As promised, first timer review of NOS, just off...

[tsj04]

The hotel...Hyatt Pier 66...we lucked up and were upgraded from a king room to a suite because they did not have any king rooms available when we checked in. We stayed in the tower section. Sections of the hotel are undergoing construction but it did not bother/affect us in any way. The room was on the 17th floor and had 2 balconies. One faced the cruise port and intracoastal waterway and ocean and the other faced the intercoastal waterway and ocean.

 

Port Everglades...okay you guys didn't warn me about the confusion and amount of people!! It was a bit overwhelming but we managed and got through.

 

The ship...VERY beautiful. I thought we would have a hard time learning our way around but by our second day we were good to go!

 

The room...adequate. We had a balcony room (connecting). I posted prior to leaving about possible noise since we had a connecting stateroom and I can now say that we did not hear anything. We slept well. The only noise from others that we really heard was on the last night in the wee hours off the morning we could hear people opening and closing the balcony doors above us. Our stateroom attendant was very efficient and our room was clean and stocked at all times.

 

Room service...we ordered from it a few times. They were pretty fast. They would tell us about 45 mins but would be at our room in about 15 mins. We tried the chicken wingettes, pizza and ordered breakfast twice.

 

The dining room...we had a very good waiter and asst waiter. We requested a table for 2 which we got. I was a bit apprehensive about that at first but in the end was VERY glad we had a table for 2 because we often saw others at the bigger tables waiting for others to get to dinner and by the time others would show up we would already have had our appetizer and ordered our entree. A couple of nights we had 2 appetizers. We made reservations at Chops but later cancelled as we thought the service in the dining room was fine and instead we used that money for a shore excursion:)

 

The lobster question....lobster was served on the 3rd night. I ordered it and with it came 4 small shrimp and some steamed veggies. It was not served on formal night and is called the "Fisherman's Platter/Plate".

 

Shore excursions....Ochos Rios...we went to Coyaba Gardens and Museum/Dunn's River Falls. The gardens were beautiful. We had a good time and took lots of pics. We did not climb the Falls but walked down to the beach instead. I was SORE the next 2 days because it was a lot of walking but well worth it.

 

In Grand Cayman, we did the trolley tour which drove us around and pointed out different sites. We also stopped by a beach just long enough to put our feet in the water.

 

The shows...DH and I liked the shows the best out of everything else on the ship. We enjoyed them all.

 

Bingo..we played but didn't win.

 

The cruise director..Kieron Bufferey..I thought was great. He was very entertaining.

 

Seapass card...we put down cash with no issues and even got a refund on the last night when we closed it out. There was not a "magic" number that you had to put down and we were told that once the money on our seapass ran out we could spend up to $300.00 before we had to come back to Guest Relations and add more.

 

What I noticed...I've seen it posted on here before and didn't think twice about it but we too had some instances with very rude people (i.e. walking past you just about to knock you down without saying excuse me, while watching the parade people would just come and stand in front of others like the other person was not even there, etc.)

 

We had a nice time and while I can't quite put my finger on it, DH and I both said while we enjoyed the cruise we think it will be awhile before we take another. Anyway, let me know if you have any questions about anything I'm sure I've left something off.

[tsj04]

We have pics of almost everything including the food so let me know if you want pics of anything in particular and as soon as DH uploads them I will post the pic for you :)

[Jules215]

If you ever put your finger on why you won't be taking another cruise soon, I'd love to know what it is...My dad and stepmom took their first cruise last Jan., and if there were ever 2 people who I thought would enjoy one, it was them...But, they came away much like you...They said it was "OK", had no complaints with the food, the condition of their ship, activities, ports, etc., and said they "might" take another one someday, but not any time soon...They said they'd rather go back to Cancun...I would have predicted just the opposite knowing them as I thought I did...Only one of them is retired, ( my stepmother is only a few years older than me), so they aren't in a position to travel nearly as much as some do, so this was a BIG trip for them, and they came away with very little to say about it...Needless to say it was a little disappointing to my brother and I who'd paid for it...Anyways, just wonder what makes some people love it like they do, and others take it or leave it.

[alexkrn46]

Thank you for your excellent review, never heard of Kerion but your review is encouraging. I am cruising on December 17th.

 

I will be looking forward to your pictures, Alex

[tsj04]

Jules, I'm not exactly sure what it is. I see you said one of your parents was retired, we're in our early 30's so we certainly have the energy and stamina to keep up (not saying older people don't ;) ). I'm really outgoing so it wasn't really the people while the rudeness was a bit disappointing. Also, the Port Everglades terminal was a mess. I'm guessing maybe if it was a bit more organized in the terminals for embarkation and debarkation it wouldn't have been so bad. I dunno :confused:

[tsj04]

Hi Alex...my review was very basic and to the point I guess compared to others I've seen :) Let me know if you would like for me to go into detail about anything :)

[Jules215]

I don't think it was a stamina issue for them either...And since I've not cruised yet, I can't say whether or not the actual terminal experience could actually be a make or break as to how much you enjoy the cruise...I'm not really going anywhere with this, other than I thought a cruise had everything they always look for in a vacation, and it just didn't "float their boat"!! :p

 

Sounds as though you still had a nice break, and you did a nice job of sharing your experiences...Thanks!!

[tsj04]

Jules~I hope you didn't take offense to the stamina comment. I was only saying that to say that my DH and I are fairly young and we too thought it would be a cool, all out vacation and that we would take things as they came along. The terminal experience won't make or break our decision to cruise again but it certainly is a factor. Maybe from another cruiseport:D . Have fun on your cruise!:)

[FL_Cruiser64]

I don't think it was a stamina issue for them either...And since I've not cruised yet, I can't say whether or not the actual terminal experience could actually be a make or break as to how much you enjoy the cruise...I'm not really going anywhere with this, other than I thought a cruise had everything they always look for in a vacation, and it just didn't "float their boat"!! :p

 

Sounds as though you still had a nice break, and you did a nice job of sharing your experiences...Thanks!!

 

I guess I was on the same cruise as the OP. I put up a review of the embarking/disembarking. I don't know if I had continous problems at the port if I just would drop that particular cruise line but the Port Everglades problem is not RCI.

 

You won't have little or no problems. The Majesty is out of Miami which is a beautiful speedy RCI terminal and the Enchantment is docking in Port Everglades for a while now. I had no problems in September. The problem is that Port Everglades is just not ready for a ship like the Navigator at the current facilities which RCI is using.

[tsj04]

I guess I was on the same cruise as the OP. I put up a review of the embarking/disembarking. I don't know if I had continous problems at the port if I just would drop that particular cruise line but the Port Everglades problem is not RCI.

 

You won't have little or no problems. The Majesty is out of Miami which is a beautiful speedy RCI terminal and the Enchantment is docking in Port Everglades for a while now. I had no problems in September. The problem is that Port Everglades is just not ready for a ship like the Navigator at the current facilities which RCI is using.

 

 

We thought the staff onboard provided GREAT service! We'll see...:)

[alexkrn46]

Hi Alex...my review was very basic and to the point I guess compared to others I've seen :) Let me know if you would like for me to go into detail about anything :)

 

You answered many questions for me...I was wondering who was the cruise director and the service.

 

Is the Captain Rick Sullivan? Did you book another cruise with the Loyalty Ambassdor if so, who was the LA?

 

What floor were you on? We have booked our first AFT cabin.

 

We are saying at The Atlantic, is that near the Hyatt and how long did it take you to get to the port?

 

 

How were the shows? Did you enjoy the ice show?

 

Thanks in advance

[tsj04]

You answered many questions for me...I was wondering who was the cruise director and the service.

 

Is the Captain Rick Sullivan? Did you book another cruise with the Loyalty Ambassdor if so, who was the LA?

 

What floor were you on? We have booked our first AFT cabin.

 

We are saying at The Atlantic, is that near the Hyatt and how long did it take you to get to the port?

 

 

How were the shows? Did you enjoy the ice show?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Alex~

 

Yes, Rick Sullivan is the captain. Carlos Ojeda is the Loyalty Ambassador, we did not book another cruise.

 

We were on the 7th floor.

 

I'm not sure where the Atlantic is but it took us about 10 minutes to get to the cruise port from the Hyatt...a $15 cab ride for my DH and I.

 

The shows were really good. We enjoyed the ice dancing show. There were a couple of falls but I think partly because the ice rink isn't that big and they were doing a lot of tricks. It was nice though.

 

You're welcome :)

[Jules215]

Jules~I hope you didn't take offense to the stamina comment. I was only saying that to say that my DH and I are fairly young and we too thought it would be a cool, all out vacation and that we would take things as they came along. The terminal experience won't make or break our decision to cruise again but it certainly is a factor. Maybe from another cruiseport:D . Have fun on your cruise!:)

 

Oh no, I didn't take offense at all!!...Trust me, she's 25 years younger, so his stamina has too still be pretty good!! Hehehehehehehehe :D I think they went into the whole experience very much like you and your husband did thinking it would be a blow-out week, and were, for whatever reason,underwhelmed...And thanks, I plan on having lots of fun, and just hope I haven't overestimated how much I think I'll enjoy it...And even if I have, I feel pretty confident I'll still have a blast!!

[luv2vacation]

Loved your review! Thanks for writing it!

 

Do you remember the days and times of the ice skating show? I also wondered about the parade. Is it easy to show up 10 minutes or so before to see it or do people start lining up an hour in advance? Any tips on a good viewing spot?

 

Tell me more about your tour in Ocho Rios. I am considering this tour or the one that goes to Shaw Park Gardens/Dunn's River. The one that goes to Shaw Park also includes Fern Gully so I am leaning towards that one. Did your tour take a drive through there? I don't plan on climbing the falls either. I have done it and will skip it this trip. How long did the tour stay there? Did you find enough to do to occupy the time while you were waiting on the others to climb?

 

Thanks so much for your help!

[Cruising89143]

You answered many questions for me...I was wondering who was the cruise director and the service.

 

Is the Captain Rick Sullivan? Did you book another cruise with the Loyalty Ambassdor if so, who was the LA?

 

What floor were you on? We have booked our first AFT cabin.

 

We are saying at The Atlantic, is that near the Hyatt and how long did it take you to get to the port?

 

 

How were the shows? Did you enjoy the ice show?

 

Thanks in advance

 

I thought that Captain Rick Sullivan was one of the best Captains that I have cruised with. He kept us better informed on things than others in the past. Also Kieron Buffery was also a good CD. Seemed more down to earth and less like a used car salesman.

[juniorsmom]

How bad is it for embarkation and disembarkation? What time do you think we should be there for embarkation? I was thinking to be at the port by 11:30. Thanks for your help.

[Cruiser21]

What did you think of the grounds and pool area at the Hyatt Pier 66? also w

What time did you arrive at the ship? Thanks.

[corkpopr]

Just came back from the 13 night transatlantic. Loved the ship but worst food ever in 22 cruises. Good cabin and great service. Couldn't care less who the captain or cruise director is as we never have any interaction with them. Shows poor as with almost every cruise we have ever been on. Good casino though!

[Cruising89143]

What did you think of the grounds and pool area at the Hyatt Pier 66? also w

What time did you arrive at the ship? Thanks.

 

Just stayed at the Hyatt two weeks ago for two nights pre-cruise. The grounds and pool area is very nice. As a matter of fact, I had no problems with this hotel at all. We had a junior suite overlooking the port. Very nice.

[RevSmith]

Thank you for taking the time to write a review.

Rev

[tsj04]

Loved your review! Thanks for writing it!

 

Do you remember the days and times of the ice skating show? I also wondered about the parade. Is it easy to show up 10 minutes or so before to see it or do people start lining up an hour in advance? Any tips on a good viewing spot?

 

Tell me more about your tour in Ocho Rios. I am considering this tour or the one that goes to Shaw Park Gardens/Dunn's River. The one that goes to Shaw Park also includes Fern Gully so I am leaning towards that one. Did your tour take a drive through there? I don't plan on climbing the falls either. I have done it and will skip it this trip. How long did the tour stay there? Did you find enough to do to occupy the time while you were waiting on the others to climb?

 

Thanks so much for your help!

 

The days and times for the ice skating show were 7 pm and 9 pm on Deck 3, Studio B. It was on Day 3. Doors opened 30 mins before showtime and tickets were available on Day 2 from 9:30-11 am outside of Studio B.

 

The parades lasted all of 15 mins. You will be fine anywhere on the Promenade deck and they put up a rope to keep people back so the parade can come through. We usually went down from our room on deck 7 about 10 mins before it started and was fine.

 

We did the Coyaba River Gardens, Museum and Dunn's River Falls shore excursion. It was 3 1/2 hours for it all and we departed at 9:30 am and was back at the ship a little after 1 pm. We also stopped at the shops by the port before returning as part of the tour. The tour was $52 per person and we booked it on the ship the day before with no problems. We did not go to Shaw Park. We stayed at Dunn's River for about an hour. There were only three out of around 15 people on our excursion that climed the falls. Everyone else just walked around or went to the beach.

 

Sorry I'm just getting back to you but I'm just getting back on the computer since last night. I hope that info helps!!:)

[tsj04]

I thought that Captain Rick Sullivan was one of the best Captains that I have cruised with. He kept us better informed on things than others in the past. Also Kieron Buffery was also a good CD. Seemed more down to earth and less like a used car salesman.

 

 

Agreed!! :)

[tsj04]

How bad is it for embarkation and disembarkation? What time do you think we should be there for embarkation? I was thinking to be at the port by 11:30. Thanks for your help.

 

 

Honestly, we thought embarkation was a bit overwhelming. We arrived around 11:30 a.m. and there was already SO MANY people there. Disembarkation was not nearly as bad but we did the express departure.

[tsj04]

Oh no, I didn't take offense at all!!...Trust me, she's 25 years younger, so his stamina has too still be pretty good!! Hehehehehehehehe :D I think they went into the whole experience very much like you and your husband did thinking it would be a blow-out week, and were, for whatever reason,underwhelmed...And thanks, I plan on having lots of fun, and just hope I haven't overestimated how much I think I'll enjoy it...And even if I have, I feel pretty confident I'll still have a blast!!

 

Ok, good :) You'll have to post when you get back how everything went!!

[juniorsmom]

Honestly, we thought embarkation was a bit overwhelming. We arrived around 11:30 a.m. and there was already SO MANY people there. Disembarkation was not nearly as bad but we did the express departure.

 

 

Do you recommend being there earlier than 11:30? We are in a suite would that make a difference in embarkation? Thanks