's still a big ship that impressed me as a first-time cruiser. People say this cruise is more about the itinerary, not the ship, but I didn't want for much on it.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Pretty much what I expected. I had read reviews mentioning bed bugs and stuff, but my room was spotless and I was very happy with my stateroom attendant.
Ship tip
The Viking Lounge is like a hidden jewel. It's in plain sight but nobody goes there and it offers a classy lounge, bar, and dance floor, with a great view. Chilled here with my lady
First time in Mexico/Belize. Ports were easy enough to get around, I felt safe, and there is plenty of guidance if you need it. I didn't book any excursions through the cruise - I got off the ship and probably got everything 25-50% cheaper. However, I would book through RC for Costa Maya, since everybody off the ship at the port books through the cruise via your SeaPass (your cruise card) anyways.
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