11/6/04

By mrswynn

• February 18, 2007

We stayed in a mini-suite. Wallpaper was filthy. Our sheets were NEVER changed in the 10 days we were on board. Gave our cabin steward a $50 tip over and above the $10/day automatic gratuity early on and asked that he keep our ice bucket full. He was not consistent in cleaning; the bathroom floor was never washed. We'd leave for dinner and come back to find the room still not cleaned. It seemed as though he got our money and then took a hike.

Dining room staff was fantastic; Waiter Andi, asst. waiter Max and head waiter Yusuf the best we've ever encountered on land or sea! Food presentation was outstanding. Excellent chef. Room size was great but with very high seas, the balcony was a salt shower. Room television channels very limited. Room "music" was of poor sound quality. Very little to do on board - cruise director should be scolded! If HA wants to attract 40+ passengers, they need to at least play some music poolside. It was dead silent.

We were unable to visit Half Moon Cay due to weather and excursions were canceled at Tortola and St. Thomas, leaving passengers on board to get bored! Thank GOD we met some wonderful people which helped make the cruise quite pleasant, but HA needs to get their act together. The employees get to know your name, and you're always greeted with a smile. However, the ship rocked and rolled with the high seas - barf bags all over the place and poor quality entertainment and activities. If you want a very subdued experience, with time to read (unless the seas are too rough to hold the book up), this is the one for you. And if you're 75+ and wear a speedo, this is definitely your ship.

If you want more activity, more than one hour of "happy hour" a day, music during the day on deck and exciting entertainment, book elsewhere The beds are fantastic - new mattresses. The "flowers" in our room consisted of a tiny bud vase with four flowers. The "fruit basket" had bananas, apples, oranges and pears but by day five the pears and bananas were no longer refreshed. Would rate this cruise a "5" out of 10.