We quickly found that this cruise is sometimes known as the "booze cruise" on account of the availability of alcohol at pretty much any time. There were some entryways that were a little tight but we managed to squeeze through them. The accessibility of the boat was pretty good with only a few spots we couldn't get to.
But the service we received made up for all the negatives. From the moment we arrived in the airport we were called by name, whisked directly to the cruise terminal and through security, and personally escorted to our room. The dining room staff was the epitome of excellence. they were not only friendly but fun. They really spoiled us!
Our Cabin; pretty large for an accessible room. Bathroom had a wheel-in shower with plenty of space to get the wheelchair completely around.
Public areas of the ship were clean and inviting. Even though the ship was a little older (constructed in 1998) the crew tried hard to keep it clean and orderly.
Table 305 was where we were assigned for our 6:00 pm dinner. The second night was "elegant" night when we got to dress up with the other diners (no tank tops, flip flops, or swimwear). The lido deck had a buffet that was open pretty much the whole time with 24-hour pizza. Rather than paying $2.00 for a soda, I bought a "soda card" that saved me a bundle!
The atrium of the ship. We were on the 7th floor with a bar, the embarkation and disembarkation level, guest services and excursion counters. they used lots of colors, dark woods and brass to decorate the ship.
Nice sunsets at sea. Weather was great, probably in the 70-80 degree range.
The ship had a library but the books were only available for a couple of hours a day. not the greatest collection, but then I may be biased.
Ensenada was a safe, enjoyable port. the violence in Mexico is getting worse and worse all the time so I wonder how much longer these ports will survive without the tourist traffic.
These shops are right on the dock. Plenty of choices of shops; we bought a very colorful blanket, very pretty dish, some pure vanilla (I remember mom buying some from Mexico when we were kids and visited Tijuana--it was very strong and lasted forever), salt and pepper shakers, and a magnet.
On the dock the sea lions enjoy a restful day in the sun.
These sea lions are on a dock along the waterway in Ensenada.
Nice ship art throughout.
"The Whale Man" art displayed on the waterfront walkway with our ship in the background.
Our ship. Our room is right over the "D" in the ship's name.
A huge flag flies along the waterfront walkway in Ensenada.
Lots of shops in Ensenada. Most of the shops along the waterfront were tourist shops and restaurants. I was a little uncomfortable about eating there but some of their toppings and selections looked delicious. Here the fish market and typical tourist shops sell junk.
One nice thing about the day in port was the decks were neatly completely empty. here we had plenty of deck chairs to pick from.
Is there anything better than sitting on deck reading a fun book?
Course, there are always the scantily clad playboy bunnies running around the ship.
No curling means I had to resort to shuffleboard.
Once the boat got underway, so did the parties.
DeeAnn couldn't choose from the prime rib and the lobster so our dining room staff brought her both! And she said it was delicious!
Towel animals greeted us each evening as we returned to the room. Very clever. They even had a demonstration of how to fold them. But the stage was not accessible and we couldn't really see what they were doing so we didn't stay for it.
DeeAnn can't go anywhere without critters following her around. I kept telling her she could visit all the gulls she wanted at the local dump.
Our "Day at Sea" was basically sitting still off the Long beach coast. But the water was so calm, it looked like glass.
Mel and Alvin (both from the Philippines) were our dining room staff. Excellent service. If we ever go back on this boat, we will certainly ask to be seated at their table.
Our cruise is almost over, the sunset our final day at sea.
Boat scenes. A beautiful mermaid can be seen along the railing.
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