Classic cruisers only! Zzz.

Item: Vision of the Seas
Rating: 2.9
Author: Steaders

Vision of the Seas Cruise Review

Steaders

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 38

Overall rating:

2.9 out of 5

16 Night Panama Canal Westbound (Ft. Lauderdale To Los Angeles)

Sail date: November 15, 2019

Ship: Vision of the Seas

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

Poor, would not return to this ship or similar of this category. Poor cruise director. Not enough to do onboard. Rubbish shows.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Windjammer service was poor, management don't care about there staff. We had to give aid to one member and report it to the managers who didn't seemed bothered their staff member was I'll. Main dining room was okay but double tables were right by the main entrance so constantly busy and chilly.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

For classic cruisers only, if you want the action and adventure that most Royal Carribean ships provide, choose a different want. This ship was a let down. Except from a rock climbing wall and running track there is nothing to do. The cruise director is incredibly egotistical and bossy. He put together a choir and dance troop and the occasional quiz much like a Butlins or budget holiday but there was little else to do.

Entertainment

1 out of 5

1 star due to musicians were pretty good, other staff were poor. Shouting rather than singing. Poor shows. Hardly any off the ship performers. Very staff and guess lead entertainment.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

As always good service from every staff member who work hard to make cruising fun.

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

Small, lots of wasted space, just an atrium instead of esplanade or promenade so very hard to watch whatever is going on. No one got involved in parties. Just stood around watching. 70's party was just guests being told how to dance by the cruise director.

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

First time in an outside cabin and will not go back to one. We will be sticking to suites and balconies. Bed is right next to a window and not very well sound proofed. Other than that, standard amenities.

Ship tip

Not for people who want entertainment, adventure and things to do

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

2 out of 5

You can't walk away from this port, you have to go by your or taxi. We took a cheap taxi to the volcanic black sand beach, really nice. Locals keep their clothes on to sunbath. Bikinis would be frowned upon. We were accosted by local men who wanted us to drink with them. Didn't feel particularly staff.

Thumbs Up 0

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

5 out of 5

Did the river tour and saw some amazing wildlife, lots of birds, crocs, Jesus lizards!

Thumbs Up 0

Fuerte Amador, Panama

5 out of 5

We got the bus into the new city and mall, it's very busy. Much like LA difficult to navigate without a car. If shopping is for you, then the ship provides this bus for $10 each. We opted to walk back into town, along a huge cycle and coastal walk. It's beautiful! The old town has colony buildings and is worth a visit, plus cheap food and drink.

Thumbs Up 2

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

4 out of 5

Beautiful! Lots of shopping, beach activities, friendly locals and incredible cheap food. Keep walking along the beaches for some local culture and cuisine.

Thumbs Up 0

Cartagena, Colombia

5 out of 5

A surprise waiting a port! My favourite so far. Get off the boat early to enjoy an incredible experience. Lovely! Get into a local taxi, they are registered and safe. Most will take you up a huge hill for a great view of the new and old city. Then have a tour around and free time in the old town.

Thumbs Up 0

Panama Canal Transit

5 out of 5

Wow! A industrial marvel! Worth going through!

Thumbs Up 0

San Pedro (Los Angeles), California

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

3 out of 5

Good, LA was quick and easy

Traveler Photos

5 Comments

Cruiserike0322 4 years ago

So sorry for your disappointment

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MNA015 4 years ago

I was on this cruise and I completely agree. I went on the Carnival Fascination in 2018 which is a similar ship in size and age. I had 10000% times more fun. There was something to do almost every hour even when the boat was docked.

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CruzeFan 4 years ago

This cruise is about the itinerary and not the ship. We prefer the smaller ships and cruise primarily for the ports and don’t need more than a lounge chair in a quiet place and a good book or crossword puzzle to enjoy ourselves on the ship. It seems that many need constant entertainment and have forgotten the joy of just relaxing and doing nothing.

Thumbs Up 3

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TheSnoMan 4 years ago

When you take a canal transit cruise it will not be on a mega sized amusement park style ship. It will be on a older ship built to original Panama standards. Also ships like vision class can better cope with ruffer seas it might encounter on such a long cruise by design. If you want a cruise on a huge amusement park party ship, stick to Carribean cruises.

Thumbs Up 0

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portofrome 4 years ago

Thanks for your review

Thumbs Up 0

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Other reviews of this sailing

Awsome trip through Panama Canal

Endless Green and Sunshine