Vision of the Seas Review
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We sailed on the Vision of the Seas the week of Feb 27 and splurged for a Jr Suite for the first time. Check in was a breeze as we got the “easy pass” line because we had booked a suite. We brought our carry ons with us and went to the Windjammer café or lunch. Rooms are not available until 1pm and the ship departs around 4. After lunch we went to our cabin floor and luckily saw our luggage sitting in the common area by the steps. While we could have waited for the cabin stewards to deliver our two suitcases, we grabbed them and took them back to our rooms. Good thing we did. Luggage was piled up in that common area and it was well after we left port that it was all delivered.
Hearing that the ship had a remodel recently, I expected that the cabins would have been updated – not so. Our Jr Suite was very roomy and had a bathtub! I opened the “vanity” drawer to look for the hair dryer and the front of the drawer almost came off. One good smack with my hand put it back on for the rest of the cruise. Ladies – bring your own hairdryer. The one they provided was small and you have to hold the button down to keep it on (as long as it stays connected to the outlet). Not to mention the angle was almost impossible to use my round brush to dry my hair. And there was only ONE outlet in the entire cabin so bring an extension cord if you think you will need it. I brought my Mophie charger and was able to get my phone and kindle charged in one outlet and my husband’s phone in the other one. There was no alarm clock so we used our cell phones.
Our cabin steward didn’t do anything extra special and we made no requests. No chocolates on the pillows so bring your own if you can’t live without it. We did have a couple of creative towel foldings on our bed the last few nights but that was about it. Our complementary shampoo, lotion, etc. were not replenished but I brought my own shampoo so we were OK. We noticed that there was no fan in the bathroom but there were two openings in the ceiling that seems to be pulling air. The one above the tub had something fuzzy in it – dust or mold – but it didn’t bother my allergies. Plenty of places to put our stuff but not a lot of room for luggage. One fit in the closet and we put the other one behind the chair in the sitting area. We typically bring one big suitcase and one the next size down so we can store them nested but this time they were the same size. We will be shopping for new luggage and will get ones that can be nested in addition to learning how to pack our clothes more efficiently. I hear there are utube videos that show how to roll everything so things fit compactly and don’t get as many wrinkles.
Cabin Review
Junior Suite
Port Reviews
Roatan
We booked through roatantripsandtours.com. Steve has a great crew and runs an outreach program for the poorest children on the island. We had a great experience and a good feeling that we were supporting the community. I brought a backpack with pens, pencils, coloring books, etc to support the school. My husband had a great time snorkeling and I got an island tour and stopped by the cameo factory. Another couple booked a tour off the ship and paid a little less but I felt better knowing that my proceeds would benefit someone besides the cruise line.
Belize City
Starfish Snorkel and Beach break was very nice. Big boat and new looking equipment. Island was small but plenty of room for everyone. Bar was OK - drinks were $10 and not a lot of alcohol. Menu was OK but pricey. Elvis impersonator provided entertainment. Boat crews and patrons played volleyball. Snorkel boat took us back to the ship and then I took a tender to the port. Not much there besides the shops specifically for cruise ships. Another passenger said they walked a block or two back from the shops and turned back around. Not too safe.
Costa Maya
We emailed sandalsandskis.com to make a reservation for a spot on the beach in Mahahual. Beach was very nice with roped off area for swimmers. Snorkel boat took my husband off for over an hour and he had a great time - booked with the staff at the Tropicante. Lounge chairs, plenty of shade and sun. Staff didn't bother you at all just the people walking up and down the beach selling stuff. Great food for very reasonable prices. Their Boardwalk area is a concrete sidewalk with plenty of other restaurants and shops/tables of good. Negotiate for best price - walk away if they don't meet your expectations.
Cozumel
We met on the dock very early and took the semi sub to a coral reef. Since I don't snorkel this was the next best thing. Guide was very knowledgeable and overall it was a good experience. We went back to the ship for breakfast before we went into town. It rained the rest of the day so we were happy we didn't book a beach or snorkeling tour. Just off the docks is a shopping area for cruise ships and a nice little beach that you could have spent the day at had it not rained. We took a cab into town and walked the waterfront stores picking up our free charms, earrings and vanilla. Besides the maps and coupons that the cruise ship gives you there was a map/coupon book at the docks that provided some additional freebies.