VISION OF THE SEAS CHRISTMAS CRUISE 12/19 - 12/26 2004 MEXICAN RIVIERA

This was my second time on the Vision of the Seas. Ironically the last time I sailed her was exactly 6 years to the day of this cruise. Back then she was brand new which made it easy to compare how well she's been maintained over the years.

Pre-Cruise: As my traveling companion was flying in from England the night before we opted to stay at the Marina Hotel San Pedro. I was able to get a $40.00 rate on Priceline and still feel like I was ripped off. This was formerly the Hilton San Pedro however I later learned the chain's name was removed due to the poor condition of this property. The rooms were disgustingly filthy. I wound up changing rooms 3 times as the first room was literally held together with duct tape. The carpet was taped together in 4 places and the walls and carpet were so filthy you needed a hermetically sealed space suit to sleep there. The second room they assigned me was on the second floor and the noise from those walking above was so loud it sounded like they would fall through the ceiling at any minute. The third room I was assigned was on the top floor, however it was equally filthy and was missing a remote for the TV. The air conditioning units in each room are wall units and are about 20 years old. Upon entering my room, I turned on the A/C to cool off the room while I went to pick up my friend at the airport. Upon returning to the room, the A/C unit had blown soot all over my bed , not to mention the cooling feature was not working and instead it turned to heat making the room 87 degrees. We slept with the window open. Both Kathryn and myself could not get out of there fast enough the following morning. I would highly recommend booking the Sheraton Harbor hotel for the $139.00 park and sail package. Read more