Been there, thought that

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about cruising, it’s don’t let online reviews set your expectations. One of the challenges of reviewing a cruise is that there are so many variables involved, not to mention individual expectations. Keeping things in proper perspective is a real challenge. In the case of our recent cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas (our ninth on RCCL and third on the Navigator) )exceeded my expectations – by a long shot. The atrium at the entrance of the Navigator of the Seas' promenade   Why?   Because in many ways Royal Caribbean continues its Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde approach to cruising. The Dr. Jekyll (who was the nice guy) was seen by the service and outstanding friendliness of the ship’s staff, service, food, entertainment – in other words, the cruising experience. Royal Caribbean continues, so it seems, to take on the role of the evil Mr. Hyde in its policies and miserable ability to communicate with its customers. The...

My wife likes to takes walks in the afternoon or early evening.   Most of the times they are around our subdivision, which if you like walking in a one-mile circle, is fine.   Boring, but fine. So when she recently asked me if I wanted to walk with her, I commented on the lack of excitement of walking in a one-mile circle and suggested we walk into the nearby Long Grove instead. She liked the idea and enhanced it with the idea of stopping at a “wine place” she had seen.            I may start walking every day. It turns out the “wine place” was Broken Earth Winery, which has a wine bar in Long Grove (219 Robert Coffin Road).   Much to our surprise, it was far more than a tasting room or boutique of stuff with wine as an afterthought. Broken Earth Winery:  219 Robert Parker Coffin Road in Long Grove Its main focus is wine from their own winery.   Rest assured, however, it’s not a couple of guys ...

About this review:   Stan Zoller is a freelance journalist and journalism educator.   Information in this review is an independent viewpoint based on individual observation. No complimentary services, meals, or lodging were provided by Royal Caribbean.                         It’s no secret that the cruise industry is becoming more and more competitive.   What was once deemed as a vacation for the rich and famous, if not just the rich, is now a common vacation for individuals and families from all cultures, heritages and socioeconomic backgrounds. The Promenade             For families, cruising the Caribbean can be utopia with a plethora of activities for passengers of all ages and itineraries that offer an array of opportunities for vacationers.        ...