This trip consisted of two one week back to back cruises from San Juan, Puerto Rico to the southern Caribbean. The first week ports were St, Thomas, Aruba and Curacao. The second week visited Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Martin and St. Kitts. I have been to all of these places several times, but for anyone looking for an introduction to the southern Caribbean, it would be hard to beat this itinerary. Worries about tropical storm Isaac caused us to skip St. Martin on the first week, but it was visited the second week. The first week cruise got an extra sea day and the second week only one sea day was on this port intensive itinerary.

I was on this ship in May and a great deal of maintenance work was being conducted due to the fact that a scheduled dry dock has been postponed. This problem is continuing with stairwells closed for carpeting replacement and other work crews around the ship doing additional work. This is inconvenient and annoying for people who have scheduled and paid for their vacation to relax and enjoy.

Some problems noted in May have been corrected, such as moving the salsa and dance bands from Boleros lounge to the larger and more private Star lounge. But other things that could be corrected simply, such as having grapefruit in the buffet at breakfast, remain. Many have commented on the petty cost cutting. This has reached a new low to the point that it was impossible to find a selection of small boxed breakfast cereals with adult oriented brands as has always been a staple in both the Windjammer buffet and the main dining room. All that was available was a small selection of mostly sugared children's cereals in bulk, stale containers. Truly ridiculous. Others have noted a limited selection of lunch deserts, vegetable selections and the long lines at the ice cream machine on the pool deck. Still no machine in the dining room and no visible changes responding to these frequent guest complaints. Are they really saving that much money? Why don't they respond? As a Diamond Plus member it really make me wonder. At least the Concierge Club and Diamond Club continue to be well run and a very welcome loyalty benefit. The lobster and steak in the main dining room was very good. Read more