This was our 17th Cruise and never ever have we experienced such a mess as this cruise. To begin with, the ship did not arrive in Boston for embarkation until 9 or 10 PM on Sunday night. It was pouring rain, windy and in the 50's. 3,000+ passengers were locked out of the terminal and left to roam over Boston carrying luggage. We were told not to return to the terminal until at least 8:30 pm. The four people in our party were so wet and cold and tired that we decided to go back around 6:00 pm. Upon arriving we were told that the terminal was full and we would have to go to the Convention Center at the Westin Hotel to "wait". (We're having visions of Hurricane Katrina). We were finally allowed to go to the terminal around 11:00 pm on Sunday night. We did not board the ship until after midnight. During the week we talked to hundreds of passengers who did not get checked in until 2 and 3 o'clock in the morning. We did not get our luggage until Monday morning. The ship (which was supposed to sail at 5:00 pm on Sunday) finally left the Boston dock at 11:00 am on MONDAY !!!! (We were supposed to be in Portland, Maine on Monday). The entire cruise ran at least one full day behind schedule all week. We were significantly late for every port arrival all week.

NEVER was there one word of apology or explanation. The Captain was non-existant. Josh, the cruise director, was an arrogant, rude, offensive jerk. We never once saw him "out and about" the ship. At one time, he said to a passenger, "I don't care if you like it or not ". The only times that we saw him was when he was the master of ceremonies at the shows in the Amber Palace and the Captain's Party for repeat customers (more about that later) . The two "production" shows were the worst that I have ever seen on cruise ships. Who ever came up with those two shows obviously are not in touch their "audience" base. The shows were loud and amateurish, showing no real talent. The magician did the same trick over and over (girl in box, no girl, girl in box, no girl, etc. etc. )

Remember the Captain's party for repeat customers?????? We got our invitation and went to the appointed place (Amber Palace). Hundred's of people were lined up. After finally being allowed to go in, there were waiters circulating with drinks. (Big Surprise !) Read more