JJGOLD

Thanks for the reply, we boarded in Barbados, got to port around 11:30, seemed a bit disorganized as there were port staff but no Ritz Carlton staff.  Boarded at 12:30 as they stated.  The pre trip on line registration made it very smooth.  On board now and it seems they have made some quick improvements.  Will report back…

We’re leaving on the Evrima Wednesday, how was the boarding process and what time did it start?

We left very late from Vicksburg due to mechanical issues and outside repair men on board until late and and to had to skip Greensville due to low water.  We can’t get to Memphis doe to the low water either.  We were going to have a day in Tunica, but that’s not happening due to the late departure on Friday from Vicksburg.  They planned some decent activities for the river day on Saturday, but very little on Sunday.  They have to bus everyone to Memphis for departure early Monday morning.  Dining room service has been slow and we heard they did all dinners buffet style the week before due to staff issues.  The menus seem to change from what they post at lunch by the time dinner time comes.  Seems to be a lot of beef!   The front porch has had a prime rib buffet every night with another dish or two if you want to skip the main dining room. Lots of men wearing shorts at dinner and the staff does not seem to mind as they have so many other things to deal with. Most of food has been good, not great and some menus very limited.  Bar drinks have been included except for a small up charge for a few premium brands.  As I said earlier in the trip, they have a staffing shortage and lack of training for the new hires.  They are trying, but don’t set your expectations too high. There are a few of the staff that truly stand out.  

After a few days on board the queen, I’ve come to realize the overall root problem is lack of experienced staff.  There are quite a few waitstaff that have never worked in a restaurant or ship.   They have great attitudes but just lack any training.  I heard that many of the kitchen staff are also new and inexperienced which is resulting in some very long waits during dining times.  Unfortunately some guests are taking it out on the new service staff.  After the first dinner service, the management stepped up and started working with the other staff to move things along.  They are trying!

I agree that my title was a bit harsh this early on. Frncie’s trip may have been a better fit! 

After canceling a Viking river rhine cruise due to potential Covid restrictions we booked a last minute trip on the American Queen.  It s nice ship that is in mediocre condition, but overall very cool, until we went to dinner on the first night.  Had 5:15 early seating and at 6:45 still no salad or dinner.  I understand that staffing is an issue, but at 6:45 our waitress asked us what we ordered.  Really?  Dinner finally came and it was just terrible.  This is the first day of a very expensive cruise and we really want to support an American ship and crew, but they just don’t have it together…such a shame.  I’ll report back in a few days   

Last day of the cruise…the crew is awesome, the food has been very good. Amphora was open most nights except for Wednesday which Star Grill was the main dining venue and Thursday was the deck party.  The star grill has been serving mostly smoked meats and fish from chef Stephen Raichlin.  The pastrami for lunch one day was among the best I’ve had, and at the only dinner there was smoked beef ribs (sliced) and duck.  The offerings were limited to those 2 choices along with salad bar.   Cuadro 44 and Candles were also open but require reservations.  Cuadro is quite small and they are not filling it up due to social distancing.  The food there was quite good, I’ve attached the menu. It’s a nice choice of small plate tapas and a few entrees.  You can order all you want.   The meats at Candles are fantastic and if you choose the 40 oz tomahawk rib eye for an extra charge you better have a big appetite! They also had a $20 30 oz porterhouse. Everything else was included at no extra charge.  Everything was great, as you would find at a fine steak house.  

We spent one day at sea, one day in Barbados, two different stops in St Lucia, and two stops in Antigua.  In Castries St Lucia we were allowed to walk around but there was only a few shops open and no taxis in sight.  A few people walked to a nearby restaurant.  We mostly did the beach excursions as there was not much else that worked for us.  They had zip lining in Antigua, but I’m not fond of hanging from cables,  swim with the sting rays, an island tour and Segways in both St Lucia and Antigua.  

Masks were required almost everywhere except when in the beach lounge chairs.  If you are looking to shop, it’s not happening. They offered a shopping excursion, but most stores were closed.  As the ship was only half full, there was no problem getting lounge chairs and the deck bar service was good.  Lunches were at the veranda and Star Grill.

The ship has all new much larger life boats and tenders, way better than the older ones.  I’ve attached a few photos of the stateroom in the new section.  They are going through the ship daily with disinfection fogging machines as you can see in the photo.  The cleaning is constant and we felt quite protected.

I’m glad we got away before the COVID situation potentially gets worse!

I just checked and they do not have any glasses in lost and found.

5 minutes ago, wesport said:

If you go to the yacht club for coffees, say hello to YOGI. He was so good. 

I will!

Thanks for the great review, we are on board Star Breeze now, week of 7/24.  Arrived into SXM Friday, lines to get through the COVID documents check were very long, took about 45 minutes.  Be prepared and bring printed copies of your COVID test, even though you have to upload it to get the admission document, they want to see it.  Way too many people fumbling with their cell phones to show them a copy on the phone, and it delayed the lines.  Make sure you have printed copy of the clearance document as well, they need to stamp it.  Heard that Saturday departures are long lines as Wesport said, taxi driver said Sundays are better.  Tents were set up just outside the cruise terminal for Windstar passengers.  We got there early, and they did not start the process until 11:30.  After a quick passport check they shuttle you to ship.   Once onboard, you fill out a health form, get the nasal swab, then check in, dining reservations, and good to go.  RCCL has three ships sitting at the port with just limited crew. The usually bustling shopping area was dead empty.  It looked like Diamonds International and Sharkeys bar were the only things open, and no one in sight but the store workers.  It was a ghost town with several ghost ships showing some signs of reduced up keep, quite sad.  

The Star Breeze looks great, the Star Bar is further back from where it used to be due to the stretch.   The bar stools are off limits, no sitting at the bars at all.  I believe there are about 150 passengers and the CEO, President, and some other senior management are onboard for the week.  Service so far is wonderful.  

We are in a new suite, its very nice, but we could not fit our suitcases under the bed, we needed another inch for our full size hard sided suitcases, so they are in the closet.  There are two USB ports and plenty of electric

outlets.  I’m happy to answer any questions as the trip progresses.

Thanks so much Erica. Do you know if the local tour operators like Robtad will pick up in Balboa?

Erica,

Will be taking same trip in March, and was wondering if we are able to take our own morning tour in Quepos since they are not using tenders? Thinking of the Segway tour which leaves from the Quepos marina. Also, are there options for private tours in Bahia Drake and Golfo Dulce or are they just beach landings with the Zodiac.

Thanks!

Jeff