In a couple of words, overcrowded and understaffed

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 7

Review summary

But given the premium price you expect more. We got to the port and waited in line to get on the ship. Boarding is later at 4 pm unlike all other cruise lines so lunchtime is past and have to do a drill. So basically no lunch on the 1st day. When we went to our cabin my wife's luggage arrived around 5. Ask the steward for mine. While walking to dinner I saw my luggage 20 rooms down in front of someone else's door. Mentioned to the deck manager we looked together at the luggage tag and it was not clear because it was handwritten by the port porters which I think is a bad idea unlike all other cruise companies. Then we ate a terrible dinner at the test kitchen at 6 pm and waited 30 minutes before we got a drink.I had to talk with the manager I mentioned show res at 7;30. Said he would take care of us. A couple of apps came out by 7:30 the main course was late. Left in disgust went to the show which was full with no seats .  Left so  no lunch and dinner at the galley was too late to have on the 1st day. We did not like that the restaurants for brunch closed at 12:45 around the time we like to have lunch. ( Wake and razel dazel)When we went the next day to razels half of the restaurant was empty but the rep said it was book and had to sit on uncomfortable seats at the bar. After we ate an hour later we left and the restaurant was still half empty, commenting on the really poor scheduling   We were disappointed to find out that the early show starts at 6:30 and some 7 most nights but dinner opens at 6 so you can't make early shows and the later shows are sold out. We did go to try standing room but could not see the performers and other shows where seats were available you could not see the performers. literally seating in an area where you could hear only.  We found that the late shows are book up by the suite people and rock stars We were surprised that the pools were not heated so they were cold. Also no way to phone any services on the ship directly you have to call the customer service. Galley had one person serving food so lines were backed up, especially long lines at daily mix( salad Bar). Also we felt very limited selections and if you wanted service at your table it takes twice as long than getting it yourself. Pizza opened late too for lunch at 2pm. Again long Lines and wait for it to be ready. I mentioned to the manager to have plain and a couple of other types ready like other cruise lines. Bingo the lines were through the casino, really poor. Wife wanted to buy an expensive dress but no dressing room said to try the bathroom. Left it there Again waited to get into every dining room because only one person for the whole room checkin in people. Most music areas had no dance floor really. Half the seats have no pads making them comfortable  PJ night and scarlet night started too late. They started at 11:30  I have been on 80 cruises in the past 40 years. So they did a status match, their dedicated support person never returned my calls. We did like that it was different but fell way short of our expe

Embarkation

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

Onboard Activities

Entertainment

Service and Staff

Ship Quality

Cabin / Stateroom

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

Cozumel, Mexico

The Beach Club (Virgin Voyages), Bimini Bahamas

Disembarkation