Vision in the south caribbean...thoughts?

[micmacmissy]

Hi everyone,

 

We are trying to find a good January 7 night (week is limited) that doesn't cost a small fortune (i'm looking at you, Celebrity Edge and Symphony of the Seas).  Itinerary out of San Juan on Vision looks promising...but...

 

-Is Vision updated?  Does she feel tired?

-Is the MDR halfway decent?

-If we're stuck with oceanview cabins on deck 3, will we feel claustrophobic (we usually do balconies but this is so port intensive - might be a way to save a little?)

-What is the solarium like?

-Is January 12 a good week to cruise out of San Juan?  

 

We're looking for peace and quiet, primarily, in addition to a good itinerary.

Thanks for any info on Vision you may have!

[Clarea]

Vision info here:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?type=forums_topic&search_and_or=or&search_in=titles&nodes=51&q=vision

 

We would be very happy to cruise on Vision.

[sellwingri]

We’re  booked on Vision in March because of the ports.  I usually avoid port intensive cruises but have never been to Martinique and Dominican Republic after 30 cruises so we’ll give it a try.  I’ve never found a ship to be old and worn and find pluses on each one.  I’m sure we’ll love it.  

[ChrisK2793]

Don’t know if this will help any, but this is a list of what each class of ship has currently and when each ship was last refurbished ..... it’s says 2013 for Vision.

 

 

Edited October 6, 2019 by ChrisK2793

[dani negreanu]

Our cruise on Vision was the only one we didn't enjoy. The staff were unprofessional, the tender operation was lacking, we were late to several ports, including Quebec, where we lost the best docking location due to the delay. Instead of being out and about at 9AM, we barely made it at 1PM. The food was the worst. Several times we showed the WJ "in charge" that the meat/fish were heated over and over again until they were inedible, they agreed with us, but nothing was done.

The only time we saw lamb chops and other goodies was in Quebec, where they brought aboard a bunch of travel agents, and wanted to make a good impression.

We, and other Israeli passengers were "paraded" in front of other pax waiting to be checked in, and told to "wait" aside for "someone will be with you shortly", without any explanation why we are not given our sail pass. After waiting more than half an our for "shortly", I managed to get the attention of an officer, who told me that "you have a problem with your visa for Canada". I told him that "we don't have 'any problem' since we'll be entering Canada by boat, and you need visa for Canada only if you arrive by plane". He wasn't convinced, until I've shown him the confirmation I had from the Canadian embassy in Tel Aviv.... When you escort someone aside, and everyone is looking at you, you should have a very good reason to delay boarding for almost 3 hours because your staff didn't do its homework....

[twangster]

Enjoyed a very good cruise n her in January.  Going again for 16 nights in October.

 

She is in much better shape compared to Enchantment but she is still an older ship that doesn't have later innovations found on newer ships.  If you expect ice skating shows and a promenade Vision doesn't have those.  She doesn't have a broadway caliber theater show either.  

 

You can still have a great cruise on her with the proper expectations.  Food was consistent in my January experience with all other ships in the fleet.  

[island lady]

We love the smaller ships like Vision class and Radiance.  Have been on Vision before, and enjoyed it.  I am booked for a B2B2B in January.  Very nice itinerary, port intense.  

[kccrzr]

Last month we spent 12 nights on Vision on a great Med cruise.  The ship is in good condition.  We were in an aft JR suite so I can't comment about the OV cabins but our cabin and balcony were great.  The solarium is fine and is covered, which is a plus.

 

We purchased the 3 night dining package and also used both our D+ BOBO dining offers.  When we did eat in the MDR we had no issues with the food  except for the night the crew put on a little singing show - that night our food came out more lukewarm than hot.  Our MDR servers were excellent - I substituted some side items almost every night (because I'm on the KETO diet) with no problem.

 

All things being equal I would probably choose a ship with more specialty restaurants and entertainment venues.  However, all things are rarely equal and we sail Vision quite a bit because she seems to consistently have some of the best itineraries RCI offers and we almost always sail for itinerary vs ship.

 

The Activities Director staff was energetic and fun - a bit edgier than any other groups we've seen, but we enjoyed that.

 

I would not hesitate to sail Vision - especially a port intensive cruise.

[KansasBeachLover]

We sailed Vision in January.  The staff was first class, amazing, best we've ever had on RCL including our room staff, specialty restaurant staff and Windjammer staff.  Excellent.  Specialty restaurant food was amazing, but I'd give all other food just an "ok".  It did not have all the bells and whistles of newer ships, but we don't need those so we accepted her wonderful staff with a family atmosphere over bells and whistles.  My only issue was with the movement I felt because of rough seas and her size.  I am prone to motion sickness and had more trouble (even with Dramamine) than on any other cruise.

[Biker19]

7 hours ago, ChrisK2793 said:

Don’t know if this will help any, but this is a list of what each class of ship has currently and when each ship was last refurbished ..... it’s says 2013 for Vision.

As usual, RCI's info is out of date.

[RCCL Fan]

Missy,  Vision was one of our favorite ships.  We loved it.   The ship is very well maintained.  I was really worried about this and I was pleasantly surprised it was in great shape.   Best crew I had in a long long time, and we're doing another vision class this year and next year because we loved our first vision class ship so much.

 

We were in a JS,  so can't comment there but dining room, chops, and solarium were all up to standard.

 

I think you read our review in March, if not, I'll send you a link

[CruisinMama2003]

We sailed Vision in March of this year and had a wonderful time! Ship did not feel/look "tired" to us. The crew was great, especially the activity crew! We too normally sail in balcony cabins, but had an OV on deck 3 and we were very happy with it, didn't feel claustrophobic at all. We ate all but 1 dinner in the MDR, food was better than half way decent. Hope this helps you decide 😃

[micmacmissy]

55 minutes ago, RCCL Fan said:

Missy,  Vision was one of our favorite ships.  We loved it.   The ship is very well maintained.  I was really worried about this and I was pleasantly surprised it was in great shape.   Best crew I had in a long long time, and we're doing another vision class this year and next year because we loved our first vision class ship so much.

 

We were in a JS,  so can't comment there but dining room, chops, and solarium were all up to standard.

 

I think you read our review in March, if not, I'll send you a link

Hey!  Good to "see" you!  I did read it...but i'll go back and refresh!  Glad you all enjoyed it!