I am in Cabin 4081 which is an outside, obstructed view cabin. It is a nice
cabin, quite accessible to stairs and elevators. The Cabin Stewards have
been nice and attentive so far.
Yestereday afternoon started with lunch at the Dive-In, good as always. Then
a quick run around the ship to look at her post drydock. To me, everything
looks nice.
This is the Gallery Bar. This replaced the former "Northern Lights" which by
all accounts was under used. Where the former space was dark and closed,
this area is now bright and open. The seating area is nice and will be used
for evening trivia - among other things - and has a nice view out into the
casino.
The casino itself is nice, similar setup to the other Vista Ships. I went in to make my first contribution
of the cruise.
This is Billboard Onboard. This is another area added or modified during the
recent drydock. It contains the two pianos for the dueling pianos concept
and plenty of seating area. Unlike Koningsdam, there is no draft beer at
Billboard, instead it is at the Gallery Bar.
Billboard is also being used for the early trivia contests. It has had a bit
of a crowd each evening. It also had a Name that Tune trivia last night.
Lincoln Center Onboard - the new home of the classical strings group on
board
This is the Crows Nest, after the dry dock. Even after several visits, it
does not seem quite as inviting as it was. Shore Excursions has taken over
what was the Explorations Cafe, which was combined with the bar. There are
several screens around, and while not intrusive, do seem a bit out of place.
The Crows Nest now seems to be the playground of the Shore Excursion
Department and not much else.
This is the area on the Vista ships the was formerly called the Captains
Corner, and where most Cruise Critic Meet and Greets were held. It appears
now to be an area for presentations. Our Meet and Greet will be held in the
Billboard Onboard area, now on deck 2 forward