7 Nights Eastern Caribbean: San Juan & St. Thomas Cruise

Great time and Fun

I read some of these reviews and wonder what planet some people are on, or what they expect. Along with another couple we have just done the Canary Itsland cruise. Staff unbelievable, ship clean and tidy, shows the best I have seen on any cruise, and I have done a lot. Food great. With regards to a previous comment about no fruit, I suggest you go to spec savers! and it was always available. Also the comment about Butlins at sea, stupid stupid stupid! You can make a cruise with Marella whatever you want it to be, we chose to go to our waiter service meals presentable and treat it as a sense of occasion. What Marella offer is a choice, that there is not this stuffiness and tuxedo,s/ball gowns every night! for the vast majority it works, probably the reason Marella cruises are the fastest growing in the cruising market at the moment! (No me guessing but look it up). Also I have met many many people on these cruises who have done Cunard/Royal Caribean/Holland America, who all say the same Marella offer the best value for money, all inclusive as standard without having to pay ridiculous bar bills at the end of your cruise! It one price and that is it! Sorry but if you don't like it go elsewhere! For our party we have no issues!

As perfect as a trip could be.

If you can pay the steep price, seeing the Galapagos from the Aqua Mare is the thing to do. We did a seven day cruise, and from the moment we embarked to the moment we were escorted through the airport, this trip was about as perfect as a trip can get. Our guides were energetic and knowledgeable, the crew on the ship worked tirelessly to keep us happy, and the boat itself was exquisite. I am a tough customer, and I have nothing but warm memories of the trip. Here are some highlights: our park ranger guides took us on foot and in the water on expeditions where we saw sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, thousands of fish, eels, octopuses, giant tortoises, iguanas, hundreds of sea lions, and birds, birds, birds. Even though we went during the rainy season, each day felt like a spectacular adventure. There is a rigorous schedule, but guests are invited to do whatever feels right for them. We traveled with a legally blind person, and not only were the guides super informative, they went out of their way to help navigate the terrain. We had a child with us, the only child on the boat, and the staff engaged her with great care and warmth, even ensuring that there was always a tender within easy reach while she was snorkeling. We did not have to ask for this, they just did it. The food was copious and delicious, with lots of fresh fish. We have no dietary restrictions, but they did have a “comfort menu” which our daughter enjoyed. We saw them deal with many other guests who had food restrictions, and everyone felt well fed. The ship was incredibly well appointed. The cabins felt luxurious, the boat had multiple recreational spaces, gym, equipment, etc. And a small onboard shop had basic necessities for anyone who needed them. One got the sense that the crew was treated very well, and in return, were warm and diligent and always on hand to make sure we were happy. I feel a bit sensitive that you won’t take me seriously, because I have no significant complaints. But the truth of the matter is - I would get back on the Aqua Mare in a heartbeat.

Wonderful experience

The staff on board and the activities on the ship were wonderful. We enjoyed every moment and were never bored. The staff in the restaurants were so attentive. We loved how a couple of them went above and beyond to remember our names when out roaming about the ship. It felt very personal and customized for us. My teenage daughter was very impressed that they remembered her name when there were so many people on board that they interacted with daily. Our room was super spacious and comfortable and was cleaned impeccably each day. There were plenty of excursions to choose from to ensure we made the most of our time in Freeport. We enjoyed Pirates Cove resort where we were able to zip line, kayak, and play all the beach sports we could imagine. The weather was perfect for us the entire trip. We were on and off the ship and at the ports in less than 15 minutes both ways. We cannot wait to cruise Margaritaville at Sea again!