nekhabet Posted November 26, 2009 #1 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Well I've been home now for about ten days and the post cruise depression is starting to subside!! Time to write the review. I hope to give people who will be cruising for the first time a taste of what they can expect. Embarkation Very smooth with no hassles and relatively quick. As this was my first cruise I was in awe when I stepped into the Piazza for the first time. Stateroom - Riviera 618 This is a balcony stateroom. I spent a great deal of time enjoying the sights sound and smells of the ocean. I had a bird's eyeview of every island we passed. For me it was worth the extra expense. The room itself is ergonomic and well planned out. My partner and I were very comfortable. I would probabaly book a stateroom on the deck below this one next time. Sometimes there was noise from the horizon court above. Mostly the sounds of carts with wobbly wheels.:rolleyes: Food Never have I seen so much food in one place. Needless to say getting something to eat is never a problem. Quality was good - but not fantastic. The buffets were probably better than most land buffets. The main dining room was good too. I found Crown Grill a bit disappointing - I have had better steaks on land many times. Howeve, the service was good and the ambiance pleasant. I really enjoyed the pizza on the pool deck and the burger were pretty good too. My partner purchased an unlimited soda sticker but didn't feel she really got her moneys worth and says she probably won't bother next time. I opted for the coffee card and really enjoyed the specialty coffees at the International Cafe. Try the white and milk chocolate coffee - to die for. Entertainment There is always something going on. Comedians, jugglers, shows, trivia etc. etc. My only small complaint is that most things (eg Country Night) only happen an hour at a time. The cruise director staff seems to be constantly rushing to get through trivia and then line dancing and then the next thing and the next thing etc. Therefore people seem to be just getting into something and then it ends. Still there is lots for everyone to do and the CD staff really seem to want everyone to enjoy themselves. All in all this cruise was a fantastic experience an I would definately do it again and again. A few pieces of advice: - its true - you really don't need so many clothes - casino bar makes the best drinks - Bushwacker (alcoholic beverage) in St. Thomas is amazing - being polite in the islands (or anywhere for that matter) goes a very long way toward bridging cultural and economic differences Happy cruising!!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toto2Kansas Posted November 26, 2009 #2 Share Posted November 26, 2009 It sounds like you really enjoyed your first cruise. Thanks for taking the time to write a review! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CA Posted November 26, 2009 #3 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Congratulations on your first cruise... and review. Well done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shifra Posted November 26, 2009 #4 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Your cruise sounds great and I felt your excitement. Sounds like there will be many more cruises in your future.:D I still get excited every time I board a ship! Thanks for sharing :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colo Cruiser Posted November 26, 2009 #5 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Thanks for the review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caribensun Posted November 26, 2009 #6 Share Posted November 26, 2009 I appreciate you taking time to write your review and glad you want to go again. Thanks for the tips. Happy you had a good cruise, I am sure it is hard to be back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Infi Posted November 26, 2009 #7 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Thanks for the review - I always enjoy reading a first time cruiser's take. Glad to see you had such a nice time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palmist Posted November 26, 2009 #8 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Thanks for your review. We board in 8 days and your review will help us out. Can't wait to be on VACATION! Myrna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coolmama_1 Posted November 26, 2009 #9 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Great review. Sounds like you had a fabulous time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clutterlady Posted November 26, 2009 #10 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Thank you for the review and glad you enjoyed your first cruise! Now your hooked.....:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caribbean Sunsets Posted November 26, 2009 #11 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Thanks for the review. Try the Caribe Deck on your next cruise. You'll love the larger balcony! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nanfromatlanta Posted November 26, 2009 #12 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Thanks for the great review. We board on December 20th!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tak8 Posted November 26, 2009 #13 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Thanks for the review. You did it right starting with a 10 day cruise. I'll be on the Christmas saiing of the Ruby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubbadog Posted November 26, 2009 #14 Share Posted November 26, 2009 That was a good review,Glad you and your spouse had a great time,and sounds like you did well in your travels and meeting and interacting with the locals in the ports,now you have to figure out your next cruise,so that you dont suffer from PCD= post cruise depression lol:));):p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruise Rookey Posted December 2, 2009 #15 Share Posted December 2, 2009 We are about to embark on our first cruise during the Christmas season. Can you tell us a little about the islands you visited and whether you took the ship excursions or not. We are wondering also if there will be a lot of children on the Christmas Cruise (Ruby):cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.