by Bob Sparrow
Given the interest there was in readers wondering about my sanity, booking a cruise with 2,500 kids on board, I thought I would report back to let you know just how everything went and if my sanity is still intact.
Let’s first discuss the positives. No, let’s do the negatives so we can end on a positive note.
- The obvious is there were lots of kids, but there were also so many kids’ areas – kids’ pool, kids’ clubs, kids’ games, etc. So, yes, lots of kids, but I never felt they were under foot/in the way.
- The food could have been better, much better. There was plenty of it and a good variety, but, based on other cruises, this was below expectations. When we mentioned something about food quality at one of our dinners, the chef came out and explained to us that it was difficult to cook for 5,000 people. Duh!!! Isn’t that what you signed up to do? Isn’t that your job?
- The only other disadvantage that I experienced, was when I went back to the ‘adults only’ section of the ship and looked for a place to sit down, by the pool, anywhere on the deck, with a view, any seat! – all were taken. Apparently, a lot of parents were looking for some ‘quiet time’ away from their chaotic kids.
What I liked about the cruise was . . .
- The ship, Royal Caribbean’s Ovations of the Sea, was much better than I expected for a large ship with 5,000 passengers. Great layout, lots of restaurants with a variety of cuisines, lots of bars, lots of shops, excellent show venues, did I mention lots of bars?
- Lots of things to do, especially for kids, basketball, pickleball, bumper cars, roller skating, rock climbing, surfing, various rides, arts & crafts, arcade, ping pong, etc., etc., etc.
- Fun casino that both giveth and taketh away
- We had a nice room that allowed all 13 of us to gather a few times
- The staff, the Filipinos, were especially nice
- Heard the gym was very well equipped.
- We didn’t get off the ship in Ensenada
- The thing I liked most was that we had our whole immediate family on board with everyone enjoying all the activities and the adults enjoying the kids enjoying all the activities . . . and the drink package!
Some family photos . . .
I’d put a photo of her in the blog.
Princess had a good variety of dinner selections but food quite bland. The buffet was typical with a lot of choices but not my choices. After 32 cruises I might be done. Glad you were able to make good memories with the grandkids.
So many good memories for Family and friends gatherings . I organized a surprise birthday party for my wife with 30 friends and family . Total blast to see her keep running into friends and family over the first two days into the cruise. Cruises are the perfect place to bring folks together in a festive setting .
Let’s just hope the cruise companies will restore quality to provide future gatherings a total enjoyable experience.
Richard Wade
Former Sr VP Princess and Norwegian Cruise Lunes
Right on Richard, thanks for your comment.
Wow!! 32 cruises? You are the ‘Cruise Queen’. Let me ask you, of the 32 cruises, which was your favorite and why?
Just bring with the kids makes everything perfect
Yes!! Always a great time when the kids and grandkids get together, whether on a boat or not!
As a veteran of the cruise industry , I would comment – don’t blame the cooks.! Blame the corporate managers that build bigger ships and cut food cost allowances to the ships by orders of magnitude.
They purchase food futures years in advance at the lowest price and quality the world market allows.
The cooks do the best they can to mass feed thousands every day with inferior ingredients.
The culinary objective on these large ships is to feed the masses with institutional fare surrounded by a carnival like atmosphere. Cruise alternatives exist on smaller ships with more exotic itineraries , less glitz , and quality food.
Richard, lighten up! Linda
Agree, but some cruise lines, like Oceania, do a better job than others with food.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Welllllllllll–love the photos of your beautiful family!!!!!!
Thanks Patty, always great to read your comments.