This trip consisted of two six night cruises back to back. The fist one did Costa Maya, Cozumel and Bimini. The second was the same except Nassau was substituted for Bimini. We had not been to Bimini so this was a treat as we have been to most ports of call in the Caribbean many times. It would be good to go there again and take a taxi into the town rather than going around to the various resorts on the complimentary shuttle. Weather was mostly great except for Costa Maya on the second cruise when it poured rain just after we got in the taxi to go to the nearby beach town of Mahual. Fortunately the rain stopped shortly after we arrived. There you have many places for a beach massage in the open air for only $20-25, way cheaper than on the ship! The visit was marred however by a bad experience with the taxi drivers who wanted twice as much to go back to the ship as the price to go to the town. Eventually we found one who took us back for the $4 per person that is the official rate. Taxi drivers have been a problem the world over.

This class of ship is one of our favorites. We especially like the shaded sitting area outside in the back of the Windjammer buffet. Food in both the Windjammer and the Main Dining Room was always good. The two production shows are both good, especially Tango Buenos Aires, which is quite different than the usual cruise ship show. The comedian was not too good but the other cabaret act Barricade Boys was very good. The four singers had all been in Le Miz and other musicals and it showed in their performance.

We did have a number of things in the cabins that needed repairs but Ante the Guest Services supervisor was very gracious and took care of things really well. Both Howard and Leo were great cabin stewards as well. Read more