Cabin Plusses and Minuses - location

#3016 Ocean View Window - Portside Forward - While a balcony is our first choice, this ship and cabin were chosen for the following reasons:

• We saw an opportunity to combine trips - for 15 days total - while getting exposed to one ship we’d never sailed and another we had not been on in years (Oasis), along with a couple new ports
• We have previously selected window cabins, and the cost was attractive (we switched to balcony on the Oasis).
• The casino offer (taxes and fees only, about $300) was for an interior cabin; we upgraded to the window for an additional $300.

Plusses:

• It’s relatively quiet on the third deck, with just one deck below with cabins.
• I’ve read reports of cruisers hearing engine noise on the low decks, but perhaps that would be more pronounced toward the rear of the ship.

Minus:

• When at port, you may need to keep your curtain closed if you are directly facing the dock and fellow travelers.
• I prefer to have standing space next to the window; we did not have that choice in this cabin, as you can see below.

Crowded?  Kid Friendly?

• Never crowded
• Late January is not a school-age time for travel, along with the length of cruise and the lack of varied venues for youngsters and teenagers made for a decidedly older (i.e., retired) vibe.  Not a bad thing, but different than the norm.

Entertainment

Every ship has something for everyone.  As an older and smaller Vision Class ship, fewer entertainment options were “must-see.” However, there were several enjoyable shows, along with a few musical ensembles in the Centrum (deck 4 with overlooking seats above).  We also enjoyed:

• Broadway production - very professional, but smaller and simpler props
• Singers and juggler (not together)
• Comedian and comedian/magician
• Tango - I’m sure it was good stuff, but it must be an acquired taste
• Las Vegas Tenors - maybe the highlight of cruise entertainment.  They told a funny story about how they missed the ship at an earlier port and had been making the new connections over the past 48 hours, with little sleep or food.  Fortunately, their misfortune did not negatively impact the performance.

Dining (also, see Tips)

• We enjoyed the Main Dining Room (MDR) for most dinners, and regularly visited with two couples who traveled together and were in sync with our dining schedule.  We compared notes regarding ports and casino fortunes.
• For a lengthy cruise, we expected to see more repetition of entrees (and therefore we try other venues); however, the food and service was high enough that we were not motivated to seek many alternatives.
• Check your Ship App for up-to-date venue hours; breakfast or lunch times vary between port and sea days.

Vitality Fitness Center

• The gym is open early to late, and was never crowded during my daily (mid-morning) visits to the elliptical, spin bike and/or free weights.  I always had room to put a mat down for some stretching. 

Ports (Note 8/7:  pictures to be added and tagged)

On this trip, we made several stops, on days 4 through 8:

Philipsburg, St. Maarten - After 2 full days at sea, we were able to stretch our sea legs on a very warm day, as expected, in Sint Maarten, the Dutch side of the island to the south, where your ship docks.  With over 8 hours docked, there is sufficient time to explore the French side, known as Saint Martin, via excursion or even a taxi to a particular beach you want to visit.  (Note: Google “naturist” before showing up unprepared at the famous Orient Bay Beach.)

• While there is a movement toward unification, the island is composed of two countries, each using a different currency (although the US Dollar is accepted widely in both), and with two capitals.  Each side of the island advertises a different vibe.  
  • The French side is less commercially developed and offers more mountainous views.  You’ll find more French cuisine and more secluded beaches.  The capital city is Marigot.
  • The Dutch side claims to be more laid-back, with a Caribbean vibe.  It is more culturally diverse and offers a greater selection of cuisines.  The port city of Philipsburg is its capital.
  • Having visited the island in the past and traveled the island via rental car, we opted to stay near the port on this visit, exploring the nearby shops.

Roseau, Dominica - I say this with all due respect: do not confuse Dominica with the Dominican Republic.  (More than a few visitors were overheard to question their location.  But hey, you’re on vacation, you don’t have to study geography before you travel - although…I enjoy knowing the basics of our journey in advance.)

• We took a cruise-line sponsored excursion - an open air bus throughout the area, narrated by a native, who gave insights of the people, toured a local church and brought us to a nature preserve - with a memorable tree and much bamboo.

Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis - This port offers much history, a hike-able (for the fit) climb up the 3,792 foot Mount Liamuiga volcano, and kayak adventures.  A 30 minute ferry will take you to Nevis.  Years ago, we obtained an overview of the island via scenic railway tour.  While informative, the 3 hour train ride is not one we will repeat.

San Juan, Puerto Rico - You can visit the 500 year old capital city, or venture out to a rainforest.  There are also many fortress walls on the coastline which can be seen via excursion, or after a somewhat lengthy walk through the city.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic - There is much to see in Puerto Plata, so don’t expect to explore everything on a 9am-3:30pm port day.  You could probably stay near the port all day, with its extensive shopping and water park area.  However, we advise you take at least an hour or two to explore the colorful city - from the Umbrella Street to painted murals on several buildings.  You may even see a parade of restored vehicles from the 60s.

• Note:  On our next visit, we plan to take an excursion to the waterfalls.  Sorry we missed it this time.