12/2007

By neo99

• August 22, 2009

Mexican Riviera - Christmas 2007

EMBARKATION

Embarkation was a breeze. Waited in the lounge until we were called. It took a bit longer than normal because the ship was having it's 90 day inspection.

CABIN

Booked a Vista Suite on Emerald Deck. The room is very spacious with tons of storage. I rated it a 5 because of the beds. I was under the assumption that the beds were changed in the suites. Not in this one. Each bed that made up the queen had a usual dent. The egg topper didn't help. The bathrooms were very spacious with a large stall shower and large jacuzzi tub. The balcony isn't as large as other decks, but it was large enough for the wooden table and four chairs and two wooden lounge chairs. Now, alot of people on ###### rave about the rooms aft. Let me tell you the cabin did not stop moving the whole time (except when docked or anchored). The back of the ship rocks and shifts. Coming back from Cabo to LA was the worst. We have moderate waves (up to 7.5 feet I believe). I don't think I will get a suite at the back again.

FOOD

This is a personal preference and can be debated to no end.... I liked it. I ate in the dining room for breakfast and lunch once for each. The service was good. I didn't eat in the dining room for dinner because I didn't take suitable clothes. But, I did order room service from the dining room menu. What I ordered was good. I was told it would take between 45-60 minutes during dining hours. It never took more than 30 minutes. One complaint I did have was if they didn't have something, they would just substitute without calling you first. On the last night I ordered the turkey with all the trimmings and was told when they delivered it that they changed the menu and they gave me chicken with mashed potatoes and veggies. No dressing....oh well.

Horizon court was the usual buffet food. Some of it was good some was so-so.

The hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches at the Trident Grill were very good. I was a bit surprised by this. Especially the chicken sandwiches. They were very moist. I never made it to have the pizza.

SERVICE

Room steward was Michael and was great. Anything I wanted it was there immediately. I can't say enough positive things about him.

The Purser's desk was so-so. Some smiled some didn't. It is what it is I guess.

The bartenders at the Promenade Bar were fantastic. They were Aneqa (sp?) and Lex.

ENTERTAINMENT

The entertainment was pretty good. Josephine Pike was the best singer. The others were ok. The dancers were ok. Some were really good some were not. That's all I'll say about that.

The Illusionist Gaetano was really good. I liked the twist at the end. I won't spoil it here.

SHORE EXCURSIONS / PORTS

Puerto Vallarta - Did the coastal tour. Very informative. Had a good time with Jesus as our guide.

Mazatlan - Did not do a tour. Took a taxi to the Gold area for shopping. On the way back the taxi driver asked if we wanted to go on a short tour. We said yes. Best $20 I ever spent.

Cabo - Did the coastal tour and glass blowing / cactus. Very informative. Tour guide was great. Cabo time is very short (7 to 1). Last tender is supposedly 1:00 pm. I finally got on one at 1:45 pm. The line was very long.

DISEMBARKATION

This was only my second cruise. The first being with Royal Caribbean. Princess wins hands down between the two. I did express disembarkation and carried my luggage. My group was called at 7:20 and I was in my car by 7:30. I like the way Princess has you wait in a public room and wait to be called. RCCL has you line up at the exit.

OVERALL

I had a great time. I was concerned about kids on this cruise since it was during the holidays. I would have never believed there were over 800 kids on this cruise. From the ones I saw, they were very respectful. No problems whatsoever....no horror stories to tell.