Good experience to see how a longer cruise would be and we’ve loved these itineraries in the past. Ship crew worked very hard to prove a COVID safe environment and a great experience cruising again.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
The ship’s crew and port authorities did a great job getting the early-gathered people organized, documents reviewed and us all onto the ship as quickly as they could. We had arrived early figuring we’d sit outside vs in the airport terminal and we’re surprised to get processed over an hour + early. We were then placed in a seating area in the terminal for about 40 minutes but in AC with socially distanced seats, we were comfortable. We were on the ship and in our cabin by around 11:30. A few hiccups but can see how hard everyone is working to get a process in place with ever-changing COVID circumstances. Nice that most people were patient and understanding.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Lido buffet is always our favorite with a huge selection of food choices, well prepared and seasoned, if you can’t find plenty to eat, you’re too picky. We ate at Rudy’s Sel de Mer twice (excellent meals and service both times, an experience!), Nami (great selection of seafood, fun to talk to the sushi chef and get your choices prepared right there and then, with recommended sauces, great meal) and Tamarind (excellent food and service, another great experience). Had coffee and drinks many times at Exploration Cafe (best latte prep!) and Dutch Cafe (don’t miss the Bosschebol if you love chocolate). Dive-In has the best fries and NY Pizza was good food for watching football on the large screen in front of the Lido pool. Room service breakfast and snacks were good a couple of times during the trip when we didn’t feel like moving from our cabin.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Sea View pool and hot tubs were good. Loved the comfy chairs, view and all the puzzles and games available in the Crows Nest; became our favorite place on the ship for coffee, drinks, relaxing and reading, giant living room and usually pretty quiet unless trivia or a game event was going on.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Love Lincoln Center Stage; wonderful musicians with nice selection of music choices. BBC Earth is always amazing, especially with live music from the Lincoln Center Stage musicians. Stopped by to see Cantare but was not impressed, kind of cheesy. There was some good music thru the MusicWalk but we never really stayed to listen for long.
Children's Programs
No children with us.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everyone on the ship were super friendly, with COVID safety reminders consistently. Many good morning/evening, how was your day, let us know if we can get you anything or do anything. Think everyone is working really hard to express how happy they are that passengers are taking cruises despite the pandemic.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Rotterdam is brand new so the ship is another beautiful Pinnacle class ship with similar layout but the strut work thru out the ship was the best and cabins and common areas are stylish and very comfortable.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Great cabin - back, quiet end of ship with extended balcony. Plenty of storage, wall hooks, greatest shower. Made it easy to be on the ship for 21 days.
Ship tip
Stroll around the entire ship, there is a lot of cool artwork in so many places, including staircases, hallways. Definitely look for the Crows Nest/Exploration Cafe - gorgeous view with more comfortable seating, info, drinks, games and puzzles. Great gathering place.
Chairlift to one of highest mountain peaks gave the best view of both sides of island along with neighboring islands along with the ride up and back. Options also available for zip lining down the peak.
Did a culinary tour to Del Or chocolate factory, Independence Square with cathedral and gift shop (best organic vanilla extract sold here, mamajuana samples), Macronix rum distillery tour, local Dominican lunch and garden tour at Mare restaurant, cigar rolling and DR coffee. Cool island.
Did an island tour, heard about salt production, island history and culture, coral reefs and diving/snorkeling, flamingos at Gotomeer lake, Rincon village. A lot for an interesting and quiet, laidback island.
Quiet Sunday visit with not much open but fun walk from ship, across Queen Emma pontoon bridge (very cool to see in operation opening/closing) and the pretty Dutch Caribbean architecture.
Because we were self-assist, we got off very, very quickly and thru customs. Disembarking is very orderly (listened and saw it happening while in port prior to second half of cruise starting). Customs was very quick.
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