feb 19 Opera western caribbean sailing

[beardie91]

;) We just returned from the 19th February sailing and shared a wonderful experience.

 

Generally a very successful and enjoyable experience with only a few detractors.

 

The food was delicious and served well by the wait staff. Lots of choice from the daily menu and also with choices that were available every day - salmon, prime rib, caesar salad. The formal restaurants both had very pleasant decor. we were lucky to be at the window in L'approdo. If this menu does not suit, then you can go to the patio deck to the buffet there. Be advised that it is not a typical American buffet but there is a good selection of food - enough to gain weight on - and it is also very tasty. Pizza and hamburger lovers can get their fixes on the patio deck. As well there are thematic buffets offered at lunch and at midnight. NO WAY can you go hungry. Breakfasts and lunches can also be had from a menu at the formal restaurants though these seemed to be used less than the buffet. There was also an afternoon tea each day in one of the lounges

 

We found our cabin (inside on the 10th deck) to be very functional - lots of closet space, a safe, a desk and a very clean, very functional bathroom albeit with a small shower stall. But we stayed clean. Our cabin attendant, MOISE, was courteous and fullfilled all of our needs. The sink always was wiped clean of water drops. Generally the staff was polite, friendly and extremely accommodating.

 

The entertainment in the theatre was top notch and presented well. the only detractor there was that the hostess gave the same introduction in FIVE LANGUAGES -English, French, Italian, German and Spanish. Nice touch but a bit lengthy. The good thing is that it only happened at the begining of the show and the show went on without interruption. The casino was a popular place for many with both winners (whiners) and losers.

 

The animation crew had lots of activities planned at the poolside and also in the various lounges - fun, sometimes silly and a tad loud for many of us - but we did get used to it. Dancing was good especially in the cotton club. The disco was fine too but the music was kind of techno style with the same repetitive beat - great for the younger crowd!! and open late!

 

Shore excursions were readily available and a bit expensive, and there were tours available from the locals at the ports. We took a taxi tour in Roatan which lasted three hours - the cost:US $20 per person. Look for a driver called George - TAXI number 080 - fluent English, lots of info and willing to stop for a beer (less than $1.00) He took us on a tour of the complete eastern and western ends for this low price.

 

We would certainly entertain thoughts of travelling on this ship/ cruise line again. We are used to the European experience and appreciate the food and ambience of this ship - though it was not for everyone. The smaller passenger size was appealing to us. Disembarking went quite smoothly and we were back at the airport at Fort Lauderdale by 9:30 leaving plenty of time to check in for our flight home. This was our first cruise on BIG ship and have no comparisons to make with the other major lines. Our only other cruise was down the Yangtze on a smaller river ship.

 

G courtney

[EXBRIT]

Did you disembark with American passports? Did you notice a long line for the non-american passport holders?

[beardie91]

We are Canadians and so we went to the non-US line. No problem - just a few people ahead of us though we were the second last group to get off the ship. That may have helped us a bit .

 

Cheers

 

Enjoy your trip

[beardie91]

Jackie

 

i just noticed you are from Omeemee. Pass by quite often on the way to peterborough

 

You'll be happy to leave the snow for a bit. It was a shock for us to get back to it.

 

Gloria

[graham uk]

Hi there - thanks for taking the time to share your experience. I'm onboard soon and really looking forward to it. Cheers - happy cruising