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Apart from a mini cruise in Asia a few years ago with the kids we hadn't given cruising much of a thought, but having an anniversary approaching we decided to try this 14 nights' port intensive one away from the winter weather.We like exploring new places and this appealed to us.
We flew from Scotland,via a great overnight stop in New York {great walking through Central Park in the snow!} to San Juan.The airport to terminal ride went smoothly and we had little queueing to do before boarding the ship.I had done a lot of research prior to the trip but nothing prepares you for the actual size of these ships! Be prepared for your luggage not to arrive at your cabin for a few hours after boarding so your not left wearing your winter woolies like us!! Our cabin was a mini suite on dolphin deck, and I know what people mean when they say its not covered and everyone above can see you, but found everyone so friendly that it wasn't a problem.We loved having the extra space and the full bathroom and nothing was too much trouble for our cabin steward, Renante. Bed comfortable.
We ate in the 2 Anytime dining rooms and thought the food was very good. The staff were helpful and you could go 'off menu' if nothing tempted you, but we didn't feel the need to. We also ate in the speciality restaurants, Sabatini's and the Crown grill, which were excellent.
The ship was at capacity, and in the mornings at the Horizon buffet it felt like it! No complaints with the food here, staff a bit off at times, maybe been up late working!
We had only 2 sea days during the cruise and spent the first lazing by the pool at Neptunes reef.This was the one day you really noticed how full the ship was as plenty couldn't get a sunbed, mainly for lots of people, some next to us, towel blocking and then hardly using them!The second sea day we managed to get into the Sanctuary, which was bliss!
The "in transit" mid cruise day back in San Juan was a highlight as we hadn't expected the Old Town to be exactly that. Colourful old buildings, cobbled streets and city walls made for a great day {found a Ben & Jerry's in a beautiful old building, doubt they have a better setting anywhere else!}
The evening entertainment onboard proved to be a mixed bag. The comedians and the mentalist were very good but the "shows" were very average with no storyline as such, just mainly songs run together. Had believed from the brochure that 'broadway style shows'would be put on.
The cruise overall was well run and packaged and the ship appeared to be getting painted and touched up as we went. Our only slight complaints were that as we walked frequently around the promenade deck, we had to push through large crowds of crew having a smoke.Not quite as pleasant as when on duty!
The formal nights gave the vast majority the chance to dress up, although it was annoying that some were allowed to attend in jeans and T shirt, one even with a baseball cap and ripped jeans and trainers!
Anyone thinking about cruising, we say, please go. The way we describe it to others is just think of unpacking only once during 14 days and waking up in a different place each day in a floating 4 star hotel.
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