We chose this itinerary because it was out of and back to San Francisco. SF is our home port so there was no flying and only 1 hour by BART. The other part of our decision and the prime factor is we got to play golf on Santa Catalina in beautiful Avalon. Those alone was were the pluses.

Lines to get onboard were not organized although they tried to make it so. You were to show up at 1/2 hour intervals. No one was there to enforce this and people had to police themselves. Late to embark due to this. For just 2000 people it was inexcusable. Once on board there was no fanfare, just pointed to a muster station. Whatever happened to the classiness that was once cruising? I am sure the attendants were smiling yet with masks it surely dampened the spirit. Smiles beget smiles so when none were apparent, none were generated. I am sure these folks wanted to toss the mask but couldn't.

If you are after great tasting food bring along some big bucks. Expect to pay just short of $50 per person per meal for some very great food. Regular fare is haphazard and poor in taste with a few exceptions. I have experienced some wonderful inviting buffets. Not to be had here. Four grills with two at a time live serving up pretty boring food. No Splenda anywhere but Equal and stevia along with milk or 1/2&1/2 could be had though. Read more