Just Returned Today!! - Vision 1/15 Review (kinda long)

[capnlars]

Review and miscellaneous ramblings:

 

Folks - this is long. Day 1 especially since there's lots of first impressions.

Just off Vision today. Had a wonderful cruise. We now understand why Vision wins Service Awards within RCI all the time. We've been on 4 other RCI cruises in the last year on Monarch (3) and Mariner. We normally get an OS, but stayed in RS once on the Monarch. The easiest way to describe the Vision - it's like the Mariner and the Monarch mated and had a child. A litte bigger than Monarch, but it holds less people. For example, the cabin was very much the same as Monarch, but the bathroom was like the Mariner. What really made this ship was the crew and staff that we met. School is "in", so there weren't many kids on board. On average, it was an older crowd than we've sailed with before - mostly 40s-50s couples. Not very much rowdiness and we found the experience nice. We met folks from all over the country, Canada, and UK. There's 4 time-changes during the cruise - two forward, two back.

 

Sunday - Day 1

 

Things were kind of a mess at San Pedro. The Summit was at Vision's normal berth and the parking lot was closed. We had to drop off our luggage, exit the port area, park under Vincent Bridge, and take a shuttle to the ship - thinking what a pain this will be on return. The Vision was berthed at the older terminal, which really is not set up well. There were some issues with computers, lots of returning staff, and other things, so we could not board until about 1:10pm. There were a lot of people waiting at this point and some were not very happy; giving staff a really hard time. We were the first group to board after the folks who needed assistance. The whole boarding process was NOT the usual, so don't expect this as being normal. Good news was - we didn't have to wait to get into our cabin! Stopped in the dining room on the way to our room, and found our table (requested and received table for 2), in the center of the dining room, about 15 feet from the Captain's table.

 

We had stateroom 8000, an OS on the port side, first cabin in front. Our hallway only connected to 3 OS's and the bridge, so there was no traffic or noise from the hallway. The room was great!!! Over 500 sq ft, scads of closet and drawer space. Balcony is next to the outside bridge extension, so we could see what was going on when the crew was "driving" from there. Talked to bridge officers every day and even the Captain a couple of times while having coffee. Cabin was divided into 2 areas. The living room was on the outside, and had an L-shaped sofa/sofabed, a couple of chairs, coffee table, corner tables, dining table, and entertainment center/bar/storage area. There was a Bose surround sound system, along with TV, HiFi VCR, and DVD unit. You could order DVDs and VCRs from the room steward. There was about 100 titles, split evenly between VCR and DVD. You can hook up your MP3 player, to the Bose if you have a cable with RCA Phono type cable ends. The bedroom area had a queen size bed (not two beds pushed together), drawers, makeup area, and closets. A larger TV was in the bedroom area. Bathroom had marble top sinks, plenty of storage, jacuzzi tub, separate stand-up shower with glass door, bidet, toilet and phone. A basket of nice amenities and bathrobes were provided. There were shampoo dispensers for the bath tub and in the shower. I like that so I can take the whole bottle of shampoo they provide, and the smell takes be back to the cruise when I shampoo at home after the vacation. The hotel manager had sent a plate of fruit, and there were welcome letters from different departments and Crown and Anchor Platinum books. There were also priority tender tickets for use at our first port. Tux that was rented for the trip was delivered to the room - this is a great service that I highly recommend. Next to us on one side is the bridge, other side was a nice couple on their first cruise who were also travelling by themselves. Unfortunately, 2 down was a VERY loud family of 5 - complete with kids throwing stuff off the balcony. Our neighbors would run to their room if they saw the other family at the pool so they could nap in peace. We could only hear them if both cabins had the balconies open. Our room steward was Ray, from Costa Rica. Ray ROCKS!!!! He is head of all the room stewards, and also is the m.c. at the towel folding demonstration. We enjoyed his service as well as his person.

 

Headed up to the Windjammer for lunch. Very convenient, the Windjammer was up one flight of stairs from our room. We bought the drink of the day, blinking light glasses and all. Continuing our tradition, we bought the next 2 people in line a drink - asking in return they pick other people they don't know and do the same sometime on the cruise. This came back to us later.

 

For you Splenda folks - RCI now has it. Bad news is that it is very popular and by the last day was very hard to find; I'm sure that will change. Windjammer food was good. We did notice and overall improvement in food quality on this trip, both in the Dining Room and Windjammer. After lunch, we started at the top (Viking Crown) and worked our way to the bottom of the ship, exploring. Viking Crown becomes a disco at 10:30 - we did not spend time there. On other ships, that's ur favorite place for quiet late-night drinks. Checked out all of the public rooms and lounges. There's an extremely well-stocked library. Normal show, bars, and other public places.

The lifeboat drill was possibly the quickest we've ever done. There at 4:25, back in cabin by 4:45. I was surprised at the number of people who did not show up. Each muster station captain started calling out rooms of people who weren't there to make sure they didn't miss anyone. I could hear ours and the one next to us. There were probably 6 or 7 cabins between the two that did not show. These people received a bright yellow nasty-gram on their door and had to attend a "private" drill later or have a shortened cruise (we're nosy and had to read one). We went back to our cabin and watched the Summit glide by, and then we were on our way too.

 

We did all dinners except one in the main Dining Room. Our waiter was Sam from Indonesia, assisted by Budjhi from India. Our headwaiter was Erik from Peru. There was another assistant waiter, who had tables on either side of us, that would also take care of us. I know it was outside of his responsibility, and made the point to Erik as well as tipped him the last evening also. Usually when we have a table for 2 we are finished dinner earlier than most. Since we really like the Loving Cup after-dinner shots, we met the bar guy, told him we'd be getting the drinks each night, and pre-tipped $10. Since we already had an embarrasingly-large collection of the metal Loving Cups at home, he said he'd bring in regular drink glasses for the rest of the trip. These drinks got larger every night, until the final night when they were the equivalent of about 4 or 5 shots. We were wondering why we seemed to be getting a lot of personalized service, and the headwaiter told us that he knew we were in an OS. He said it's a little competition amongst the dining staff who gets the RS and OS people and that "he knew where we lived!". The excellent service continued throughout the voyage.

 

Went to the casino for the evening. Overall for the cruise, Nancy came out a few 100 ahead, and I was just a little above breaking even. The dealers were all very friendly, and I saw a couple really "helping out" at the blackjack table. There were no separate smoking and non-smoking groups of playing tables. I did notice a blackjack table that was non-smoking between another blackjack table that was smoking and a 3-card Poker table that was smoking. There was a pretty rude pax at one of the tables I played. He was doing quite badly and when another passenger tipped the dealer, he said very loudly "she doesn't deserve any g/d tip at all". Three other people at the table, in addition to myself, made a show of giving her a tip as if on queue - and he left. I just hate when I see the "rude American turist" thing. Other than that it was a great crowd, and I met probably 10 other players that I would talk to each evening there. Very friendly group.

 

Monday - Day at Sea

 

We just love cruises that start and end with days at sea. Slept in and had breakfast in the dining room. Our headwaiter told us the night before that we should request a table for 2 at breakfast of lunch if desired, and they would accomodate us. The menu does not change from breakfast, but it's quite a bit nicer than Windjammer. Spent the morning exploring and enjoying the balcony in the sun.

 

Our Meet and Mingle get together was at 12:15 in Viking Crown. It was fun again to meet people we had corresponded with. Our group was not very active online, though. They gave away some stuff and we sat around and talked. The Vision had come out of drydock the previous week, and did a 3 day cruise before resuming its normal schedule. One of the group had also been on the 3-day, which was apparently quite rowdy, and he told us some stories.

 

Cheese and crackers were delivered to the room in the afternoon. Most of the afternoon was spent on the balcony. Nancy got adventurous and went to the beginning rock-wall class. The instructors there were incredible. They made sure everyone in the group made it to the top, coaching and encouraging for the whole climb. First one in her group up was a Grandma who was around 60. The whole deck cheered when she rang the bell at the top. Nancy was last, and all the people in the group stayed after their climb to encourage the others. It was really cool to see the boost in self-confidence in these people when they made it to the top.

 

Dinner again at the dining room. Didn't have to ask for Iced Tea or after-dinner coffee any more.

 

Tuesday - Cabo San Lucas

 

Filled out a room service breakfast request and hung on our door the night before for our wake-up call. Asked for 8:30-9:00. At exactly 8:30, the phone rang with someone informing us that breakfast had just left and was on its way to our cabin. We ate and watched the approach into Cabo. Room service was ok, not a lot more.

 

Arrived around 10:30am in Cabo. The ship pulls in the port, past the arch into the bay. It was just beautiful to watch. We booked the Whale Watching excursion through the ship. We met with our group in a lounge and were escorted to the tender boat. Being kind of at the beginning of whale season, we were pretty lucky to spot some on our tour. There were only 50 people in the group, and the boat held 150 - so it was not crowded at all. The guide talked about Cabo history and whales and was very informative.

 

After the tour we walked into town and stopped at Cabo Wabos. The Lobster Tacos are to die for!!! Too early for us to start drinking, and when we were there the main bar part was not open yet. Did a little shopping and headed back to the ship. The whole tender thing was fine for us - we didn't spend time waiting and enjoy the ride. You get a perspective of the ship riding the tender that you can't get otherwise.

 

We went to see the show (unusual for us). Before the show started, they paraded in the little kids Adventure group - all marching and singing in unison. They got up on stage and did a little show for us. It was very cute.

 

Before the show started, the bar-people were hawking drinks. One walks up to us, calls us by name (first and last) saying how happy he was to see us again. I did not remember who he was. Turns out, he mixed the drinks we bought for the people when we first boarded, Francis. Francis thought the buying of the drinks was the coolest thing he's seen a passenger do and he'd been looking for us to tell us so. Any time we saw him after that, there was a big "Hello", and he'd tell whoever he was working with what happened.

 

Headliner was 2 juggler/comedians named Wilde and Haines. These guys were terrific. However, the kid they "volunteered" from the audience to participate stole the show. Part of the act involved a 6 foot unicycle that Wilde rode. After leaving Cabo, we were heading due east, with the sea swell parallel to the ship's path. Needles to say...."the tiny ship was tossed...if not for the courage of the fearless crew....." Juggling the machetes on the unicycle was pretty darn impressive, let alone under these conditions.

 

The ship was rocking pretty well that night - I love it and slept like a baby. We did hear some people saying the motion was a bit too much for them. There were a lot of people with patches.

 

Wednesday - Mazatlan

 

Pulled in to the port first thing in the morning and had breakfast in the Windjammer.

 

We had read some really good reviews about Randi's Happy Horses and booked her tour. I CAN NOT RECOMMEND THIS ENOUGH!!! We were in port with a Princess ship, and the tour was pretty much split with people from each. After meeting at the pier, we were put in transportation to a little marina. "Transportation" is defined as a flat-bed truck with a benches along the sides for the 5 minute trip. At the marina, we were put on small boats (life vest mandatory). These boats made the first "transportation" seem luxurious. After crossing the bay to the island, we were put on a cart that was pulled by a tractor to the stables. We all had a blast, and were laughing and joking about our various means of transport. We arrived at the horses, and were welcomed to the owner's house to meet his family. This is the real people of Mexico. Many of the group had been on this excursion before, including a couple from Princess that were on their 35th time. We rode the horses down the beach, and it was fantastic. They will give you a horse that matches your experience level (in our case - none). More experienced riders were galloping down the beach, we would catch up. Everyone had a great time. Tony and the others that escorted us really love their work and the horses - and it really shows. After the ride, we went to Vincent's for lunch. Although it's not really a restaurant (which implies walls and a roof, to me) we had one of the best meals ever. The "kitchen", is a large grill and a single skillet - from which they fed about 30 people quite well. We had coconut shrimp and garlic shrimp - each $11. Randi buys the first beer/soda, and comes to talk with everyone who was in the group. Back to the ship in the same fashion as arriving, and we did some shopping in the market next to the port.

 

Thursday - Puerto Vallarta

 

The ship pulled in to PV as the sun rose over the mountains. This is a small port, and the entrance of the ship was pretty dramatic. Had a quick breakfast, and headed down to the pier for our excursion. We had booked the San Sebastian Cultural Tour by Air. ANOTHER MAJOR RECOMMENDATION!!! When we got downstairs, we were informed that the tour was delayed by an hour, so we walked around the port shopping area. Unlike any of the other shopping areas we'd encountered on this trip - the shop people were very pushy. Heard several people complaining about this. We did buy a couple of little things and went back to the cabin to wait.

 

There were 8 of us from the ship who went on this excursion. We were taken to the PV airport for a 25 minute flight to San Sebastian. We met 3 people who were joining us who were staying at the hotel next to the port. We wondered why when they said the cruise ships leaving each night were so entertaining and noisy. We found out later, read on. At the airport we were introduced to our guide. We were then taken to the plane. People see this tour and think "scary little airplane". In fact, it is a single-engine turbo-prop 2001 Cessna Grand Caravan. This is million-dollar-plus aircraft and is quite safe. The plane has wings above the cabin for a better view and the passenger windows were modified (larger and slightly protruding from fuselage) for sight-seeing. Two of us in the group were pilots. I asked if I could sit in the co-pilot seat for the flight over and the pilot said OK. We took off, flew over the port and ship, starting inland up the mountains. He asked me if I'd like to fly (dumb question to ask any pilot) and handed over the controls. He told me to "level out at 5,500 feet and go through the v in the mountains ahead". At 5,500 feet, we were about 300 feet above the trees, with mountain above us on both sides going through the pass. It was just magnficent. I had my "fix" and handed the plane back over. We flew by waterfalls and through valleys with views that were just breathtaking. We circled San Sebastian once, made sure there were no cows on the "runway", and landed at the small strip. The aircraft-carrier approach was a little unsettling for the non-pilots - but the hills surrounding the airport pretty much mandate it. No one felt that they were in any danger. I thought it was pretty much the best planeride I'd been on. We first toured an old hacienda that was first made to process silver from the mines. Great history lesson from our tourguide. This is part of Mexico hardly anyone from the outside will see. We then toured a coffee producer. This was a family operation, and again we were welcomed to the house, meeting children and pets. Watched them roasting, literally by the bucketful, beans. Next, we were taken closer to town for lunch. Hand-made tortillas, fresh everything - best Mexican meal we've ever experienced. No Tagamet needed. After lunch we went into the town and were given a short time to wander and explore. It was fascinating. We walked through an old church, explored the cobble-stone roads, and watched as the town prepared for a 10-day fiesta that was starting that evening. To the plane for our return, and a quick flight back. The other pilot sat up front and flew part of that leg. A great memory for all of us.

 

We were so exhausted after we got back to the ship at 4:30, we slept through dinner!! Went up to the Windjammer. We'd never done Windjammer for dinner and were a little surprised at how nice it was. They were taking people's trays to the table, coming around with carts of drinks and desserts, and lots of guys in uniforms asking to make sure we were happy. Went back to the balcony for sailaway. This is when we found out what the people in the hotel were talking about. There were fireworks going off from the shore. Every time there was a big fireworks explosion, they would blow the ship's whistle. This went on for quite some time, everyone on the balconies and deck wide-eyed and laughing. The crew next to us on the bridge were really getting into it - it was a lot of fun.

 

Friday - At Sea

 

For us - sea day is "balcony day" and we did little else. Sailed by an extremely large group of dolphins. They were jumping around the ship and we could see them swimming underneath and back. I got some great video footage of 3 jumping just under our balcony. We got about a 5 minute show, just another part of the wonder. Went to the Crown and Anchor Platinum/Diamond reception. Schmoozed with some staff. Francis the barman was there, and he came by and talked with us again for some time.

 

Saturday - At Sea

 

Last day. Sad day. Again, spent most of the day on the balcony. Saw some whale spouts, but they were not close and you really couldn't see anything else. Did some shopping, talked with new friends we've met, not a lot more.

 

At dinner, said the good-bye's to the people that treated us so well.

 

Sunday - The End

 

Debarkation started slow, but then moved along OK. They called people who were taking their own luggage just after 8. They called our color (white) and red about 8:20. We got stopped up just before getting off the ship in the lobby; then the line moved fairly quickly to immigration. Normal questions - where were you born, what do you do, what highway do you take home (not kidding).....and we were done. Bags were in different rooms by color - plenty of porters to help. We thought that having to park offsite was going to be a hassle on return. As it turned out, the porter loaded our bags into the waiting shuttle which left right away. The shuttle driver then loaded our bags into our car instead of just dropping us off - and we were on the road towards home.

 

This was a great trip, with great excursions, people, places, and service. We thought maybe having been on Mariner, that the Vision would not be as good. As we've found out, each ship has its own "personality" and its own "experience". We've enjoyed our times on Mariner, Monarch, and now Vision. While onboard, we booked an 11-day "Exotic Caribbean" on the Empress, which is about one-half the size of Vision.

[catzatsea]

Thanks for the review capnlers!! I am still reading although If you dont mind I have a quick question....:p

 

 

What ship did you do your whale watching on in Cabo???

 

Thanks

[wolfcathorse]

Who was your captain? Capt Kjetil or Capt George?

[capnlars]

Catzatsea - I don't know the name of the boat, but it was the shore excursion through RCI.

 

Wolfcathorse - Capt. Kjetil

[merrysunshine320]

Wow, thanks for the terrific post!! I'll be sailing on the Vision on March 12 and I can't wait. Reading your discussion of the horse ride in Mazatlan makes me want to try it. It sounds like a lot of fun.

 

Thank you for helping me to envision what the cruise will be like (although I'll be in a much smaller room than yours, ha ha!).

[capnlars]

I made the following mistakes in my post:

 

Our Assistant Waiter was named Biju.

Lunch during Randi's Happy Horses tour was at Victor's

Erik the headwaiter is from Chile

 

Larry

 

Merrysunshine - you'll love Randi's if you do it. It's a half-day tour - you are back at the ship before 2pm. If you want they'll drop you in the bigger shopping area and you can find your own way back to the ship.

[robinm]

capnlars, Do you recall what nights were the Formal nights, as we will be there in March?

[capnlars]

Robin - Formal nights were Monday and Friday.

[robinm]

Thanks for the info. Looking forward to a great time!

Thanks

[catzatsea]

Catzatsea - I don't know the name of the boat, but it was the shore excursion through RCI.

 

Wolfcathorse - Capt. Kjetil

 

 

It didnt happen to be the "Tall Historical Ship" by any chance???

[capnlars]

No - Nancy remembered that the name of the boat was Oceanus. It's a multi-purpose vessel used for snorkel, snuba, kayaking, etc.

[LetmeCurise]

Larry,

Excelent, Excelent review...

Thanks for the time you put into writing it.

I have to say you and Nancy are just like Evelyn and myself.

 

Every cruise we have been on,

We always buy the next 2 people at the Bar a drink, and ask them to "pay it foward"

Hence do the same for others....

 

Glad you had a wonderful cruise.

Can't wait till ours.

Question i have is, Was room service items limited, or were you able to have full breakfasts delivered..?

[LetmeCurise]

Just wondering about room service ...?

[SueOverend]

Larry - we're about to book OS 8000 for next January, but have one question. We're from the UK and here a Queen Size bed is 5 ft wide which is a bit small for us. It's difficult to tell from the pictures. Is it 5 ft wide or 6 ft wide. Many thanks for the great pictures and review. Sue

[dobelover]

Great review, Thank you.

 

 

 

Sue

[capnlars]

Sorry I didn't answer a couple of these earlier - this thread fell off my subscribed list.....

 

Dale and Evelyn - It is a limited menu for room service. Unfortunately I don't remember what the choices were. It's the same room service menu as on all the ships I think - and I've seen menus somewhere on the web.

 

SueOverend - I'm not really sure - but I'd bet on 5'. There's also a sofa bed that's about the same size. Unlike some of the OSs we've been in, it is a one-piece bed. Some of the others we've seen were 2 singles pushed together.