So first cruise here. Father in law guessed we should all go on a "vacation". Ok he footing the bill, mostly (get to that later). Royal Caribbean allure of the Seas.
First off this was booked a year ago. I have never even remotely liked the idea of a cruise. I'm a resort guy, all inclusive style. I was apprehensive about the motion of the boat, quickly dispelled. I was a bit unnerved about not seeing land for days at a time (that didn't go away). The ports are tourist traps. The excursions way over priced, and the onboard services kinda suck imho. 6000 people locked on the ocean. 3 pools that are small, so when at sea and everyone on boat you literally get 2.5ft of space to "swim". FIL didn't go all in so no drinks, I paid for flight from NY to Florida. Paying for tips on ship, so this is far from a free vacation and with what I'm out of pocket I could've had a vacation I actually wanted. Limited kids stuff. If you're into "shows" there are plenty, but kids? Not really into it. Pools close at like 9pm. Wall to wall people on at sea days. No escape.
So cruise is St Kitts, San Juan, and Nassau Bahamas. Orig schedule 1 yr ago was no San Juan but at Thomas, but due to engine issues san Juan was the pick. So you all know the crap I'm San Juan. Day before we docked 2 other royal Caribbean ships diverted and didn't go for "passenger safety", yet a day later we dock there? My safety isn't important? View off boat and reports from others. CNN on dock, police everywhere (visible from ship) graffiti and broken windows abound. 6 ship docks, we were the only ship there. The entire stay was 7am to 1pm. Fucking bullshit.
The staff is great. That's the only plus. Didn't get drink package day one so you're fucked. Just didn't think I could consume $800 in booze between me and the wife in 8 days. Oh there's 18% tacked onto that $800 as well.
There's more but I have to go pretend I'm enjoying myself even though I am in hell.
Sorry for the rant and random paragraphs.
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