First, in checking in the ship, it seemed a bit frantic for us first-timers, but hang in there. Everyone there was so helpful- passengers and staff. Just ask them. For your carryon, don’t bring a wheeled-pilot case, it was just too big. Try to stick with an over the shoulder bag for ease in the crowds.
Once you board, they’ll welcome you very cheerfully with a complimentary boarding cocktail (made us feel real special) then they start with asking you to buy “special things”. . We did purchase the wine at the start, and weren’t ever sure if we could have ordered it elsewhere, but it was nice to get it out of the way. Their selection was vast and very reasonable. The best part was it was chilled, and waiting for us when we sat for dinner each night!
The food was great, and very plentiful. We did not use the dining rooms for breakfast or lunch since the Wind Jammer was more casual and had GREAT views. The staff in the WindJammer was superb, very attentive and always cheerful- many of the same dining room waiters worked there (just different uniforms, same great service). . At lunch, we frequently got a plate to bring to the deck as we basked in the sun, and they will take your plate back for you as well.
I would recommend purchasing the “soda card” (about $19 for the 3 day cruise) – it was a real bargain. As for the other drinks, they can really add up. The “drink of the day” is usually the best “deal” if you want a tropical flavor (i.e. Bahama Mama’s, Margarita, Mango Cooler). . Just ask what it is if you haven’t read your Compass Newsletter yet. Each bar had varying prices on the same drink and their glass sizes varied, so remember where you got your favorite and go back there; you can wander anywhere. When they have the trays of some drink and they offer it to everyone, please realize it may be one of the pricier drinks and just looks the “coolest”. . Also, don’t put your sodas and waters in your stateroom under the bed, etc to get more space - they charge you for them if they can’t find them in there.
The lounges were nice, but sometimes very smoky. We really enjoyed the Viking Lounge (day or night) for spectacular views and a more romantic setting. Their evening guitar player was really good. The Schooner was neat looking but very smoky at times. It had an awesome piano player that was great. One lounge had a really good Latin Dance Band – not real crowded either. The other lounges seemed dark to us…but others really liked them.
We also found that Coco Cay had to be cancelled due to bad weather. The captain went into Nassau early so it worked out really well. But there were many alternative programs on board, and my husband and I welcomed the chance to hang out, read by the pool, and they added “new activities” just as soon as Coco Cay was cancelled – very professional. A cooking class was really neat. We also explored the ship a bit more, and found lovely areas to bask in the fresh air (out of the wind as well). . The library was beautiful and a nice place to relax as well.
We did not go into Nassau until late Sunday just to see….but it was a bit seedy in places- stay in the main tourist area and you’re fine. Please listen to Karin (the shopping guide with the presentation the first day), as she knew where to go and not go. When in port, be prepared to be bombarded with taxis/scooter/hair braiders non-stop, and watch what they promise you– one guest was - into a nature tour by the taxi driver who took them to one spot only. We mostly did our what we wanted – relax- and didn’t get into the excursions, which were a bit pricey.
At the formal dinner, there will be several “stages” to get your pictures taken at. We walked away, and missed it since we weren’t reading our “Compass” for the times. The pictures to purchase (viewed in the Photo Gallery on the last night for purchase around $20) were really nice and we wished we had done that. When you sit at the pool, don’t forget to take your towels back to your room, as they say they charge if you don’t turn it back in. Also watch the wind around the deck – I laid a shirt on a chair and luckily caught it before it went into the Caribbean.
For clothes, resort wear is the ticket, but don’t forget a light sweater for the evenings- as it can be rather windy up on deck at night. If possible, try to bring as many hanging clothes as possible since the closet is normal size and there is very little drawer/flat space (except under the bed) to store your suitcase. The bathroom has plenty of shelf space. Leave your hair dryer at home; theirs is fine for a few days. The formal night even for a 3-day is quite formal. Lots of suits and long dresses so don’t think 3-day does it any less special.
As for seasickness, I thought I could handle it as I normally do. But sitting in the front of the ship (Windjammer) when there are high seas isn’t a good idea. If you aren’t sure how you’ll do, don’t test it by going to the front of the ship, the back seemed much steadier. A lot of people had the patches on, and I never really saw anyone sick at all (except maybe from too many Bahama Mamas the night before). .
The only thing I was not thrilled with was the assigned dinner seats. Although you always know you have a seat, a language barrier between our table (no other English speaking guests) prevented any conversation. We could have asked to be moved, but we did not want to offend our dinner companions. If you want to eat alone your only option is the WindJammer; although we never did this for dinner. We were told it was really nice. Also, if you get an interior stateroom, it is odd to wake up in the complete darkness. Without going out, it is hard to tell if it is day or night. This didn’t bother my husband but I found it really messed up my internal time clock to not wake up to some daylight.
Events that were quite fun were the Art Auction (free champagne, great art host), Battle of the Sexes, Captain’s Reception (they really treat you like royalty), the Pool-side scavenger hunt, the Shopping/Port Information session, the impromptu cooking class. Transfers to the airport by the bus were $11/ person each way – a taxi would have been $15-17 for up to four people each way…just an option to consider.
I really think that it would be hard to not enjoy this cruise. Just understand up front that you are essentially on a large floating hotel with 2000+ other tourists arriving and departing at the same time, and you’ll be much more accepting of the lines, crowds, etc. The staff really tries to please you. They always smile and greet you as you pass. The bartenders around the pool are hilarious and look like they really enjoy their job. Royal Caribbean is a classy operation – just take advantage of what they have to offer.
