Good first cruising experience. We may do another cruise in the future.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Efficient, even though a bit of an experience of being herded. We believe this is where our corkscrew (no knife) and small scissors (under 4") were removed from our checked luggage, even though these items are permitted under RCI guidelines. These items were not returned to us when we returned to Ft. Lauderdale.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Nice variety and selection of food. Food, especially cooked to order food, was consistently good in all venues. The process of getting seated in the dining room, even with reservations, seemed to overwhelm and confuse the staff. Seating often took 15 -20 minutes, with us being escorted to our table in a winding, circuitous path. We enjoyed sharing tables, but even when we requested this, it often didn't happen. We very much enjoyed meeting other travelers, especially from other countries, and welcomed the opportunity to interact with others on the ship.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
This rating system does not let us Add Reviews! Annoying!
This review is for the WINE Bar, VINTAGES, which was down the hall from the Schooner Bar. The bartender was Julio, and we appreciated the education he gave with the two wine tastings we participated in.
This review is for the Pool. Very frustrating that we could not get lounge chairs! RCI signs stated that towels would be removed every 30 minutes from unoccupied chairs, but this DID NOT HAPPEN! People "held" chairs, making it impossible to get a chair / lay by the pool. Please follow your stated policy!
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Especially enjoyed Serenade of the Seas live orchestra and singers and dancers!
Children's Programs
We don't have children
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
- Dining room servers, once we were finally seated, were very professional.
- Guest services was very helpful and customer-oriented.
- Room steward Kirk Stephens was professional, creative, and easy-going. We really enjoyed him.
- Photo Lab was seriously understaffed, especially on New Year's Day, travelers' last opportunity to buy.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
- Yes, regular ship maintenance.
- Windjammer young staff was a bit overbearing with the hand sanitizers, even after we advised them we had JUST washed our hands! We do not want disease, but we are adults, and know when we have washed!
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Sheer curtain and loveseat were a bit worn. Otherwise, excellent. Nice quiet location, very clean, functional, well-maintained by our steward.
Ship tip
Best location to walk, circling the ship without crowds, is the 5th level deck. This was also an easy location to grab a deck chair without hoards of people.
Very distressing: our snorkeling boat never showed up for our first experience of being in port! Stressful! Jeanine from Shore Excursions was helpful and caring, and refunded our money and reimbursed our cab fare. Because this was Christmas, we ended up wandering / exploring on our own, and were able to salvage the day, thanks to our Lonely Planet guide book.
We liked the beautiful island, but poorly managed tour. Disorganized, with lots of waiting, then rushing through mud baths and snorkeling (15 minutes only!) Lunch at restaurant was good. Carnival Sailings had minimal concern for getting us back to the cruise ship on time. We arrived after our boarding deadline, which was frightening and infuriating!
Good value for the dollar with Just BIM Tour: we explored Harrison Caves, Flower Forest, Restaurant lunch on the Atlantic, St. Nicholas Abbey. Knowledgeable guide.
We did two separate tours: the Underwater Sculpture Gardens and the Spice Tour. Both were well done, educational, and enjoyable. After the snorkeling tour, Nathan enjoyed exploring the Carenage area and Fort George on his own.
Great guide, personable and knowledgeable. A good intro the the island and culture. We were fortunate to be the only two who signed up, giving us a custom tour!
Waited in line too long; as it turned out, waiting for luggage delivery. Once we were allowed to claim luggage, we sailed through, thanks to our Global Entry.
We didn't get the drink package so we paid for the tastings. The Cruise Compass did indicate there was a cost, so if the tastings appear with a $ next to it, ask if there is a cost.
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