First cruise = worst cruise

Item: Wonder of the Seas
Rating: 3.1
Author: donljones77

Wonder of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

donljones77

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 39

Overall rating:

3.1 out of 5

Verified Review

3 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 04, 2022

Ship: Wonder of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 11700

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

In all fairness, this ship appears to be a great choice for families with young children and teenagers. There were a lot of choices of activities for that particular group. Had we known that particular age group and demographic was the focus, we would have chosen a different ship/cruise especially since this was our very first time on a cruise ship. The experience was dreadful for us as there was no peace and quiet to be found on board - especially on the aft of the ship where the views were the best. It's clear that we (over 50) are not part of your demographic focus and I just wish our agent had informed us of this prior to our trip. Very disappointed in her lack of guidance.

Embarkation

1 out of 5

It took over an hour to get our car parked due to the high demand, and obviously unprepared staffing.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

This was our first cruise and we did not know we needed to make reservations way in advance even for the main dining room. Hence, we were mostly limited to the Windjammer cafe and the buffet lines. The food was plentiful and decent but not what we expected from a premier cruise.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

While I'm sure the activities suited the families onboard, we were taken aback that there was really nowhere we could find solitude on the decks of the ship. There was constant loud music and games - not a good cruise for adults only.

Entertainment

We did not seek out any show options as we just wanted to enjoy the ship and the cruise experience.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

I have to say that the staff and the service from everyone on board was excellent throughout. Everyone was always willing to assist and they all smiled and seemed to be enjoying their jobs.

Ship Quality

2 out of 5

I'm sure the design and layout is perfect for families. However, not so much for two adults over the age of 50.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

The cabin was the perfect size, always clean, and a nice balcony as well.

Ship tip

Be aware that this ship is a Family Affair that caters to adults with children - and children who want to be active. Do not look for solitude as it does not exist on this ship - unless maybe if you lock yourself in your cabin.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida Did not visit port

We live here.

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Nassau, Bahamas Did not visit port

Not interested in a Las Vegas type of atmosphere.

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Perfect Day At Coco Cay, Bahamas

2 out of 5

I personally do not see the appeal. It's a very small island with beach chairs packed together side by side.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

It was very easy to get off the ship and get to the parking lot - the complete opposite of the embarkation fiasco.

10 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe 5 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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RoyalCruzer 2 years ago

@Paul1234. You do not need a reservation to eat in the MDR. Just choose the early sitting or later sitting. Your information provide is not accurate.

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Flcruisepro 2 years ago

Interesting. We are late 50's and love these ships. Solarium is adults only. Central Park is usually quiet and peaceful. And can usually find a bar and lounge that is quiet as well. But the options others gave you, might be a better fit for you. Stay away from Carnival as well as you really won't like them.

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Shh813 2 years ago

So sorry your first cruise was not enjoyable. If you go again try Holland America or Celebrity. Not that many kids and very laid back. We were on Nieuw Amsterdam (Holland America) and loved it. Piped in music around the pool, so relaxing. No loud bands. Food always delicious and cabin steward was wonderful. If you decide to go Holland I can give you some info. Also do research on whatever ship you decide on and watch YouTube. Also Celebrity cruiseline is wonderful. Five stars all the way.

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javawoody 2 years ago

Sorry your first cruise was not good, try HAL, older demographic

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Paul1234 2 years ago

I too went on allure of the seas i will never go a large ship maybe not even Royal Caribbean ever again. for the thousands of dollars I paid to go on the cruise I have to make a reservation or I can't eat in the main dining room I have to make a reservation or I don't get to see any of the shows I thought my cruise fair over thousands of dollars would cover seeing the shows on board not and the reservation system is totally stacked against you people pay extra for the key they are in the diamond club or they have a sweet all get preferences over you even though you paid your fair cruise price for the room you occupy seems everything on Royal Caribbean is a up charge The biggest problem is Royal Caribbean does not know their are 6,000 people on the ship they use one pizza counter to serve everyone on the ship after 10:00 p.m. only food choice I have way more choices on those as people call them cheap carnival cruises just because royal Caribbean is expensive does not make it good

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Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Agree with whip. Try Princess

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Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Oops sorry 😞 thanks

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WhippetMum 2 years ago

Sorry you had a bad experience on your first cruise. I suggest Princess cruise line. A much quieter experience.

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Louandmel 2 years ago

I’m sorry your experience wasn’t that good. And no I don’t work for them. We went with friends but have cruises before so knew what to expect. The shows were great. Did you try the solarium area ?

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