I read a lot of horror about msc and the magnifica and is it luxury, not at all; does it have flaws, of course, was it enjoyable, very. Have an open mind because not everything can and should be perfect
1. Embarkation- very easy, we embarked an hour before scheduled time and it was totally fine. Once on board you go straight to your room (if it is ready) and you get your key card and we were ...
This was my 3rd carnival cruise, 2nd out of JAX... first was the ecstasy, then sunshine out of Charleston then this ship again out of JAX. The ship itself was ok, clean rooms, pretty consistent with the other 2 carnival ships I've been on. One thing I love about carnival is their customer service. Everyone is so friendly and eager to help! My son (5) was obsessed with the camp ocean team he wanted ...
Smallest ship we’ve been on but it surpassed our expectations. Felt modern, clean and was actually really nice and we had a great 5 days. The food was fantastic, in the dining room and the buffet. The pool area was nice besides the usual annoying people who ‘reserve’ their sunbed and use them for half an hour the whole day!!! The staff do nothing.
Our cabin was interior and very big. Really ...
The staff were always kind and helpful. The ship was VERY clean and safe. My main complaint is that 85% of the seats in the English pub POKE YOU on both sides when you try to sit in them. I commented on this to fellow attendees and they all moaned about the discomfort of that pub's chairs. The obvious is "Don't sit there!" I know, but it was the location of the daily meet and greet for newcomers ...
We sailed on the NCL Gem from 2/16-2/19. It was just hubby and I, we’re experienced cruisers with NCL and Royal Caribbean. For starters, I love the size of the Gem. I have been on the Getaway few years ago which at the time was one of the biggest, and since then only sailed on medium-sized ships.
THE POSITIVES FIRST
The Embarkation process - we embarked in Miami, and it was a breeze. ...
I read several reviews that mentioned this was a good option for a first time cruiser so we decided to try it out for our 25th anniversary. I brought a sign to decorate my door but it did not stick to the door so it appears they are not metal and I would suggest an adhesive hook for anyone considering door decorations. We were fortunate that our room was kind of in a corner so we didn't have ...
My #1 criticism about this ship was the elevators...so really, that's a pretty good thing. That said, I don't recall a ship with consistently longer wait times than this one. I don't know what the reason for this is (programming maybe?), but it was enough that we'd usually end up bailing and take the stairs. Not a huge deal, but it would be if we had strollers/wheelchairs etc.
The Windjammer ...
We've been on 35 cruises mostly Princess (my favorite) Royal Caribbean and a few others, but for a short cruise, this was excellent.
Embarkation was quick and so was debarkation even tho I need a wheelchair, Usually, this can take time but not on this ship. Only surprise was the buffet closes at 8:00am on debarkation day. Clever way to get people moving.
Our room seemed small, it was an ...
My husband and I chose this cruise since we can easily get a ride to the port. We wanted a break from winter. Neighbors joined us, making our party two couples 57-61 years old. We each had an ocean balcony.
PROS: As mentioned, convenience to port. Plenty of shelving around bathroom sink (6 shelves for all of the meds, makeup, toiletries etc.). Plenty of closet space between 3 closets. ...
Loved the smaller ship the Elation. Wasn’t. Crowded at all and hardly any lines for food etc and was told it was at capacity. Perfect time of year also because children are in school. Jacksonville port was smaller and easy to navigate and you park right beside the ship. Half Moon Cay was the first stop and was the perfect low key beach day. Nassau was the second stop and was nice to see and had ...