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Review- Vision 12/19 - 12/26/04


RDeagazio

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VISION OF THE SEAS

CHRISTMAS CRUISE

12/19 – 12/26 2004

MEXICAN RIVERIA

 

 

This was my second time on the Vision of the Seas. Ironically the last time I sailed her was exactly 6 years to the day of this cruise. Back then she was brand new which made it easy to compare how well she’s been maintained over the years.

 

Pre-Cruise:

As my traveling companion was flying in from England the night before we opted to stay at the Marina Hotel San Pedro. I was able to get a $40.00 rate on Priceline and still feel like I was ripped off. This was formerly the Hilton San Pedro however I later learned the chain’s name was removed due to the poor condition of this property. The rooms were disgustingly filthy. I wound up changing rooms 3 times as the first room was literally held together with duct tape. The carpet was taped together in 4 places and the walls and were carpet were so filthy you needed a hermetically sealed space suit to sleep there. The second room they assigned me was on the second floor and the noise from those walking above was so loud it sounded like they would fall through the ceiling at any minute. The third room I was assigned was on the top floor, however it was equally filthy and was missing a remote for the TV. The air conditioning units in each room are wall units and are about 20 years old. Upon entering my room, I turned on the A/C to cool off the room while I went to pick up my friend at the airport. Upon returning to the room, the A/C unit had blown soot all over my bed , not to mention the cooling feature was not working and instead it turned to heat making the room 87 degrees. We slept with the window open. Both Kathryn and myself could not get out of there fast enough the following morning. I would highly recommend booking the Sheraton Harbor hotel for the $139.00 park and sail package.

 

EMBARKATION:

RCI states in their documents that the cruise terminal in LA does not open until 10:30am. With this in mind, we arrived at the terminal around 11:00am and immediately went upstairs for check in. As we both are Diamond Plus Crown and Anchor Members we were directed to the appropriate lines for check in which took all of about 2 minutes. From there we were invited to wait in the Diamond and Platinum lounge until boarding began. The lounge provided coffee, tea, cold drinks and an assortment of pastries. Additionally there were several TV’s showing CNN etc. At approximately 11:30am an RCI Rep came and escorted us through Security and we were on our way. The security lines were closed to all other passengers until the Diamond and Platinum folks were through which made for hassle free boarding. RCI had about 50 stations open for check in and I never witnessed any lines at the check in positions or on the gangway during the day.

 

Cabins would not be available until 1:00pm and everyone was directed to enjoy the buffet lunch at the Windjammer Café until that time. We did walk to our cabin upon boarding only to drop off our carry on luggage and made our way to the Windjammer. The buffet was quite good with a decent selection of hot and cold foods, desserts etc. We spent the day at the pool bar and did not return to our cabin until just before Muster Drill. Our luggage had been delivered prior to this and was waiting for us inside when we went to get our life jackets for the drill.

 

THE SHIP:

As I mentioned before, my last time on the Vision was in her Inaugural Season and she was shinny and new. Now almost 7 years after her “birth” the ship has held up nicely.

A lot of the furniture in the Centrum had been reupholstered, and it was apparent that a lot of the carpet in the public rooms was also recently replaced. The most noticeable area that was in need of some refurbishing was the Viking Crown Lounge. Since this area serves as the disco each night the furniture showed the most signs of wear and understandably so.

 

All of the public rooms were in good shape as were the cabins, some of which had new/newer carpeting, bedspreads, curtains etc. The ship was decorated beautifully with all the Christmas decorations etc.

 

While onboard the Captain told us that the ship would not be scheduled for a major drydock until 2006 at which point she will be cut in half and lengthened as the Enchantment will be done this year. Until then I doubt there will be any more refurbishing than the standard cleaning/maintenance.

 

The food onboard this cruise was very good to excellent. It seems RCI has improved the quality of food over the past year. We ate breakfast in the Windjammer every day and while the offering never changed from day to day, all the food was hot and fresh and served it purpose. We only ate lunch in the main dining room on one day, and while the food was good, the service was a bit slow so we opted for the Windjammer for all of our other lunches onboard. Lunch in the Windjammer offered several choices of hot entrees each day with a changing menu. Additionally there was always a choice of pasta, salad bar, sandwich bar, dessert bar etc. Each afternoon they had a variety of snacks which included sandwiches, hot dogs, taco bar, cookies etc. The soft serve ice cream machine was available each day from 11am – 8pm and was very popular. We ate each dinner in the main dining room, and really didn’t have a bad meal all week. The food always arrived hot and fresh and was flavorful and well presented.

 

Service onboard was top notch. The crew could not have been nicer and went out of their way to make sure you had a good time. Captain George was very personable and social. He made regular walks around the ship, stopping and talking to passengers. The bar staff were a lot of fun and generous with the alcohol in their drinks. The only exception to the excellent service was with the Loyalty Ambassador, who’s personality seemed to make her best suited for a job in the engine room rather than with the C&A members. She had a very “used car salesman” approach and was only interested in getting future cruise bookings. Our cabin steward did an excellent job of keeping us supplied with the essentials always with a smile on his face.

 

ITINERARY:

This was my first cruise to the Mexican Riveria and I must admit I was not that excited about this itinerary but I was pleasantly surprised. We were blessed with calm seas for the entire cruise, however the weather could have been a bit warmer. We were fortunate to not have any rain (the only week it hadn’t rained) however it was a bit cool and windy on the 3 sea days and overcast on our days in Puerto Vallerta and Mazatlan. I prefer to cruise the Caribbean in December as the temps are a lot warmer.

 

Cabo- We opted to take the water taxi to Lover’s Beach. The fare was $10.00 per person, roundtrip and can be purchased from a number of vendors right on the dock.

On the ride over, our boat driver gave us a brief tour of the coastline and Land’s End.

He asked us what time we wanted to be picked up and was there waiting for us at the designated time. Lover’s Beach is a beautiful area and very private. There aren’t any facilities so you should go prepared with everything you might need. After spending the day at the beach we walked into town and had lunch at the Shrimp Factory which was very good.

 

Mazatlan- From the pier we took a taxi to the Golden Zone ($10.00 each way) and then hopped a water taxi to Deer Island for $10.00 per person round trip. We spent the day at the beach and arranged for our water taxi to pick us up in the afternoon in time for us to meet our taxi driver with whom we also arranged a pick up time back to the ship. Deer Island was nothing special, but served the purpose of a quite beach break. There’s a small bar and snack shop on the island if needed. On the way back to the ship our driver gave us a brief tour of the area and took us to several “look-out” spots along the way.

Back onboard they had arranged for a local band of mariachi’s to play by the pool.

 

Puerto Vallerta- As the ship is in port from 8am – 11pm we opted to take the ships excursion to Las Caletas. The cost for this 7 hour tour was $78.00 per person and included the 45 minute boat ride each way, snorkeling, kayaking, lunch and unlimited open bar. This excursion was one of the best shipboard excursions we’ve taken. Upon boarding the boat, we were served coffee, pastries, fruit, juice etc. The 45 min boat trip to Las Caletas was very nice and upon arriving at this beautiful private location we had several secluded coves to choose from. There were plenty of beach chairs, hammocks etc to pick from and during the day you had a choice of activities to participate in if you chose. We opted for the nature walk thru the jungle and then spent the rest of the day sunning and swimming. The generous open bar and buffet lunch made for a nice afternoon. On the way back to the ship, they offered open bar and music and we made a side trip to try and locate whales.

 

After returning to the ship we grabbed a quick snack and some drinks at the pool bar and headed into town for dinner at the Shrimp Factory. The Shrimp Factory in PV was far better than the one in Cabo in both service and food presentation. Afterwards we walked back to the ship—a long walk which took over 2 hours but the exercise did us good.

Back onboard they had a Mexican Buffet and Barbeque set up on deck and the pool party lasted until 2am.

 

On the 3 sea days we opted to brave the cold and try and enjoy the pool deck.

 

 

Summary:

This cruise was excellent in every way (except the weather). The crew was a lot of fun, the service excellent and the food well presented and delicious. I was pleasantly surprised with the ports and would like to take this cruise again when the weather is a bit warmer. The ship was in great shape and even the 589 kids onboard were well behaved and hardly ever seen! I would not hesitate to book this cruise again or recommend it to others.

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Oh, my thanks for the great review. We are a group of four sailing on the Vision on 1/30. Your review is just what our relatives in Las Vegas was hoping I could find for them. Our first on the Vision and second cruise with RCCL. Again, THANKS

 

Barb

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We will be on the ship 10/16/05. This will be our 3 one with RCl and starting with the Majesty, then Explore, this should be quit a change. We have an aft corrner room on the side top deck. I am looking forward to it. Thanks about the hotel as I was thinking about staying there also but will spend the extra money.

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VISION OF THE SEAS

CHRISTMAS CRUISE

12/19 – 12/26 2004

MEXICAN RIVERIA

 

 

We were blessed with calm seas for the entire cruise, however the weather could have been a bit warmer.

 

 

On the 3 sea days we opted to brave the cold and try and enjoy the pool deck.

 

 

 

 

I was on ther same Cruise and everything Bob said is true, with the execption on how cool it was the first sea day, That would have been Monday Dec 20, I come from a cold weather Place Lake Tahoe and I found it hot the first few days. well when you leave home and there is snow on the ground.....

 

I have read many reviews on the Marina Hotel in San Pedro, most of them bad but our room was ok we were on the third floor and it was very quiet, but the carpet was worn and needed to be replaced. I don't think I would stay there again. we got to the pier about 11:20 and were on the ship by 12:15

This was our first cruise and had a great time.

 

 

Bob P.

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I was also on the Christmas cruise. (My 2nd time on the Vison, also.) I didn't notice any wear & tear in the Viking Crown, but then Jesly was keeping me pretty well stocked up on the fruity stuff :D so I was in my own little world, having a blast!

 

The Captain was very personable, coming on the PA system to recite poems every now & then. He'd say "I have a poem I would like to share with you. Would you like to hear it?" And you'd hear people all over the ship yelling "yes!"

 

I got a pic of Santa in the centrum passing out presents to the kids on Christmas morning, but my digital camera doesn't allow to make adjustments for lighting & distance, so they didn't come out that great. But I have some pics on Webshots, too if anyone wants to see them. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone else's!

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Hey Kim.

 

I know what you mean about Jesly keeping you loaded.. by the time I got to the Viking Crown each night I was feeling no pain. Between Charles and Sanjay at the pool bar and Greg in the Schooner I was toast by the time I got upstairs. I wound up going to the crew's Christmas party and as if I didn't have enough to drink there went up to the Viking Crown... I'm still recovering :-)

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Thanks for the great detailed review. We are looking forward to your webshots.

 

Kim- The Captain recited poetry?? Just random or Christmas poetry? How fun....we are hoping he will be onboard when we sail next month.

 

Sophie

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Capt. George recited both holiday and non-holiday poetry. His daily announcements were not only fun and informative but also touching. Rather than rambling on with nonsense like most other Captains his daily talks were something to look forward to.

 

While at sea enroute to Cabo he gave us a brief history of the islands we were passing.

 

If he's on your cruise you won't be able to miss him as he spends a lot of time out in the public areas.

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Now I'm really looking for decent airfare after reading your review. We sailed on Visions 1 1/2 yrs ago to Alaska and was really impressed w/ship. Sounds like the Captain is a RCCL "gem" (like Capt. Nick on Serenade). Do you remember what times were early and late seating... right now we're down for late but w/kids 8 and 12 may be better suited for early. Did you eat in Windjammer for dinnertime or the diningroom each night? Also, who was the CD... is it still Parker?

Thanks for all the great info.

Carolyn

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Parker left the Vision the same day we did -- January 9. He was going to be the CD on the ship that is being stretched (Enchantment?).

 

Only two weeks and I am already fuzzy on dining times -- but I'm fairly sure early seating was 6:00. My kids are 12 and 17 and we did early seating. I wanted (and enjoyed) an nice family dinner every night, but I have heard of parents with young kids who feed them at the Windjammer and then dine alone at the later seating. I remember the days (weeks) when my DH and I did not have much time alone, or an interrupted conversation, so I can understand the appeal of that plan.

 

We had a great time -- hope it works out for you to go.

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