rccl-rhapsody12

Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Atty Leamer
Email: janov@primalinstitute.com
Age: 47
Occupation: Business Manager
NumberOfCruises: 5
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: February 11, 2001
Itinerary: Cabo San Lucas - Mazatlan - Puerto Vallerta
Cabin: B - 8016
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 70
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 70
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 80
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 95
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 75
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 90
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 85
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 20 Feb 2001
Time: 11:27:05
Remote Name: user-2iniv0e.dialup.mindspring.com
Remote User:

Comments

This was our 3rd cruise with RCCL and our 1st on the Rhapsody of the Seas. The ship was beautiful.
A review I read before leaving on this trip described the furnishings as soiled and worn but stated that
the ship was due for a refurbishing. Well, that must have taken place, as the furnishings were clean,
stain free, and lovely. The only sign of wear I noticed was the carpeting throughout the ship, which was
clean but worn, and in need of replacement. Our cabin was a category B suite. It was incredibly
spacious with plenty of room for our family of 3. There was more storage and drawer space than we
could possibly use and ample closet space. The bathroom was fabulous! Marble floors, double sinks,
and a wonderful large tub with an unlimited supply of hot water. I’ve never seen such a spacious
bathroom on any of the 5 ships we’ve been before. The balcony was very large with a table, 2 chairs,
and a chaise lounge to relax on. There are privacy screens between the cabins to give you all the
seclusion you will want while relaxing on the balcony.

The only complaint I had with the room was that
directly above it is the Windjammer Café and you could hear the tables being moved across the floor
late at night. Not a big deal – I wouldn’t have traded the room for any other. Our cabin steward was
Isha. She was terrific. She kept our room spotless twice a day. You would never see her, she was
never an intrusion, but you could always see that she had been there. She was a master in the art of
making towel animal on our beds at night. Our dining room staff was also wonderful. Gabor and Burak.
They were always making sure we were happy with our meals and anxious to make any changes
requested in order to please us. The food on Rhapsody I would classify as good not great. The dining
room was by far the best choice to eat at. Good selection of food, some dishes were excellent, but
nothing to rave about. The Windjammer Café was mediocre. Good for a quick snack, but that’s about
it. The pizza – avoid it! The good news is….. we didn’t gain the obligatory 5 lbs. The cruise staff in
general was wonderful. We had fun joining in all the Bingo and Trivia games. The staff working those
were energetic and a lot of fun.

The casino was great - bright and colorful! Slots seemed to pay off
regularly. Plenty of room for everyone at the tables and machines. Unfortunately, I picked up a case of
the flu at the beginning of the trip. Fortunately, I had the pleasure of visiting the medical facility on
board. The doctor and staff are great! Very attentive and concerned. I was much better within 48
hours. They had their hands full during our trip and really did a fine job of taking care of everyone.
The ports were standard fare. We did take the Beach Junket in Puerto Vallerta where we were taken
by bus to the Mayan Princess Resort. It is not yet a fully operational resort, but the pool and beach
area is well worth the trip. The pool is 1/2 mile long and runs right along the beachfront. Great way to
spend the day relaxing and sunning. All in all, I would rate this trip an A. We had a great time. We will
cruise this line again and again. Thanks to all of you who made this such a nice vacation

Name: Harold Burnett
Email: harold_tracey@hotmail.com
Age: 29
Occupation: Educator
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: 2/9/2001
Itinerary: Mexican Riviera
Cabin: 3019
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets: 75
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 95
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 70
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 70
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 75
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 99
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 28 Mar 2001
Time: 10:34:03
Remote Name: cbl-hburnette1.hs.earthlink.net
Remote User:

Comments

This was our 4th cruise. We had been alittle hesitant in the past to take this Mexican Riviera cruise. We
had heard that the itinerary was not that great. We got such a great deal that is didn't matter what the
ports were like as long as we had a great time on ship and the food was good. Let me say, we were not
disappointed. We enjoyed the entertainment and the food very much! We would take this cruise again in a
second and we plan on booking it next yr around the same time maybe making it a yearly event.
Embark/Debark This was the fastest we ever got on a ship. Don't listen to the cruise documents. Get there
as early as 10:30am and you'll get right onboard with no hassle. They sure did have a lot of security
checkpoints before you got onboard. Rooms weren't ready till 12:30 so we explored the ship, checked out
some of the suites and had lunch. By then our room was ready. Cabin Comfort RCCL is not known for
cabin comfort.

Our room was small, no frige, no robes, but we adjusted. Our cabin steward was great,
Cashius, he would make animals each day out of the pillows and sometimes out of our clothes. That was a
nice touch we thought. We had adequate space for our luggage and there was enough space for our
clothes as well. We didn't come on this cruise to spend time in our cabin. Oh, yea, RCCL really did a good
job with the onboard movies. They were all current movies and they had a video station with quite a
variety of music videos. There was also a cartoon station. We haven't experienced such good television
on a cruise ship before. Ship Cleanliness We found the ship to be clean. However, we found it to be in
deep need of repair. The carpets were just worn out and the furniture was badly stained or worn. Many
chairs in the main dining room were coming apart. We couldn't understand how a ship that's only 4 yrs old
could be so beat up. We've been on older boats than this which were kept up much better. The decor was
beautiful, nice colors throughout the ship, public areas were really beautiful, they just needed better
upkeep.

Entertainment The Rhapsody had very good entertainment when we were onboard. There was a
girl who sang in the centrum each night accompanied by her husband the drummer, and a piano man.
They were fantastic. We would just sit and listen to them before and after dinner. We enjoyed the
comedian, he wrote for the Cosby Show when it was on the air. There was also a girl from the 5th
Dimension who did a show, it was good. The 5th Dimension was a R/B group from the 70's. We didn't go
to any other shows. Food We really enjoyed the food in the dining room. Dinner was always really good.
Sometimes the lunch wasn't that great and breakfast is always good on RCCL, we like the turkey sausage,
we don't eat pork. We went to the Windjammer twice this cruise.

On embarkation day and once further in
the week. Both times we enjoyed it. The day in the week that we went there wasn't much selection but what
they had was good. Fresh pastrami, that was very tender. Ports We didn't really like the ports. We got off
in each, took a cab and explored alittle on our own. We went down the main street in Cabo, where the
shopping is, it was horrible, we don't like silver. We went to a cathedral in Mazatlan and later we went to a
nightclub which is located on the street that faces the ocean. In Puerto Vallarta we went to the Krystal
resort and enjoyed their pool all day long. These places in Mexico, we found were not nice and needed
much repair. Puerto Vallarta was the best and it wasn't great at all. I think if we take this cruise again we
won't even get off in Cabo or Mazatlan.

Name: Rita Gallagher
Email: williamgallagher@earthlink.net
Age: 56
Occupation: Data Research manager
NumberOfCruises: 24
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: March 26,2001
Itinerary: 3 days to "nowhere"
Cabin: 9528E
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 0
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 0
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 0
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 100
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall:
BeautySalon: 100
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities:
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 04 Apr 2001
Time: 08:06:37
Remote Name: svweba03.statestreet.com
Remote User:

Comments

This review is for the Radiance of the Seas, but you don't as yet have that ship available in your pull
down menu.

We are very experienced cruisers, and we don't expect the pre-inauguaral cruises to go very smoothly,
but this ship has a lot of kinks to work out. Most of them due to the fact that about 70% of the service
staff were brand new to any ship, not just the Radiance. Luggage was not delivered until very late the
first night, in fact my luggage was outside a doorway about 6 staterooms down, and only because I have
bright orange pompoms on my luggage and therefore was able to spot it myself, did I get my luggage by
8:30. Some people didn't receive their luggage until the next morning! Also, the bar staff didn't have a
clue as to how to make a drink - they had to refer to a book to find the ingredients. There were no bar
waiters around the pool or in the lounges. If you wanted a drink you had to go to the bar and get it
yourself. We ordered room service two mornings, asking for delivery by 8:30. The first morning I called
at 8:55 to inquire about our order, and was told it was going to be about 15 minutes late. When it finally
arrived, there was a pot of coffee, a pot of tea, and just one cup - I guess me and my husband were
supposed to share this one cup for his coffee and my tea! The next morning room service never arrived
at all, and when we inquired about it, we were told we should go to the Windjammer!

About the Windjammer - RCI has redesigned this dining room, and it is much better. There are all
different stations, for breakfast and lunch. There is a station for breads, bagels and pastry, and toasters
available if you want. There is a station with scrambled eggs, bacon, saugsages, home fries, pancakes,
and a staff member making waffles. There is another station for omelets with different fillings made to
order, and a station for cereals and fruit. The only change that was not for the better was the drink
service. For coffee, tea and juice you now have to stand in line and there is a pourer to serve you. This
means lines for coffee, tea and juice. Self-service would be better, and to be fair, there is a section of
the windjammer in the rear that does have self service drinks, but that was not opened during our
cruise. They will serve Seattle's Best Coffee, and they have to wait until the ship arrives in Seattle for
the inner workings to be installed! Overall, the changes to the Windjammer are a definite improvement.

The dining room service was a little slow, but the food in the dining room was overall very good. We had
a waitress from Germany, and she was friendly but not as personable as some of the other staff. She
did her job well. We had a table for 4 on the balcony of the dining room, and it was quiet up there. I
understand people on deck 4 of the dining room thought it was noisy, but deck 5 was quiet.

Our cabin was category E on deck 9 forward. It was small but functional, and some changes have been
made on this new ship. The corners of the foot of the bed are rounded, making it easier to get to the
balcony or just around the bed. However, the seat of the vanity chair is velvet, and no one had thought
to give the room stewards a lint brush, so the dark blue velvet had lint stuck to it. When it was brought to
the stewards attention, he tried to remove it with a cloth, which made the problem worse! The bathrooms
are small as usual for RCI, but bigger than Princess, and the showers seemed a little bigger than other
RCI ships. No more shower curtain hugging! I did notice the category E rooms on Deck 7 had bigger
balconies, and they are also less expensive than deck 9, so if you can, book deck 7.

Outside deck space was less than Vision Class ships, but since the ship will be doing Alaska cruises,
there is probably enough deck space around the pool. We never had trouble getting a chair, either at
the pool or in the Solarium, which is African themed and gorgeous. There are waterfalls and sculptures,
and piped in bird and animal sounds. The lounge chairs have thick pads, but if you are dry, put a towel
down before you sit, because the pads are printed and it is not always obvious when they are wet.

The Colony club is the rear lounge, and I found it quite dark, but it is rather elegant. It's in the style of a
British Men's Club, and there are leather chairs and dark wood panels, columns, and molding. This area
also has two self-leveling pool tables, but I did see a ball roll when no one was close to it, so don't bet a
lot of money on a game of pool!

We didn't use the Chops or Portofino restaurant, but heard they were excellent from folks who did.

This ship is beautiful, but I can't decide if I like it better than Vision class. It definitely has some
improvements from Vision class ships, but some of the things I liked most about Vision class are missing
or diminished on this. The ship seemed dark to me, as the elevators take up a whole glass side of the
ship that is all glass on Vision class, and the atrium seemed darker. The Colony Club is definitely much
darker than rear lounges on Vision Class, and I like the light, airy, Caribbean feel of those ships. This
was a little stuffy for my tastes, but again, this is just a matter of opinion. The addition of a Books,
Books, and Coffee store is nice, and the shops seem to have a better quality of merchandise than
Vision class. The lack of a rear elevator is a definite minus, as we met people who had a Category D at
the back of the ship, and had to walk about 450 feet to reach the mid-ship elevators. You can take the
rear stairs, but for people unable or unwilling to climb stairs, it is a long hike.If you forget something in
your room, you might be tempted to do without it! However, the rear balconies are huge and private, as
they have a metal plate between the balconies, ensuring your privacy, but it also cuts down on the
breeze.

This ship is beautiful and has many innovations and improvements for RCI. I am sure once they get the
kinks out it will be a welcome addition to their fleet.

Name: Jo Ann Corey
Email: jac126@ix.netcom.com
Age: 36
Occupation: Community Relations Representative
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: April 8, 2001
Itinerary: Mexican Riveria
Cabin: 4047/K
FoodDiningRoom: 82
CruiseDirector: 86
CabinComfort: 84
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 50
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 88
DiningRoomService: 89
CabinQuietness: 72
FoodMidnightBuffets: 82
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 65
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 62
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 81
LoungeService: 86
TenderService: 87
GoodForSeniors: 79
BeautySalonStaff: 92
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess: 78
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 84
OverallPortsofCall: 84
BeautySalon: 92
EntertainmentPoolside: 82
CruiseActivities: 82
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 70
EmbarkDisembark: 20
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 77
Stabilization: 75
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 74
OverallCruiseValue: 82
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 16 Apr 2001
Time: 15:42:36
Remote Name: 198.173.166.252
Remote User:

Comments

Going on a cruise was my number one goal for 2001. I did all the research and I am glad I did it as it
prepared me for a few things, but there are some things that you just have to experience first hand.

Overall, I enjoyed the cruising concept but I would not go on this ship again. Mainly it was because of
the crew. With the exception of our cabin attendant, Reuban (he was so damn good!), and our waiter
and our assistant waiter (Kaytu, and James Bond--not sure what his name was but he was such a ham
that our table nicknamed him it), the rest of the crew really looked like they hated their jobs! Many
people commented on this quite frequently. The Rhapsody of the Seas is listed as the friendliest ship on
the sea, but this voyaage it sure was not the case. Although like I said, the waiter, assistant and my
cabin steward were wonderful.

The negative points of the cruise were as follows: first, the embarkation was hell! Sure and simple. The
ship was an hour and a half late getting into port and it boarded very slowly. Now I knew to expect time in
boarding as I had read all of the books, talked to friends, etc. But I must say that everyone talked about
this problem for 3 days. Even the most cruise experts would comment that this was so unusal. Once on
board, we were not assigned a table, we were not sure why, so we made our way to the dining area, and
the line was so long. It seemed that many others had the same problem. Another negative that was very
apparent was the ship's windows were not really clean. I was really looking forward to view the outsides
through the ship of glass as I was told this ship was called. It was hard sometimes to do that as there
was so much dirt, water stains, etc. I overcame that as I got used to it and I found the good areas that
worked for me. I can not emphasize it enough that the ship's crew really looked like they hated their jobs
and as such the communication between them was really lacking. This made for some really bad delays.

Now let's talk aboout the positives: The ports were really good. I must say that I took Royal Caribbean
over Carnival because RCI was in port longer than Carnival. Cabo San Lucas was the first port.
Fabulous! I elected not to take the shore excursions, and would recommend others do so too. There are
glass botom boats that you can take and you can get them for cheap ($8-10). They take you out to Los
Archos, Lover's Beach, around the Arch to the other side. Well worth it. Also, this time proves to be an
excellent photo shot of the cruise ship. Do no bother to take a picture from the tender as it is too unsafe
to do it then and if you wait till the glass-bottom boat, better photo-op. Went off the beat and path and
got an excellent meal at La Polapas. Ask for directions at the information booth on the streets. They will
give you great directions and people, it is well worth it. The seafood is so fresh, brought in 4 times daily,
and it is plentiful in size, and so cheap. There were 4 of us and we had lobster, shrimp, octopus (!!), and
local white fish, 3 beers each, and the total bill was $45.00! Great food, great service, and nice and
cool. Highly recommend this place.

Mazatlan was the next day. We were wiped out from Cabo but we did get out to the second port around
10:00 a.m. which was 2 hours after everyone else. This turned out to be to our advantage as the crowds
were gone, and it was easier. They docked at the pier this time so we disembarked, took a trolley into
the terminal and away we went. We hooked up with another couple and we went in on an open-air taxi
for $8. Very cheap, and the open air taxi is the way to go. Always opt for that if you can as it is like you
are really there and it provides a new experience. We wanted to go to Old Town to experience the
culture, and the architecture. Many others opted for the New Town for the shopping so it depends on
your wants and likes. We went to various churches and it was a real treat. Ask to go to the Cathedrals.
Even if you are not Catholic, do it. The churches are magnificant. We then went to Senor Frogs. We
needed the touristy things. Great service there and good prices. We were struck by the poverty there,
but I expected it. The many locals I saw and talked to (speak Spanish, it helps) really struck me as proud
people and hard working. Americans really should be so thankful for what we have. We took another
open air taxi back to the ship and we did some more shopping at the flea markets near the ship. Good
prices, and good bargains found there and you did not have to carry so many things around for a long
time.

Puerta Vallarta was the final port. I enjoyed this stop too. It was so beautiful. The weather was great and
we disembarked and went to the hotels next to the dock. They were fine with ship passengers going
there to enjoy their part of the beach. We got a spot and dove right in. Waves were big but fun. Really
enjoyed our time there, and it was free. People were jealous of us as they spent lots of money for a
beach access shore excursion and we got the same thing for nothing. We then hoped into a cab. No
open air ones this time and since the traffic was a lot, that was fine. Went into town and stopped at the
Seahorse Statue. Great spot to be dropped off and great photo opportunity. Went into town, did some
shopping, and went into Gringo Gulch area. This was the area where many Hollywood big wigs settled in
the 1950s and 1960s. Some really nice villas. We got back to the ship and we settled into our favorite
deck, Deck 5. Leaving each port was my favorite thing as all of the locals came out to wave good-bye
and it allows for the traveler to really see how the captain and his engineering crew do their job. These
cruise ships are amazing for how can they move around at ease. One thing to point out: people be back
when they tell you because they will not wait for you. Two people had to be ferried out to us and they
had to jump from a Harbor Patrol boat on to the 74,000 ton ship. I was amazed that they were able to do
this but I have it all on tape. Just be on time or better yet, be back early.

The last two days were at sea and that helped with relaxing. I enjoyed the down time although it was
colder than I had thought it would have been. Many comments were made about this as many thought it
would be like the Caribbean. It was not the case. Remember that as you pack for this cruise.

In summary, the embarking and disembarking were terrible, and the crew was so unfriendly. I wrote this
up in my cruise review card. I hope that changes because there were so many things that were positive.
I took this cruise to see what cruising was all about. I enjoyed the cruise concept, and while I will
definitely go again, I will probably not go on this particular ship. RCI might not get my vote for the next
line because of the crew on this shipe within their line. Only time will tell. I hope this review helps others,
and I would be more than willing to comment to anyone would would like further information.

Name: Robert DiFazio
Email: rsdifazio@hotmail.com
Age: 27
Occupation: Information Specialist
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: 8/15/99
Itinerary: Bermuda - St. Georges and Hamilton
Cabin: steerage
FoodDiningRoom: 87
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService: 88
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 83
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 99
FoodMidnightBuffets: 92
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 90
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 70
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 88
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 85
DiscoNightclubs: 80
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 23 Apr 2001
Time: 13:54:22
Remote Name: 149.69.1.162
Remote User:

Comments

My wife and I took this cruise for our honeymoon, so we were kind of forced into the sailing date, rather
than one of our own choosing (there were a TON of kids running all over the place). That said, we had a
wonderful time overall and were quite pleased with what we received in return for the cost (though much of
this was due to Bermuda).

Embarkation: Very smooth. We took Amtrak from Albany NY, then hopped a cab to the passenger ship
terminal. From the time we arrived at the terminal, it took about 20 minutes to get onboard ship. Our
luggage arrived at our room about a half hour later.

Food: My wife and I are foodies, so we were a bit nervous about the quality and presentation, having heard
mixed reviews on cruise ship food in general. We were generally pleased but not overwhelmed with the
food. Nothing stood out as excellent or terrible. One suggestion I would make is that, if possible, you hit the
dining room for all three meals, as the buffets are generally inferior in quality--of both food and passenger.
There were only two midnight buffets on the cruise, which was fine with us. The buffet was lovely
appearence wise, but subpar quality wise. Every other night they had passed appetizers and desserts at
midnight, which were wonderful.

Food service: Our waiter and asst. were both wonderful, which appeared to be the norm for all of the
waitstaff. We ordered a package that included a bottle of wine every night with dinner and our sommelier
was capable, though a little bit scary. The one night we ate on shore he was happy to give us our bottle
anyway. The supervisor of our waiter (The correct title escapes me) was a bit overbearing. It was as if he
was a bit concerned that everyone at the table would forget they were supposed to tip him as well and so
he made sure to show his face more often than necessary.

Cabin / Cabin Steward: We had an interior cabin way down below (We'd of been among the first to perish
on the Titanic). The cabin was a bit tight, but clean and well maintained. Everything worked well with the
exception of the phone, which was next to useless due to a great deal of static and accents from all over
the globe. Our steward was very capable. The room was always well maintained and he kept a low profile.

Entertainment: Shipboard entertainment was just plain poor. We weren't expecting much, so we weren't
disappointed in the least. The highlights were a pretty good comedian, the house band and the required
Caribbean band. There was also a group of performers that had a monkey with them. Being a sucker for all
things related to monkey humor, I enjoyed them as well. The ship's own talent pool was pretty much empty.
The husband wife team of cruise director and social coordinator were bad caricatures of a cross between
lounge lizards and used car salesmen. John and Katrina something or other. My wife and I are still haunted
by visions of their cackling heads.

Activities: The activities also didn't appeal to us, though there were a disturbingly large number of people
who were willing to play bingo instead of hitting Bermuda. Deck activities were geared towards children and
the intoxicated, everything else was geared towards older passengers. The nightclub was something of a
stereotype, though it was always full. The bars and lounges were very nice and more to our tastes.

Crew: On the whole they were very friendly and kept the ship clean and operating smoothly. There were
some minor language barriers, but nothing to complain about. They weren't nearly as pushy with drinks etc.
as we had been led to believe they'd be. We saw the officers around the ship regularly and they appeared
to be willing to stop and talk with everyone. My only complaints about the crew lie with the annoying, in your
face, photo staff. There were four of them and they must've worked 23 hour days. They were always either
taking pictures or hanging them for you to purchase.

Casino: My wife and I aren't big gamblers. We generally enjoy watching people play (lose at) Roulette. We
did play some slots, and actually managed to win about $100 in an hour of quarter slots. The machines
appeared to be quite loose in general, with several jackpot winners.

Shipboard shops: Nothing special here either. Good buys on booze, but otherwise it was pretty touristy
junk.

Spa/exercise/hair facilities: The exercise equipment was pretty good and most of it looked out over nice
picture windows. The spa and hair facilities seemed ok, but were disgustingly overpriced.

Shore Excursions: As first time cruisers we made the mistake of assuming that the excursions were a good
idea. Well, they weren't. We did a snorkeling excursion that was fine but way WAY overpriced. We could've
rented the snorkel equipment for one quarter the cost of the excursion. We also went on a glassbottom
boat ride. Neither of us had ever been on one, and we were both very disappointed with it. Picture
cramming 50 people around a 10 gallon aquarium tank and you have some idea what a glassbottom boat is
like.

Disembarkation: Took an extremely long time. We sat for a couple of hours before they let us off the boat.
Then, we had to rummage for our bags in a basically unprotected area of the terminal where it would've
been incredibly easy for someone to snatch a bag or two. It was also incredibly difficult to get a cab from
the terminal.

Misc.: On our sailing out of Bermuda, the ship's air conditioning broke down on an incredibly hot day. The
crew was good about moving chairs outside, etc... especially considering the oppressive conditions they
must've been working in behind the scenes. The outage lasted about 8 hours. a little while into it, the
captain had the waiters circulate free "ice machine" type drinks, though with next to no alcohol in them. All
in all, they did a pretty good job of making the best out of an unfortunate situation.

Bermuda: Outstanding! We loved every minute on Bermuda. One of the things that appealed to us about
the cruise was that we'd basically be spending four full days docked in Bermuda. We just booked an
Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity and the one thing I don't like is that we'll only be spending 8 hours
here, 7 hours there... We chose to take taxis around the islands, which can get a bit expensive, but then
again, one of the passengers on our cruise who chose to go with the scooters went home in a body bag.
The roads are quite windy and hilly, so unless you already know how to ride one, this is no place to learn.
There are also busses, but they looked incredibly overcrowded.

We went to the Zoo/Aquarium, which was nice for a couple of hours. Also hit the Royal Naval Dockyard. It
was a bit over-rated and touristy, except for the old British fort, which is an outstanding military museum if
you're into that sort of thing. We also walked around St. Georges, which was great.

We went to a few beaches, all of which were outstanding. Just don't go there expecting to see any pink
sand...it all appears to be bottled in the gift shops. My suggestion with the beaches would be to keep
walking until you leave the crowds behind. It's incredibly easy to find a very secluded area if you're willing to
walk a bit.

Shopping on Island: There were many very nice shops in Hamilton and St. Georges. The prices were
definitely better than in the US, but they were nothing to write home about.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and would gladly sail with this line again. Our only real complaints
would be that the entertainment was pretty poor (though we were there to relax, not watch a cast of six do a
major broadway production) and that the ship was lousy with kids (though that's pretty unavoidable in
August).

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