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Bimini, cruise, expectations, family, Florida, Key West, Life, love, Miami, restaurants, travel, trip, Virgin Voyages cruise
“For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must protect it.” ―
Michael and I decided to take advantage of the holiday last Friday and go on a quick getaway. We chose a 4-night cruise from Miami to Key West, then Bimini, Bahamas, then back to Miami on the Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady ship.
I think I had too many expectations, and a lot in life is about expectations. This was my third cruise, and the most expensive. The first one was with MSC. On that one I loved the food, the service and the shows. The second was a Royal Caribbean. It was also enjoyable, great service, but the food was lackluster.
Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise, with balconies in every room. The food is not buffet style, it is more like a food court. You have to go to each stand and order what you want. That sounds great, but in reality, it was bad. I thought that it would equate with fresh prepared and tasty food, instead it is reheated food. We got burgers that were sitting there getting cold and paninis that were hot on the outside and ice cold inside.
There are other foods around the ship, like pizza and ice cream, but I didn’t think it was anything special.
They do have specialty restaurants that are supposed to be great, but unfortunately since this was a last-minute trip we couldn’t get reservations to the best ones. We were able to get to 2, not the best ones, and they were good, and definitely is the way to go.
This is a picture of some of the desserts, which looked amazing, but only 2 passed my taste test: the Pavlova and macaron(not pictured).
The service was spotty at best. Sometimes the servers were too busy talking to each other to help. And when they helped there were no smiles, it was a chore. I was spoiled with the treatment of the prior 2 cruises. The attendant for our room was very nice and a couple of the waiters in the restaurant were good. But as a whole the service was disappointing.
The pools were tiny and super crowded. Not that I ever go in those pools, but this is the worst I have seen: too small and too many people. The DJ was too loud, but everyone seemed to be enjoying it, so I guess I grew out of my partying days. I didn’t expect a party cruise and that is what I got. This is what I think Carnival would be like. Again… expectations.
The positive in this cruise is that every room has a balcony. From now on it will be only rooms with a balcony for me.
We enjoyed walking around Key West and wouldn’t mind going back there to spend more time. I will have those pictures in a next post.
The safety drill was interesting to watch. I didn’t think they would put all lifeboats in the water, but they did and cruised around for some time before returning and loading them up again.
The stop in Bimini was okay. Beautiful place, beautiful waters, but the beach club was crowded with no available chairs in the shade. The food served there was the highlight of the day.
It was awful? No! Would I do a Virgin Cruise again? Probably not, but who knows.
I need to try some of the others, such as Norwegian, Celebrity and Viking. And perhaps I need to lower my expectations.
We arrived back in Miami at night instead of the morning due to someone having a medical emergency. The view of Miami at night was gorgeous:
“There is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is the sky; there is one spectacle grander than the sky, that is the interior of the soul.” ― Les Misérables
“My soul is full of longing
for the secret of the sea,
and the heart of the great ocean
sends a thrilling pulse through me.”
―
Don’t lower your expectations! Instead, write the cruise line a letter explaining your expectations as an experienced cruiser vs what was received. This might help them improve what they offer. I also think that cruises should have high standards of service, especially for what one pays.
That is a good point. I never lowered my expectations when looking for a partner, I shouldn’t have to when taking vacations 🙂 And this cruise was the shortest and most expensive of the 3 that I have taken.
They sent me a questionnaire about the trip and I completed and added all my observations. If anything they will perhaps realize they need better training and better food or not , just ignore and continue on – it doesn’t look they are hurting for customers. In our cruise there were a couple of huge groups – school reunions and such.
Thank you and blessings!
Hi There.
So glad you wrote this.
A couple of people have suggested I go on a cruise.
It is never going to happen.
As I would be going alone, I would be stuck with people I did not like.
Possibly.
And I read about people getting ill.
No, it is not going to happen.
Hi Granny,
Please don’t let my post keep you from trying a cruise. I am still a fan and will try other cruise lines.
And it is really all a matter of opinion and expectation.
Choose a quick one and give it a try – that way you will find out if it is for you or not.
Thank you for the visit and blessings to you!
Looks lovely but such a huge ship. It was a last minute, so you got away sand had a nice time with Michael, that is what counts.
Try not to have expectations then everything will be a surprise 🙂
I’ve never been on a cruis but don’t fancy such a huge ship but a smaller one like the Norway you mention. that is on my bucket list. 🙂
Hi Ute,
It does look huge, but it is actually the smaller than the others I have been on.
Yes, some times expectations get the best of me. It is a juggling act.
I do want to go on smaller ships and also do river cruises.
Blessings!
I’ve never been on a cruise except a one-dayer on the River Murray; but I enjoyed going on your cruise of mixed blessings 🙂
Hi John,
I will take you on more cruises in the future, as I am not being deterred by this one experience 🙂
Blessings!
yay 🙂
It’s particularly of interest to me recently, cruises that is. I have never been, yet. I am more into glaciers, whales, eagles than the Caribbean offers. I am nervous about the stories I hear about unexpected charges on bills, and tipping constantly for service (is that right?) plus a required tip minimum per day added to the bill. Also the food sounds tempting but I not really needing the temptation as I have a weight goal I am working on. Yet I know cruises are very popular hence people repeating the experience many times (like you). Perhaps there is also a part of me that is getting older and more housebound, and loving it. I have my local biking, and lakes. Plus I just bought a kayak.
I hope that you arrived home safe and hugged your pillow and patted your own stove and felt blissfully glad to be home.
Hi David,
Once I retire, I plan on longer and more interesting cruises such as an Alaskan cruise, and more educational/historic cruises. For now we are sticking close to home.
On all 3 cruises there were no expected charges for us. But we read all details and were aware of the items that were extra – different cruises have different items that are at an additional cost. One has to make sure he is aware of those, so there are no surprises. The tips are an extra $18 a day, which we chose to pre-pay. I hear stories of people that at end of the cruise ask for that money back. I would never to do. Even though I found the service lacking I tipped extra for the ones that I thought were extra helpful and nice, but extra tipping is not necessary.
I always say that I love going away on vacation but I love returning home even home. I am becoming more and more of a homebody and often have to fight myself to get out of the house.
I want to try paddle boarding and do more kayaking but I am not that comfortable in the water.
You live in such an idyllic location, enjoy all around, and specially your new kayak!!
Blessings!
Sorry the food was lackluster, Ana, but the room balcony view looked good! I’ve heard Norwegian cruises are good – so maybe that’s your next one!
Norwegian is definitely on the list. Hopefully another cruise is around the corner.
Food is definitely a priority for me, so that will definitely figure in my choice of best cruise.
That balcony was so cool. We will probably just book rooms with a balcony from now on.
Thank you and blessings!