jayoldschool

Thanks Vineyardfan

 

that's very helpful, but could we order a cocktail first, I keep feeling there is a catch on this!

No catch. Your cocktail order goes through a bar server, not the sommelier. Once the bar server knows what you want, you can generally expect it to be delivered shortly after you sit.

Way less choices at the Mast Grill.

Our cruise directors have been unremarkable. Except for one cruise. This was about ten-eleven years ago, and might have been a Christmas cruise on Millenium (but they all blend together after the years!). We had two CDs, a pair of Canadian guys, and they were fantastic. Funny, engaging, not fake. I wish I knew where they ended up. Anyone remember this duo?

I'm 41, wife is 40. We've been cruising X since our 20s. It has always been a good choice for us. We can find space to relax, or go looking for the party when we want to. I'm pretty good at enjoying a martini in a wing back chair while listening to jazz, but I will admit to busting a move at Quasar, killing some karaoke, and I have also jumped in for a volleyball game in the pool!

Definitely not watered down. You can watch them break the seal on brand new bottles. The reason why you see an opened bottle come out from a cabinet is that bottles are put away when bars are closed. In my years of cruising X, I have found that drinks are usually made on the strong side. I'm 6'7", 225, and can definitely handle a couple of drinks ;)_

I like St Kitts. Safe, and nice people. I would suggest simply getting a taxi to the beach. Both beaches are far enough away that you will get a bit of a tour on the way there. Tell your taxi driver what time you want to leave the beach, and he or she will be waiting for you (usually sitting there, talking to the other taxi drivers, and sometimes they'll just stay at the beach for the afternoon).

Don't feel you HAVE to upgrade, though. I've always done the Classic pkg, and while you won't get the top drinks at Molecular or the Martini bar, you will always have something very good available to you.

If memory serves correctly, the Cafe el Baccio has Bailey's in stock.

My list:

- less kids

- better service

- better staff/guest ratio in the MDR (waiter/asst. waiter/sommelier/bar waiter)

- no announcements!

- free ice cream

- less smoking

- robes

- glass shower doors on S class

- T pool on M class

Fly. Put both FLL and MIA as your destination. This is the best flight checking software out there:

http://matrix.itasoftware.com/

Yes, your sommelier will tailor your wine to your meal choices, preferences, and package level. In my experience, they do a fantastic job. By the second night, things will appear without even asking. We sit, sparkling wine appears, then matched wines with mains. I have never felt once that they were holding back because we were on a package.

I would never cruise without a drink package on X.

Bistro on Five is our choice, too. The secret is definitely out on this place. I remember on the first cruise where they had Bo5, it was dead. I thought that the space would be re-imagined soon. Happy to say that on subsequent cruises, it has been busy. Last year, we had to wait for a table once. Great food, relaxed atmosphere, good service. A wonderful way to kick off your vacation.

Just back from Eclipse. Took the Classic package, and "won" every day. Juice, water, cappucinno, tea, bloody marys, beer, margaritas, g&t, martinis, bubbly, wine, scotch... it was a good week! Really enjoyed not thinking about things, just getting what I wanted, when I wanted it.