First, our cruise specialist chose the right itinerary but the wrong cruise for us. We prefer a mixed age group but this skewed to the over 70 crowd.

We embarked quickly but in pretty austere furnishings. The employees stood behind plywood counters that appeared to be temporary which failed to instill a sense of security and faith in the cruise line. The crew watched as a woman pushed her mother up the gang plank huffing an puffing and no one offered assistance except my wife and myself. We were led to believe rooms would be clean and ready by 1PM and the actual time closed in on 2:30. The Lido deck, the spa and the front office only remained open to passengers. Even the shore excursion desk stayed close.

Kudos to the bar staff and the party planner. We thoroughly enjoyed the mixology classes because Sidney, Ramil and Edsel (like the ford) made it fun and entertaining. Likewise, the head sommelier, Fernando, led a wonderful wine tasting full of information and laughter. We found Roger in the wine bar knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. My wife attended other programs led by Sidney and enjoyed them, especially the culinary class with head chef of the Tamerind restaurant. Read more