Departing February 20th, my cruise was full capacity with a total of 3,994 passengers.

The weather was unseasonably cold in Florida and the Caribbean.  Mornings were cool enough to wear jackets but mid-day yielded enough sunshine to get a sunburn without sunscreen.

As usual, the food was plentiful and choices many. I can’t put my finger on it, but I was disappointed in the overall food service on this trip.  Improvements were seen as the week progressed and it appeared to me that by weeks end it all came together.

As for anytime dining,  didn’t like it. I was given the option to change it.  The problem with anytime dining is that your waiter and serving staff don’t get the chance to know your likes/dislikes.

Past cruisers know that by your second dining evening, your wait staff know what you drink, how much and what kind of bread you like, etc.   Although you can request your same table and staff for your anytime dining, there are no guarantees.  Formal night seemed less special, we did not meet or see the captain in our anytime dining room during our dinner. 

Early in the trip, only two coffee makers were working for a shipload of coffee drinking morning guests. 

Lines were extremely long and slow during fun days at sea. The passengers were at fault too, in my opinion due to lack of communication as to where to get what in the lines.

 The yogurt/ice cream stations were in the path of main traffic and many spilled trays happened there.

My kudos to  the staff,  can’t blame them for rude passengers. Tempers seemed shorter than normal, maybe it was the cold weather. While in the gift shop a short time, I couldn’t believe the abuse the staff received just because the ship store did not have certain products passengers wanted. 

My cabin Steward, Josep, was absolutely wonderful.  Seemed like everytime we made a mess in the cabin, he knew it and cleaned up immediately when we left. I still think his cabin was across from ours and every time we left he could hear us.  He was the highlight of our stay and I cannot say enough about his attention to detail.

The seas were not friendly during the night, most of shows experienced a rocking ship. One night, we had 60 knot winds over the bow accompanied with rain. I could not open my balcony door the rain and winds were so strong.  Most evenings it was a light on/off rain. 

Our days were beautiful and dry. 

Will I go again? Not necessarily on the newest ship, largest ship, to Mexican ports of call, or during February..but I  will be cruising the caribbean again for sure. 

 I still have lots of stories to tell about this one.