The reason for choosing a cruise was to visit the Caribbean islands for the first time and enjoy an experience that would serve the whole family's needs. We were a party of 6 ( including a toddler and grandparents) For us we have appreciated the comfort, the ease and security of a good choice of healthy foods ( being a vegetarian) with a sea surrounding accommodation for a few days and some good entertainment - the most important elements.
Out of the 5+ cruises we have experienced we found the arrival day the most chaotic and disorganised in Miami. The attendants were curt and unhelpful at the entrance terminal ( one seemed to be more interested in demanding a tip than being friendly or helpful.)
Everything ( from the long snaking queues) was slow and the checking process of documents kept breaking down ( at a couple of points) and it felt like going from one queue to the next. Having completed the fit to cruise vaccine, certificates the previous day even for the toddler - we were still required to test the toddler at the terminal again and joined a different queue. Once on board we discovered we had to complete a safety activity - two people in our party were told with Tabs which deck to go to. We were not told anything and had to second guess - find someone to ask about it and finally having found where deck C4 was ( without any clear guidance) there was no attendant there. Feeling quite exasperated and tired by now I just sat down and let my husband and son go to look for someone to ask about the safety activity.
A little on the cosy but snug size compared with the Med cruise ships. The rooms were clean, with adequate storage and well lit with good lighting. There was a minor blockage in the shower room one evening but was dealt with immediately.
The beds were comfortable and at a good temperature throughout the day.
It was our first visit to a Caribbean Island. People were friendly, chatty and helpful on the whole and there was a good community atomosphere in the Markets .
Inside the port area there were plenty of shops , markets with a good few cafes and stalls selling traditional foods, We tried the patties and had a fresh coconut.