As a recommendation from close friends we were convinced that this would be the prefect way to get "out feet wet" with cruising. Our friends had been on many cruises before this and certainly knew the ropes. What we found was endless lines of people for every event ranging from mandatory passport inspections, to dining (even with reservations), to entertainment, to going to our planned excursions. There was a total lack of organization.

There was obvious lack of respect for the captain evidenced by the crew and service people during the captain's morning announcements. Some were extremely important! However, you could certainly hear the announcements from Vincent the cruise director made several times a day.

All of the entertainment venues were so loud that they could not be enjoyed without earplugs or one would have to endure ringing in their ears or possible damage to their hearing. There appeared to be little consideration for the average age of the clientele on board when it came to the music that was blasted throughout the ship, while waiting for a performer or on the TV as background for the ships log etc. Read more