rccl-rhapsody4

Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Mike OBrien
Email: mjob@istar.ca
Age: 68
Occupation: retired
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: January 16, 1999
Itinerary: 7 day Southern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 94
CruiseDirector: 92
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 91
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 70
DiningRoomService: 97
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 87
ShoreExcVariety: 88
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 93
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 89
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 93
TenderService: 82
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff: 80
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 94
BeautySalon: 80
EntertainmentPoolside: 92
CruiseActivities: 87
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 96
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 89
Stabilization: 93
ShopsOnBoard: 82
SpaceRatio: 93
OverallCruiseValue: 97
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 11 Feb 1999
Time: 01:26:11
Remote Name: 207.216.1.99
Remote User:

Comments

This was our third cruise but the first with RCCL. My wife and I, accompanied by my sister and her husband had
booked our separate cabins in September and chose the air/sea program. We received news at the airport that
the plane would be departing approximately two hours late. This was a little disappointing but Royal Airlines
made up for the inconvenience. This airline’s treatment was most favorable and we commend them for the
excellent service they provided.

We were met in San Juan by the ship’s representative who had a shuttle bus ready for a twenty minute trip to the
dock. Embarkation was orderly.

It was now about eight o’clock in the evening and because of the initial delay in departure at Toronto, Ont.,
temporary dinner arrangements were made for us at the second sitting. Our luggage was placed in our cabin
while we were in the dining room.

Our request for early dinner was initially arranged when the cruise was booked. At that time we had requested to
be placed at a table of eight but instead, we were placed at a table for four on the following evening. While the
dining room personnel were most pleasant, we were not impressed with our table as it was located in a corner.
We spoke to the Head Waiter and before the meal was ended arrangements were made to place us at a table of
ten in a prime area by a window. The other guests were great and the Waitress (Barbara), Assistance Waitress (
Filas) and Head Waiter (Patrick) were excellent. The food under their control was tasty and very well presented.
On five of the seven mornings we had our breakfast in the Windjamer and while there was always plenty to eat,
we found the scrambled eggs, sausages and toast to be only lukewarm. We suggest that the company should
look into improving this area.

Our outside cabin, by the way, was very clean and comfortable. There was adequate drawers and closet space
for storage of clothes. While the occasional squeak was heard at times, it was not bothersome and no other
noise was evident. The room steward (Quinton) was seldom seen but he was very good in providing good room
service.

Most of the shops on board were well stocked and were staffed with friendly personnel. I purchased a watch and
unfortunately it required an adjustment to the band. They did not have the facility to do it and referred me to
another jeweller on shore. After the adjustment was made, the band fell apart so I approached the store again. I
got no satisfaction at the watch counter.

Entertainment was most enjoyable particularly in the Broadway Melodies theatre. Comedians, Singers and
Dancers were all very good. RCCL can be proud of its Cruise Director as he too is a very talented person.

We failed to understand the need for certain members of the cruise staff to humble themselves and request a
rating of excellent. While in our case this high rating would apply in many cases, we are of the opinion this is a
useless approach since actions speak louder than words.

In general, we had good sailing weather but at times you could vaguely feel a little choppy sea and some
vibration. The ship was impressive and staffed with friendly personnel. Food was abundant and adequate cruise
activities were available to make this a pleasant vacation.

The seven days passed quickly and on the last evening the unwanted disembarkation instructions were issued.
Everything went smoothly and on Saturday we enjoyed a very good tour of San Juan. Freddie, our driver was
very informative. Our return flight left at 6:40 PM.

This was one of our most enjoyable cruises. We would certainly sail with RCCL again and would recommend this
ship very highly to our friends.

Name: Roy Anderson
Email: roya@cell2000.net
Age: 54
Occupation: Cruise Travel Specialist
NumberOfCruises: 15
TravelAgent: Yes
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: 2/6/99
Itinerary: Southern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 80
ShoreExcVariety: 98
FoodVariety: 75
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService:
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram: 70
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 85
EmbarkDisembark: 98
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 75
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 15 Feb 1999
Time: 10:01:34
Remote Name: 206.228.196.189
Remote User:

Comments

Overall excellent experience on this ship. Dining room staff was best we have seen, particularly the Asst. Head
Waiter Mario. We called him Super Mario! However...we were pressed for an excellent rating by our waiter twice.
We thought this practice ended some time ago on most cruise lines. Even though we were prepared to give an
excellent rating, we felt as though the added pressure really wasn't necessary and disturbed us. As cruise travel
agents, we were somewhat offended and added this comment to our comment cards. Overall experience though
was exceptional. Ship was very clean although some cabins were beginnning to show wear. Showroom was
especially nice with exceptional sightlines, few obstructions. Sound, lighting and sets for major shows were more
than adequate, resulting in an overall pleasing show experience. Ship has vibration in 5 to 8 foot seas for some
reason. We were no where near the engines etc. but could feel vibration almost everywhere on board. When
seas were calmer...vibration seemed to be non-existent. This ship has had engines replaced already, so we fear
that the engine, prop, shaft situation may not be as good as it could be. Note that the newer ships (including the
new Voyager of the Seas) will have the Azepod System which should eliminate part or all of this problem. If you
like a few (four) island stops with a few days at sea to relax...this is a great cruise. Highly recommened.

Name: David Kopp
Email: Dolby1000@aol.com
Age: 36
Occupation: Software Consultant
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: 2-27-99
Itinerary: Southern - Eastern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 70
LoungeService:
TenderService: 75
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 99
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 98
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram: 40
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 08 Mar 1999
Time: 11:07:52
Remote Name: 204.248.56.44
Remote User:

Comments

This was our second cruise on RCCL. In fact, about a 1/3 of the passengers on the ship were returning customers.
I think that speaks of RCCL pretty well.

We took the air-sea package which allowed us not to worry too much when American Airlines had it’s sick out. We
did fly out on AA (the sickout had ended) directly to San Juan (from Chicago). That was okay. We are from
Chicago, and expected a direct flight. Their return choice, however, was ridiculous. We were sent from San Juan to
Newark, NJ (a really icky airport), then forced to wait 2 ½ hours (which went to 3 ½ hours due to the typical delays
one encounters in Newark, where, maybe, 2% of the flights arrive and leave on time) before catching a flight to
Chicago. It took over 9 hours to make what should have been a 5-hour trip. I cannot fathom that RCCL could not
find a direct flight to Chicago (O’Hare) from San Juan. No one would voluntarily book such a flight. This was the
only real problem we (I went with my wife and my parents) encountered with RCCL.

We also took the two-day extension in San Juan. We arrived on a Thursday for a Saturday cruise and stayed at
the Condado Plaza Resort. RCCL was at the baggage claim and whisked our bags to the hotel; we only had to
identify them. Transportation to the resort, and then to the ship on Saturday was provided. The resort was
outstanding. That’s all I’ll say since I want to concentrate on the cruise.

On Saturday, RCCL picked up the bags and us at the scheduled time of 1:00 PM. Embarkation was quick, painless
and easy. It took almost no time at all. My dad, who is easily annoyed, was quite impressed. The check in included
creating our on ship charge account, which prevented another line later. When we left the ship to walk around San
Juan (at about 3:30), the line was still short and moving quickly. No one I talked to had any problems or long wait to
get on the ship.

Lunch at the Windjammer café was very good, with, again, only short or non-existent lines. We never waited in any
lines at the Windjammer, which is where we ate most of our breakfasts and lunches. We just walked in and picked
up a tray and started in on the food. The scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, French Toast and omelets were
terrific at breakfast. The food was quite good, but I expected better desserts at lunchtime. The solarium had decent
pizza, but I thought the burgers could have been better. Everyone raved about the fries, but I didn’t like them. They
had some sort of coating on them that I just didn’t appreciate.

The itinerary is a day at sea, followed by a day each in Aruba and Curacao, another day at sea, and then a day
each in St. Martin and St. Thomas.

We took shore excursions in Aruba, Curacao and St. Martin and enjoyed them all. In Aruba, we took the off road
adventure which took us across the East Side of Aruba. This is an outstanding adventure that should not be
missed. You go caravan style, which is nice, especially when a car breaks down. Two did on our tour; (including
ours) but, the company was ready with repair personnel and other cars so the trip is never delayed. In fact, it even
added a touch of adventure to the trip.

In Curacao, we took the Conch Train Tour through Willemstad. It only took about 90 minutes so that left us plenty
of time to go the beach in the afternoon. We had heard horror stories about the cabs in Curacao; but we had no
problem with our driver. He charged us the normal price and picked us up at the appointed time. Also, he had an
interesting running commentary about the history and geography of the island. It was like having our own mini tour
guide. We agreed on the fare before we left and the driver never tried to change it (which the tour director said
had happened to her).

In St. Martin, we took the America’s Cup Sailing Regatta. This is not to be missed. Along with about 18 other people
(on our boat Troon IV) we took on Troon II. We had excellent sailing conditions of 30-knot winds and 6-8 foot seas.
You take crew positions and actually sail the boat. We were primary grinders and it was an exciting experience.
The only drawback was that it took about 5 hours (not the 2 ½ advertised) which really limited our time in St.
Martin. St. Martin does not have pier, so all cruise ships have to use tenders. Since the seas were rolling a bit that
day, some people were uncomfortable on them. After being on the racing boat, this was not a problem for us!

In St. Thomas, we just spent the day at Megan’s Bay.

The Rhapsody of the Seas is a spectacular ship. We had outside cabins on Deck 3. They are larger than on other
ships with a large picture window (not a porthole). As with anywhere else, the shower is small, but there was plenty
of hot water and the showerhead provided a consistent spray. In fact, you could raise and lower the showerhead,
or take off completely to rinse off your feet or other personal areas. In fact, I wished my shower at home were so
nice. Our cabin steward always had the room clean and the ice bucket filled. He seemed to take to my parents
more than us. My mother’s nightgown was always folded into shapes each evening (including the first letter of our
last name on the last night) yet my wife’s nightgown never received the same treatment. It’s not that he wasn’t
efficient, it’s just that we never really seemed to get to know him.

The dinning room service was also top notch. Our waiter (Cheong) and our assistant waiter (Pan) were friendly,
attentive and quick. When Steve (a passenger at our table) mentioned he would like another lobster, it appeared in
front of him in about 15 seconds. Sharon (my wife) and I thought that the menu on the Grandeur of the Seas
(which we took 2 years ago) was better. Also, on the Grandeur, the waiters sang and entertained the dinners at
least four times during the cruise, as well as announced theme nights (Italian, French, American, Caribbean etc.)
The Rhapsody dinning room never announced theme nights and the waiters only performed (rather weakly at that)
on two nights. Tony (our waiter on Grandeur, hey, doesn’t that tell you how good he was) would warn us the night
before to bring camera’s to take pictures (if we wanted to) of next nights waiters entertainment. Cheong did not
offer the same warnings, nor did any else, since almost no one took pictures on the two nights the waiters sang to
us. Not that there was much to record anyway. I’m not knocking the food, it was terrific, I just wanted something a
little more exotic. I can heartily recommend the lobster, the turkey and the filet. The pasta was good every night
too, yet it was served with the main course as opposed to a separate course on the Grandeur. The pasta was
better on the Grandeur too.

I have seen other reviews that knocked RCCL for their entertainment. I cannot echo that sentiment. Our cruise
included Fred Travalena, who put on an outstanding show and the Coasters who put on a wonderful show. We
also had another comic (Steve somebody, a Jim Carrey wanna be) who was good, but, being an impressionist and
coming two days after Fred Travalena (another impressionist) had wowed everyone he struggled to find his grove.
They should have been reversed. The Wave Review singers and dancers put on decent shows, and boy, they had
a couple of singers who were really good. I thought some of the songs they included in Rock on Broadway weren’t
really the best choices (It’s Raining on Prom Night from Grease!?) But, we enjoyed them anyway.

Finally, Debarkation was not a problem at all. Everyone patiently waited for his or her flight number to be called.
We waited on deck, enjoying our last hours in the sun. Our flight was called at 9:15 AM. The luggage is all sorted in
colored areas. IMHO, there were enough colors that the areas were not really that large. It took less than 5 minutes
to locate all my parents and ours bags. We cleared customs in minutes and Continental was on the pier checking
in flights. In fact, we left so early, we had 2 ½ hours in San Juan to enjoy. RCCL keeps the buses running until 4:00
PM so you do not have to go to the airport right away.

All in all, other than minor quibbles, RCCL ran a great cruise. I am writing directly to them to complain out their
air/sea program due to the ridiculous flight home. This will not prevent us using RCCL again. I expect that Sharon
and I will sail with them again within the next 2-3 years. If you want any other information about our cruise, please
send me e-mail with RCCL Cruise in the subject heading so I know that it is not spam e-mail.

Name: Pam Beaumont
Email: pamb@micron.net
Age: 54
Occupation: Management Consultant
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: 2/27/99
Itinerary: Southern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 85
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 75
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 75
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 09 Mar 1999
Time: 21:26:09
Remote Name: cboi082p05.boi.micron.net
Remote User:

Comments

The Rhapsody is a beautiful ship and we truly enjoyed this cruise.

We were in a Superior Suite with a balcony and found the cabin to be quite spacious and were impressed with all of
the nooks and crannies for storage. Our cabin attendant (Susan) was terrific and did a wonderful job of taking care
of our cabin, including little extras along the way.

We found the food to be quite good but nothing to stand on the table and shout about in terms of being unique or
of extra special quality. We did have a problem with the wine steward (who never bothered to come to our
table)and after two complaints to the head waiter, we finally got some action. To the point that it was almost an
over-reaction, including a bottle of complimentary wine from the bar manager, complimentary drinks, apology after
apology etc., etc. We also found that our waiter was very concerned about getting a high rating from us and
seemed to be quite concerned that our view of the wine steward would impact negatively on him. Our waiter was
terrific and we certainly would not have graded him lower because of the wine steward but you could see the
concern.

We did think that there was an overemphasis on the tipping. The suggested tipping guidelines in all of the printed
materials were referred to as minimum tips by the Cruise Director in her presentation on the subject. And we've
never been on a cruise where there was almost an insistence on tipping the head waiter.

As beautiful as the ship is, we felt the public rooms were more than a bit crowded, particularly around dinner time.
The pool area was shoulder to shoulder on the first sea day -- we couldn't find a chair to sit on. The weather was
bad on the second sea day so it was not an issue.

We didn't notice any particular noises and thought the ship was pretty stable on the bad sea day when we were
having moderate gale force winds.

The staff in the various bars/lounges were quite friendly and eager to please.

Both embarkation and debarkation were a breeze -- much better than other ships we've been on. In fact, the
debarkation (by flight number rather than color of luggage tag) was quite efficient and the ability to wait wherever
you wanted was much preferred to being stuffed into one specific room.

All in all, we were very impressed with Royal Caribbean and the Rhapsody and they would certainly be our first
choice for another cruise.

Name: Dan Dearth
Email: ritasangels@msn.com
Age: 46
Occupation: billing
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: Feb 20, 1999
Itinerary: southern caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 97
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 88
DiningRoomService: 97
CabinQuietness: 92
FoodMidnightBuffets: 88
CabinSteward: 97
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 92
DeckService: 92
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff: 85
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 91
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 92
EmbarkDisembark: 92
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 92
Stabilization: 93
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 15 Mar 1999
Time: 22:15:08
Remote Name: 1cust72.tnt7.det3.da.uu.net
Remote User:

Comments

My wife and I booked this cruise for our 15th wedding anniversary over a year ago so we waited a long time to get
sailing! We booked sea & air and the flight from Columbus, Oh was great, everything went well. We were greeted
at the airport in San Juan and other than a 20 min wait to gather all the other passengers (we guessed) we were
then shuttled to the ship. Our first glimpse of her was very exciting, she is a beautiful ship! Embarkation was very
smooth and in no time we were aboard and in our cabin where we met Derrick our cabin steward. He was terrific!
We could not of asked for a better cruise. The weather was great for the most part, the islands were fun, even tho
we did not see much of Curacao. Lot's of oil refineries. The staff is friendly and helpful, the ship is kept pretty clean
and the food was good. Some great meals and some a little dissapointing. Our waiter, Gabrielle, was incredible! He
and the asst waiter , Mohammed, really made our dining experience one to always remember! We loved all the
marches and singing the wait staff would do at the end of our meals on selected nights. The entertainment in the
Broadway Melodies Theatre was excellent! We really loved the dance bands & they even had live music for dinner
that was very good. Not annoying at all. The cruise director, Kirk ( from Waldo, Ohio) was great and very talented! I
could go on and on... but I think I better not. To finish I'll just say we would sail on her again anytime - anywhere!

Name: Steven D. Michels
Email: stevem@spiritusa.net
Age: 32
Occupation: AVP - Business Lender
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: March 13 - 20, 1999
Itinerary: Southern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 96
CruiseDirector: 88
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 96
CruiseStaff: 75
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 96
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 75
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 87
ShoreExcValue: 72
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 89
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 92
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 98
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 98
OverallPortsofCall: 96
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 92
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 97
DiscoNightclubs: 96
DeckSpace: 97
Stabilization: 99
ShopsOnBoard: 98
SpaceRatio: 98
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 24 Mar 1999
Time: 07:41:30
Remote Name: 207.67.28.110
Remote User:

Comments

This was our 3rd cruise with RCI and by far the best ship out of the three (the others were Nordic Empress and
Majesty of the Seas). We were sailing with my wife's mom and dad and my dad. The ship is an emmaculate piece of
work. The artwork on board, the layout of the shops and cabins, the Centrum lobby were absolutely beautiful.

We arrived at the pier around 12:30PM with our 11 bags of luggage, unsure if we would be able to drop them off.
The Pier side help was excellent. They took all of our bags, for $10.00, and assured us that they would be in our
cabins when returned from touring Old San Juan. They were in our cabin when we returned. Amen. Old San Juan
was a nice port; however it was very hot that day and very difficult for my mother in law to climb the hilly streets.

The first day we were at sea heading to Aruba. My dad had been to this port before and had said that the first day
could be very rough. I have to say this was the calmest ship I have ever been on. You could not even tell you were
on a ship it was so calm. The day at sea was wonderful. Enjoyed the poolside entertainment, calypso band and
drinks. Soaked up alot of sun as well.

Aruba was an excellent port; however, very expensive. Didn't do a whole lot of shopping. We took the Off Road
Jeep Adventure excursion. Highly recommended. For $78 per person it is wonderful. You see the entire island all
the sites plus lunch is included. This is the best excursion I've ever taken. Since we didn't leave until 1:00AM, we
went to Carlos & Charlies for some night life. We had a good time here and had a couple of laughs with the staff,
they even came a took a picture of us and probably the entire staff. Whistles were blowing all over the restaurant.

Curacao was an OK port, nothing special. St Maartin was a very nice island. Good shopping. Excellent place to get
Cuban Cigars. Brought a couple home with me plus smoked a few on board ship. One important note for this
island. Do not take the Highlight Island excursion. It was the worst.

St Thomas was beautiful and the the Island Excursion was excellent. You were able to see all the sights while they
took you 1,800 feet up. The shopping was OK, I found it to be very commercialized.

Our cabin steward Daniel was excellent. We were on the Main Deck level cabin 4062. I am diabetic so I needed to
keep my insulin cool. The first day I just put my containers in the ice bucket. The next day I came back to the cabin
and Daniel had another bucket there just for my insulin, without me asking for it.

Our waiter and Asst waiter were also excellent, Davut and Natasha.

All in all, this vacation was wonderful. The only dissappointing think about it was the pursers desk personnel were
very rude when we needed assistance and Anthony the shopping specialist was a complete idiot. He was telling us
all the places to get deals, etc. However, when we went to these stores, they weren't willing to help us at all.

I would strongly recommend this cruise to anybody.

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