4 1/2 Stars Actually

Vision  of the Seas is a wonderful ship.  We enjoyed the smaller sized vessel as it was super easy to get around and comfortable having fewer people.  There were never really any lines or waits for seating or service.  The staff was very professional, courteous, friendly and helpful.  It was very clean.  Our room was on 8 and we loved it.  Very comfortable and roomy.  They do provide shower gel, shampoo and conditioner in small tubes/bottles.  They will keep you stocked.  Ice will be left daily if you ask your cabin attendant at beginning of trip for daily ice.  I can honestly say the cabin service was 5+Stars. 

The specialty restaurants are A+++.  They were some of the best meals I have had anywhere.  Giovanni's Table, Chops and Izumi...buy the 3 or 4 night dining package for $70 or $85 and you will not be disappointed.  You will be disappointed if you do not.  The food in the Aquarius dining room is really nothing more than a hotter version of what is in the Windjammer cafeteria/cafe, served on a ceramic plate and not kept in a chafing dish.  Eat breakfast at the main dining room, just hit the Windjammer or Park Cafe in the Solarium for lunch and the specialties for dinner.  If you want a quick dinner, eat in the Wndjammer.  We attended one formal night in the dining room and it was not great food.  We decided to add another night to specialty dining.  

The cafe hours change daily, so be sure to check the newsletter daily for venue hours.  It can be confusing at lunchtime.

Entertainment was okay.  They constantly had something going on.  Three nights had a comedian.  A few nights had perfornances by the RC singers and dancers.  The final night was a little rough so the aerial show was canceled.  The Centrum parties were fun.  Do not miss the 70s dance party.  The Art Auction three to four times was too much.  Try to avoid it.  It is quite disturbing that so many people will buy pieces of this quality and the prices they auction  them.  Art and art history person here...heed my advice.  Go to a real gallery or art show.  Skip this event.  The daily games and game shows are pretty much the same as on other ships.  I swear the trivia, scavenger hunt and love and marriage show are exactly the same as on Carnival.  Same questions.  I think frequent cruisers participate just to win, lol.  

The itinerary was why we chose this cruise.  Key West, Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel.  We had excursions booked in all 4 ports. The ship had to skip Costa Maya due to rough waters that would make it unsafe to dock.  We were disappointed that we missed it.  The extra  day at sea was a little rough, literally.  They had to drain the solarium pool because it was rolling with the waves and splashing all over the deck. Yep, it was rough.  We were given a bit more time in Cozumel (extra hour) the next day which was nice.  Cozumel was the best port on the journey...vibrant, beautiful and perfect snorkeling.

The port of Tampa was not the nightmare we had imagined after seeing so many complaints about it.  We got there about 11 am and on the boat before 12.  Check in was a breeze.  Our return was just as smooth.  We opted for self assist.  We were off the boat by 730 and waiting for our car on the curb by 815.  Not sure what others complained about.  Port staff was very helpful and friendly, even the customs officials.