Embarkation: Bag drop off was poor. Port staff was complaining that they were short people. We were in a Suite and Diamond so we were checked in quickly. Bags did not arrive to room until after dinner. Two bags were missing. Called to guest services and found out MANY bags got soak by a passing thunderstorm before loading. After being directed to three locations Guest Services, deck 4 forward, and deck 1 aft, bags were found. Clothes were soaked. Guest services gave free laundry but promise of delivery by 5pm next day did not happen.
Dining: We were a party of ten with four different reservations numbers “linked”. I confirmed with Crown & Anchor 3 months prior to sailing. First dinner our party was separated at tables no even visible to each other. I spoke with maître who told me to just get in line or I’ll come to your table. I had to go to him after dinner. He told me that our reservations were not linked but he’ll try to seat us together. He’ll let me know before breakfast tomorrow. I went to the Diamond concierge Jorge told him at 10am of the problem. He called me at 4pm with our new table of ten table number. I’ll be contacting C&A Society about “linkage”.
The 9-night menu was similar to the 7 night cruise. In the dining room, the “coconut” dinner menu was terrible. “Saffron” and “Shitaki” are our favorites. Our wait staff was wonderful. Catalina paid strict attention to diet requirements with my party. Food coming up from the galley was VERY slow most nights. One night the galley did prepare Crème Burlee that was on the menu. In general the food in the main dining room was just OK.
Cabin attendant was good. This two bedroom suite had awkward storage. Closet doors hit other doors. Shower in 2nd bedroom was smaller than shower in an Interior cabin.
Balcony was cover with smoke stack ash twice and unusable until cleaned or rainstorm.