Let me start by saying that this was the best cruise vacation I have had by far ever. It was me and my hubby;s 4th cruise both (26). Before we booked this cruise I became a cruise critic fanatic so I was so familiar with the ship before I got on it. Before I continue I have to shout out a couple whom we experienced everything including mishaps with(he was from queens, she is from L.I.)It was great meeting you.Okay, our cruise was Aug.26 so we arrived the day before so be able to take in some island time before departure. That was a dream that did not come true. Right from the moment we were waiting for our flight to board, the crew says that the flight was canceled due to the hurricane and the pilot was stuck in DR. Oh that felt really nice being that we were there from 6:30a.m. But we were lucky enough to get on the next flight out at 10:50 a.m. and free roundtrip for next trip. THANK YOU JET BLUE.That's were our friends come in they had to wait for a 4:00p.m. flight. Having it that we had gotten there 4 hours later than anticipated we were cut off of things to do once we arrived in San Juan Puerto Rico which is our decent. We were so anxious to spend time there that we did the most in a short time even if the sun was already setting. We stood at the Holiday Inn Express in Condado PR. Having read reviews I was weighing what to expect but I have to say with the exception of the elevator size being too small to fit large luggage everything else seemed to be fitting. The room size was moderate, clean, quiet and the front desk was very helpful. Then again we already knew where everything was and how to get there so we had no problems. Woke up next morning ate some breakfast and checked out by 11:00a.m We were at the pier and on board by 12:00 Check in was easier with the set and sail pass. I was so excited looking at the ship from outside I could only imagine what the inside was like. This ship is huge on the outside and that much inside.It was daunting to me how it could accommodate that quantity of people and never feel clustered. Our staterooms would not be done until 2:00p.m. And they made sure of the because the doors were closed in the hallways leading to cabins. Better for us had time to explore and have lunch in the windjammer. We had to sanitize first and then vacation officially started.While waiting we made reservations for portofino's which is a must try. The fee is 20pp but is well worth it because the food is fantastic. Tip: wear loose fitting clothes you be able to expand better LOL. We also booked our shore excursions when they opened up. Finally, went to our room to find the cutest looking shower and ample room in the stateroom for the two of us. My motto for this week was do all you can and take advantage, can't say the same for the hubby he said I lugged him around with a honey-do list.LOL Day 1- Had to speak with maitre'd about seating arrangements that I had made when I booked which were not granted but was quickly resolved. Thank You It was casual night our waiter was Allen from India he was so hospitable. Steven from Jamaica I believe was the assistant. The head waiter who's name I do not remember was really very nice and always made it a point to speak to us. With all the people he encounters and he remembered my hubby wanted a nap. We missed the welcome aboard show which I was upset about. Due to a late dinner and a theater that's capacity is only 1500 for 3000 guests who were on board. The seating was together only that night. I had no chance(LOL) Day 2 At SEA- This was the only day at sea we had. I wish there would have been at last one other to be able to find time for all activities that were offered. We ate breakfast at WJ, did the pool deck for some hours I line danced and the hubby played a pool game. Very fun Time flies by that time had to go change for dinner it was formal night and you know us girls need extra time.We took the portraits, went to the show, went to the midnight comedy and the parade.It was Caribbean casual I don't remember what we ate but nothing we had in the dining room was anything to talk about except lobster night.
Day 3-Barbados Woke up very early dragging went to eat at the WJ and headed out to pier for our excursion. We took the Coral Park and Beach It wasn't coral park it was supposed to be an aquarium but was really someone's fish tank. It took us about 20 to 30 min to arrive there and after 4 exhibits it was over. At least there was beach next. They took us to Runaway Beach which was beautiful. The waters were so clear. As for the locals I didn't think they were the most sociable bunch. If you want a beach tour take one that doesn't bring you elsewhere first it shortens the time you have to bask in the sun. Back on the ship had lunch in the WJ which we found to be unsatisfying with all the variety we didn't find anything that suited our taste buds. Went to bathe, change and off to dinner. Tonight we ate at Portofino's and that was something to remember. I loved the food for 20pp it was well worth it. Our waiter Roberto was generous and made sure we got a full experience and full we were. Delicious must try the filet. Day4St. Lucia- I originally thought this would be pleasing but then I came to realize this was not an island to bring visitors to see. It was a very poor island with children washing and bathing in the rivers. Children begging for money on the roadsides. Our tour was called the ultimate island experience and there was nothing ultimate, island or experience about it, horrible PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS ONE.We sat on a bus for 4 hours roundtrip plus 1 hour for stops in between. The tour went over 1 hour with nothing to eat and 1 cup of rum punch only. All we did was walk the cocoa factory and get wet in what was thought to be a major waterfall which turned out to be an iced baby pool with trickles. Did not enjoy this at all and hubby blamed me for a poor choice.(At least we had fun laughing about our horrible time after)Got back to the ship to bathe, change and off to dinner. Again I don't remember what we ate not that enticing but the bread was good. Day 5 St. Johns- Woke up early ate breakfast at the WJ which was getting boring by now and to the pier for the excursion We went to the beach It was absolutely the best waters I had seen ever. The waters were calm clear and clean. Loved it. Had some jellyfish and tropical fishes at shore but all else was great. Got back to bathe, change and off to dinner Tonight was formal night again. Took portraits, which i found to be beautiful and went to dinner. Only thing I did not understand was we dressed up not to eat lobster tonight but tomorrow casual. (no sense) We did the midnight buffet which was visually yummy but not when eaten. Day 6-St.Maarten- Loved it went to Divi Little Bay the locals were very welcoming relaxed on the beach. Hubby jet skied and we had a mini lunch and back to the ship we went. We walked around the pier where we stopped to have some frozen drinks the pina colada is a must have. Back on the boat we ate at the promenade pizza and sandwiches because WJ menu was not happening anymore.Went to dinner lobster night YUMMY loved it had 3 tails all courtesy of Allen our waiter. It was really good. Went to the show . Day 7- Already felling sad it's coming to an end we didn't book an excursion because this is our 3rd time here and we 've done the local beaches so we decided to souvenir shop. Oh by the way you have to get up early for customs it was short and simple. We went back on the ship ate at the promenade hit the pool deck for the last time and went to bathe, change and of to dinner. It was tip night and it's all so sad you wish you could give away your paychecks to these crew and staff for doing exceptional work. B-4 I continue things I didn't mention because I don't remember what days they occurred. The ice show (cool art show)liked that the rink was small but the performance was big. Dominican Quartet they kept us latinos moving with there music loved that. Every night we had a place to go.The quest game show Loved that we were team captains for our section and I've never had more fun and laughs. What people will do for a keychain. latin fiesta very nice. The buffet poolside interesting loved the diversity in the cultural foods.The 70's parade that got everyone moving even the stiffs.Jester's nightclub Loved the music very up to date for people my age enjoyed it.I hope I didn't lave any out but everything entertainment wise was enjoyable. Mike the cruise director fits the job well. He is so funny, entertaining and down to earth. Disembarkation- It wa fast for us since we had an early flight we were off and at the airport by 8:30a.m. I hated this part having to leave my seven days of memories behind. To end I LOVED THIS CRUISE my hubby and I are already trying to figure out if we want to do this ship again. It was a blast. Stateroom attendant elvin left us towel animals every night and the quality of service was excellent.