Vision of the Seas 2/16/24

Vision of the Seas Cruise Review

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 5
Helpful Votes: 68

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5
Vision of the Seas

8 Night Southeast Coast & Bahamas (Baltimore Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 16, 2024

Ship: Vision of the Seas

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 months ago

Review summary

While Vision is a smaller, older ship what it lacks in extras it makes up for in convenience. Easy port, easy to maneuver on board, and multiple areas to view the ocean. The passenger demographics will change based on the cruise and time of year. Summers, holidays, shorter itineraries will see more families/kids.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Love leaving from Bmore! Very efficient. Pull up, have your checked bags taken from vehicle and then park (or get out if being dropped off). Then into building, through security and quickly on ship.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
Main dining room was nice. Never had a meal I didn’t like, although I will admit to ordering chicken tenders from the kids menu to add to my Caesar salad a night or two as the main menu didn’t appeal to me 😏. Service (as usual) was slow first night but speeds up on following days. French onion soup was a hit with everyone. Be aware lunch buffet doesn’t vary much, and Park Cafe has limited hours on port days (doesn’t open until 3 for lunch). Pizza is only available there, and that is something that really should be readily available on a cruise.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
Smaller ship will have limited options, but as I’m a person who is content to sit by the pool or a window and watch the ocean go by, it was fine by me. You can access the gym before 6:00 am, which I appreciated (even if door to the spa is closed, it isn’t locked). Sauna and steam room are free.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Shows were decent. Juggler, couple comedians, and the “Royal” dancers and singers. Fairly happy that could find some type of music from 4:00 pm on (I personally enjoy a drink and music before dinner).

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Excellent service. Always greeted with a smile, which is amazing when you consider their hours and the relentlessness of their jobs. 😬

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
Ship is older and smaller, so as such doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of newer vessels. However, these older ships do have lots of places to sit and watch the ocean go by, which I personally enjoy. Was clean, but did have a few leaks in the solarium.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Standard interior on deck 7. Quiet and clean.

Ship tip

Do your research and manage your expectations. Don’t watch an ad for an Oasis or Icon level ship and think that is what you are getting. Also be aware it IS a ship, and as such there will be movement. Heard many complaints about the rocking of the ship. No control over the weather, folks. Doesn’t hurt to pack any meds you may need - just in case.

Ports of call

Nassau, Bahamas

4 out of 5
Did resort for a day at Breezes. $100 pp and taxi ride on own to resort. About 15 minutes from port. Recommend getting there early for chairs and umbrella. We were quite happy with it. Hubby enjoyed the jerk chicken, everyone enjoyed the drinks. Line was a little long for bar, but moved quickly and pours were generous. Not top shelf, but wouldn’t expect it for the price. Again, weather dependent, but can wait until can get a reliable forecast to make your reservation.

Charleston, South Carolina

4 out of 5
Cool city to visit, but believe the port is closing soon. City doesn’t like cruisers.

Baltimore, Maryland

5 out of 5
Super easy on and off. I’m a local - if visiting be aware of your surroundings.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Carried off luggage. Super easy and in car in 10 minutes.
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11 Comments

jallaway     8 months ago

Chicken tenders on Caeser Salad. Genius!

DessertSteaks     8 months ago

Thanks for writing

lol1964     8 months ago

Great common sense review , we were on her the week before x

javawoody     8 months ago

Appreciate the detailed review

byhisgrace     8 months ago

Appreciate your feedback

lincoln     8 months ago

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Gwbigdog     8 months ago

Thanks for sharing

cruising2004     8 months ago

Thank you for your detailed review and ship tip. Glad you had a wonderful time!

Dumfy75     8 months ago

Good review and excellent ship tip. Glad you enjoyed your cruise

HeavySeas     8 months ago

Thanks for sharing

Skooby     8 months ago

Very good review 👍 I enjoy smaller older ships for the peace and quiet.

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