Well we're back and let me tell you after months of asking questions and wondering how our first ever cruise will go, I can honestly say ...Fantastic! I'd be happy to give additional details on our impressions of the cruise if anyone wants specifics. But basically here's what we thought: (not in any partic. order)
Stateroom with verandah: plenty spacious. You will not feel cramped.
Entertainment and theatres: first class. For young and old. One night we had a Vegas comedian who was absolutely hilarious. The theatres are opulent. Wish badly, since they allow snacks and drinks to be purchased right outside the entrance, that popcorn would be available.
Palos: I would have liked to eat there every night. For anyone with an appreciation for fine food and service, you must book this restaurant. I did on our first day on, right after a quick bite at the beach blanket buffet and before the mandatory safety drill (3:30) and we had a choice of only the thurs. or fri. with a couple of avail. times. Sat and Sun were gone.
Spa: Like any first class spa. The reception area staff could have been a little more attentive and professional. Most of the staff here was between 20-25 yrs old. The range of services offered are pretty good. There is also a hair salon.
Gym: Well equipped. Could use less of their loud, tacky music. One morning took in a kick boxing class (8:00 am) Great instructor, lots of energy.
Gift shops: Well stocked. Even found much needed eye brow tweezers.
Space for peace and quiet: Although there were 2800 guests on board and an additional close to a thousand staff, you will not feel overwhelmed. This is due to the first and second seatings for dinner, the first and second show times, the sheer size of the theatres, dining rooms and common areas. Peak times (like the pre dinner hours) you will see lots of children with their parents. Not a problem at all. Parents did a nice job of minding their children. You can't blame them for their energy and excitement. Many areas with comfy chairs inside to read a magazine. Many outside either by the adult pools and on the level directly above.
Pools: kept at a pleasant temp. Kiddie pool very busy. They didn't seem to mind though.
Opportunity for character photos: plenty. Evening line ups were a little on the long side but well worth it for great memories.
Internet cafe: $ 39.99 unlimited 24 hr usage. Well worth it for 4 nights. Right next door a nice piano bar and lounge.
Lobbies: Beautifully appointed. Like a 4 or 5 star hotel. Grand piano played nightly. Ship designed and built by an Italian company. It shows in it's classic touches through out.
Concierge/front desk: Very helpful. No request or question was handled poorly. They certainly know customer service.
Info for first timers: Daily Navigators delivered to your room with oodles of info. Turn on your tv for info stations. Morning announcements over the PA system (yes right in your stateroom) re: weather, reminders and other pertinent info. Always knew what was going on. Good feeling for first timers.
Security: Safety drill showed organization. If a stateroom should have a fire, the detectors are hooked up to the main control area and they will call you to ask the status in your room. We were awakened one morning by a phone call because our room showed a problem of some sort. It was a false alarm. They apologized for interrupting our sleep. Getting on and off you must show photo I.D. and your key to the world card. They enter it into the computer as you leave and when you return. Great way of keeping track of who's coming anf going. Late at night when my teen was out and about, security patrolled the ship. Felt good to know this.
Weather: March 10 /02 Warm in the day 72-78 F, cool in the evenings. Some light rain which cleared. Sunny most days. Could get into your swim suit and shorts. Windy on upper deck.
Seas: calm to moderate. Only for the first night did we feel the motion might get to us, but you soon get accustomed to it. Took gravol just to be safe.
Staff/personnel: the majority are friendly and courteous. Some looked like college kids others looked seasoned. In the dining rooms many went out of their way to see that you were pleased.
FOOD, DINING, PROGRAMS AND CASTAWAY CAY WILL BE ON MY PART 2 REVIEW COMING SHORTLY.
Stateroom with verandah: plenty spacious. You will not feel cramped.
Entertainment and theatres: first class. For young and old. One night we had a Vegas comedian who was absolutely hilarious. The theatres are opulent. Wish badly, since they allow snacks and drinks to be purchased right outside the entrance, that popcorn would be available.
Palos: I would have liked to eat there every night. For anyone with an appreciation for fine food and service, you must book this restaurant. I did on our first day on, right after a quick bite at the beach blanket buffet and before the mandatory safety drill (3:30) and we had a choice of only the thurs. or fri. with a couple of avail. times. Sat and Sun were gone.
Spa: Like any first class spa. The reception area staff could have been a little more attentive and professional. Most of the staff here was between 20-25 yrs old. The range of services offered are pretty good. There is also a hair salon.
Gym: Well equipped. Could use less of their loud, tacky music. One morning took in a kick boxing class (8:00 am) Great instructor, lots of energy.
Gift shops: Well stocked. Even found much needed eye brow tweezers.
Space for peace and quiet: Although there were 2800 guests on board and an additional close to a thousand staff, you will not feel overwhelmed. This is due to the first and second seatings for dinner, the first and second show times, the sheer size of the theatres, dining rooms and common areas. Peak times (like the pre dinner hours) you will see lots of children with their parents. Not a problem at all. Parents did a nice job of minding their children. You can't blame them for their energy and excitement. Many areas with comfy chairs inside to read a magazine. Many outside either by the adult pools and on the level directly above.
Pools: kept at a pleasant temp. Kiddie pool very busy. They didn't seem to mind though.
Opportunity for character photos: plenty. Evening line ups were a little on the long side but well worth it for great memories.
Internet cafe: $ 39.99 unlimited 24 hr usage. Well worth it for 4 nights. Right next door a nice piano bar and lounge.
Lobbies: Beautifully appointed. Like a 4 or 5 star hotel. Grand piano played nightly. Ship designed and built by an Italian company. It shows in it's classic touches through out.
Concierge/front desk: Very helpful. No request or question was handled poorly. They certainly know customer service.
Info for first timers: Daily Navigators delivered to your room with oodles of info. Turn on your tv for info stations. Morning announcements over the PA system (yes right in your stateroom) re: weather, reminders and other pertinent info. Always knew what was going on. Good feeling for first timers.
Security: Safety drill showed organization. If a stateroom should have a fire, the detectors are hooked up to the main control area and they will call you to ask the status in your room. We were awakened one morning by a phone call because our room showed a problem of some sort. It was a false alarm. They apologized for interrupting our sleep. Getting on and off you must show photo I.D. and your key to the world card. They enter it into the computer as you leave and when you return. Great way of keeping track of who's coming anf going. Late at night when my teen was out and about, security patrolled the ship. Felt good to know this.
Weather: March 10 /02 Warm in the day 72-78 F, cool in the evenings. Some light rain which cleared. Sunny most days. Could get into your swim suit and shorts. Windy on upper deck.
Seas: calm to moderate. Only for the first night did we feel the motion might get to us, but you soon get accustomed to it. Took gravol just to be safe.
Staff/personnel: the majority are friendly and courteous. Some looked like college kids others looked seasoned. In the dining rooms many went out of their way to see that you were pleased.
FOOD, DINING, PROGRAMS AND CASTAWAY CAY WILL BE ON MY PART 2 REVIEW COMING SHORTLY.