Vision of the Seas Review

Bucket list trip through the Canal ...

Review for the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Vision of the Seas
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capalmtree
First Time Cruiser • Age 50s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Apr 2013
Cabin: Grand Suite

Having researched many Panama Canal itineraries, we were pleased with our 15-night trip on Vision of the Seas. We wanted an itinerary that actually transited the canal and also spent a day in Panama for touring. We were a bit concerned that maybe the ship would feel too small for that length of trip, but it never became an issue at all. We never felt cramped or crowded, except for the actual transit through the canal (more on that later). I had read some reviews that made it sound like the ship was in bad shape, but we did not see anything alarming. In fact, we always saw maintenance crew painting, sanding and refinishing wood rails, cleaning carpet, etc.

Embarkation in San Diego was a breeze, mostly because we had priority access. The general line appeared to be quite long and some passengers commented they waited in line for well over an hour. We encountered the usual log jam caused by the boarding photos. I am not sure why they do not just make two lines, one for those who want the photo and one for those who do not. Our room was ready by 1 p.m. and we could not have been more pleased. Most of our luggage had arrived by 3 p.m., which was an added bonus. There was an overall noticeable decrease in number of staff since our last RCCL cruise, particularly in the cabin attendant areas. We did not have any problems, but some cruisers complained their rooms were not tended until late in the afternoon, short of towels, lack of towel animals, etc. Bar service was lacking, particularly in the Diamond Lounge area.

We chose My Time Dining (MTD), although I have to admit I was a little nervous about having to prepay the gratuity. Surprisingly, the service far exceeded our expectations to the point where we just kept going back to the same team of Cruz and Janice every night. They always made sure our experience was exceptional, and I was ready to adopt Janice and bring her home in my suitcase! Most of the food choices were outstanding and the dinner menu never repeated during our entire cruise. I remember the shrimp ravioli and shrimp stir-fry being particularly delicious.

Cabin Review

Grand Suite

Room met our expectations.

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