Off the Triumph last week

[Life's a Beach!!]

We had a group of 16 family members traveling...

Stayed at the Hilton Miami Downtown prior to our cruise and it was fantastic. We opened our curtains Sunday morning to see "our ship" awaiting our arrival. We arrived at port around 10:30 and were able to check in and we were on the Lido deck by 11:30. It was priceless to see all the smiles around us!! We were able to get in our rooms by 2:00. My family was in 8232 Balcony room. It was perfect. We explored the ship and anticipated the rest of the week with excitement.

Ok, I am not going to get into what we ate and where we ate...just the major points.

First day at sea the weather was perfect. We relized the first morning it is survival of fittest getting your chairs on deck. My sisters and I would let the kids sleep in while we hung out with our coffees. You really need to be on deck by 7:00 a.m. to get chairs and STAY THERE. It was amazing the amount of arguments around us over those that saved chairs and left to come back and find other people there.

The day flew by with lots of laughter and fun!

Day 2: Ochos Rios:

Port looks like a factory town. Not what I expected. My mom, husband and 2 daughters decided to go to the Dunn Falls. My sisters and their families went in another direction. Getting off the ship was a nightmare. People crammed at the exits trying to get out. My 76 yr old mother was almost knocked over many times. I would suggest hanging on the lido deck for a while and then get off. We headed to the Falls. Ask in advance the prices as you will see a big diffence among tour groups. The Falls were awesome to climb. We took some great pictures with my daughters underwater digital camera. My 11 year old's quote: Made it to the top and did not chip a nail!!

When leaving the falls be sure to go out the same way you came in. The crazy, pushy vendors are to the right and I heard horror stories on board.

Our driver took us to a lovely shopping area near Margaritaville on the right. It was great and my girls were able to make some nice purchases. From there we walked back to the ship. Ladies would grab my 11 yr. old and try to braid her hair, then charge me. I could not get on the ship fast enough.

Next day were arrived in Grand Cayman. My sister and her family and my family went to 7 mile beach. It was just beautiful. We hung out, walked the beach and rented jet skies. Relaxing and fun.

Back onto the ship at the end of day with a tint to the skin.

Next day at sea: Up early to get the deck chairs. Our waiter was fantastic. 2 of the hot tubs closed w/ no explanation. Rather disappointing. The other thing I will comment on is the fact the staff never took away lunch trays. Everytime I went to the towel area I would remove overflowing trays. All without a gratuity to me!! I did not complain, just mentioned it to the staff and still the trays would sit for hours. I was a bit surprise about that.

Off the Cozumel: My family took off to do the Royal Swim w/ the Dolphins. This was an amazing experience. The pictures and the video are priceless. To those that choose to do this you will not be disappointed. Just remember to negotiate the price for the pictures. The rest of my family did an all inclusive resort ( the name escapes me). They had a fantastic time as well. Cozumel was gorgeous the people were just as beatiful.

Our final day at sea was warm, breezy and sad...our vacation is almost over. :(

We all had a blast.

One note on the food: If you do not see it on the menu and want something...just ask. My 11 year old wanted to try escargot and it never was on the menu. I mentioned this to our waiter and surprised her the last evening!

If anyone has any questions please ask away. To those that are heading out, have fun and make room for my family in your suitcase!

[aloha09]

The review was great! Quick and to the point, yet elaborating in all the right spots. I can't wait. DH and I will be on the triumph (first cruise) in 18 days. Again, thanks for the review :o

[habby]

Life's A Beach!,

 

Please tell me about music on the Lido Deck, if you can.

[Life's a Beach!!]

The music on the Liddo is Peter Framton, Eagles etc...Live concerts on the Big Screen. FUN!:o

[chukeee]

Thanks for the review! I'll be there with you Aloha, can't wait! How was the entertainment?

[MonaCK]

Thank you so much for the review! Looking forward to seeing the ship myself in just 10 short days! :)

[Life's a Beach!!]

We went to most of the shows. All were entertaining. LOVED the hypmotist (did I spell that right?). We almost did not go the the last night. We ended up popping in and it was hysterical. I have been to many all inclusive resorts so I thought there would be more entertainment or have an entertainment team on the liddo deck. This is not the case. Not a biggie, just different from my past land resorts. The game shows were corny, but fun. My husband was picked and won the 14 carat gold plastic ship on a stick. Now proudly sitting in my living room.

I would say try to hit all the shows.

[LemurCat]

The music on the Liddo is Peter Framton' date=' Eagles etc...Live concerts on the Big Screen. FUN!:o[/quote']

 

Did they play "Free Bird"?:D

[Life's a Beach!!]

Did they play "Free Bird"?:D

of course!

[shellpu]

Thanks for this review! We are sailing in just a few weeks on the Triumph. We are actually going to be in cabin 8229, our first time with a balcony. How did you like your cabin?:)

[Life's a Beach!!]

We loved the location of the cabin. A quick run up the stairs to the lido deck. Would never cruise without a balcony. Spent many mornings out there in my pajamas watching the sunrise. Enjoy!!

[chukeee]

We are on the lido deck in a balcony, 9225. I hope it's a good location.

I've heard alot of good things about the hypnotist. Sounds like fun. How would you go about getting someone picked for this show? We have a guy in our group who is somewhat reserved, but swears since this is his first cruise that he will participate in the fun if he is chosen. Would love to make that happen:p

[cruisernh]

Wow thanks. The music sounds awesome. Did you do anything in grand cayman

[kmills]

Great review. We are on the ship on 2/1 and can not wait. Have a group of 32 couples going, it should be a blast.

You made me even more exicited (if that could be) when you said Peter Frampton and the Eagles!!!!!

In my Currents magazine last week they had an article on the magicians on the Triumph, what was their show like?

Thanks again.

[kiraryker]

Thanks for the review!!

 

We will be on the Triumph in March with 2 other families - did they have entertainment for the kids?

 

What did the ship look like? Nice shape? This will be a frist cruise for the other 2 families and I am hoping they will be impressed as it was my idea to do a cruise with everyone.

 

What kinda movies did they show on the outdoor theatre and did they have popcorn?

 

Great review

[thomasale]

We are going on a family cruise with about the same number only eastern Carib. I prefer that itinerary and am looking forward to it. Glad you enjoyed!

[kiraryker]

We are going on a family cruise with about the same number only eastern Carib. I prefer that itinerary and am looking forward to it. Glad you enjoyed!

 

 

Hey we will be on your ship!!!!! Can't wait!!!!! - I am looking forward to the sea days - our last cruise we were at port everyday

 

Hope you guys have a great time & us too!!!!

[jjgoo]

thanks for the review.

[Life's a Beach!!]

Wow thanks. The music sounds awesome. Did you do anything in grand cayman

In Grand Cayman we went to 7 mile beach (which is only 5 miles!!) and hung out in our chairs. My daughter and I rented a jet ski and that was a blast. Nice relaxing inexpensive day. I loved Grand Cayman!!

[Life's a Beach!!]

Thanks for the review!!

 

We will be on the Triumph in March with 2 other families - did they have entertainment for the kids?

 

What did the ship look like? Nice shape? This will be a frist cruise for the other 2 families and I am hoping they will be impressed as it was my idea to do a cruise with everyone.

 

What kinda movies did they show on the outdoor theatre and did they have popcorn?

 

Great review

 

The ship was very nice and appeared to be in good shape. I was a bit disappointed there were not any kids activities on the Lido. I have done lots of all inclusives and found it endless non stop activity. Do not worry as they will still have fun. I did not see the movies as we were usually elsewhere in the evenings (losing $$ at the casino)...Yes, they had popcorn for, I think, 2.50/bag. Have a blast. Sure wish I was looking forward to instead of just having memories!!

[Rabbitlady]

Does the Triumph have the big screen outside? I wasn't sure if it had been put on this ship.

What kinds of things do they show? Movies, videos, etc??

Rabbitlady

[LPDTactical]

The Triumph does have the seaside theater. I didn't watch a whole lot of it, but they showed some movies at night. Early in the mornings they had the news on which was kind of nice. During the sea days, during the day they had concerts playing. It was pretty cool.

[Rabbitlady]

Thanks.............I am loving all this info about the Triumph.

 

Rabbitlady

Triumph bound to Quebec for 9 Days/ June2009

[samiam0403]

We are on the lido deck in a balcony, 9225. I hope it's a good location.

I've heard alot of good things about the hypnotist. Sounds like fun. How would you go about getting someone picked for this show? We have a guy in our group who is somewhat reserved, but swears since this is his first cruise that he will participate in the fun if he is chosen. Would love to make that happen:p

 

I've been on the Triumph twice now with Asad, the hypnotist. He is AWESOME! If you want your friend to get picked, he'll need to sit close to the stage. Asad will call for volunteers to come up on stage, and there is a RUSH to get up there. Your friend will need to be sober though...:D Both times I've seen him, he's done 2 shows per 7 night cruise. One PG rated, one R rated. And both get 2 HUGE thumbs up from me. :D Have fun, enjoy, and have someone follow your friend into the bathroom after he gets hypnotized. :eek: And of course, post the details.