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United States Line

MS Patriot

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Barbara Cooley
# previous cruises: 1
Date of Trip: January 27, 2001
Itinerary: Hawaii

Let me begin by saying that I'm glad I wasn't on her first cruise in December, which sounds like it was a rough time all around. This cruise was simply the very best vacation I have ever had. I came to it stressed out from work; after one week I was a new woman. Almost couldn't leave. I guess cruise ships are like restaurants: don't go when they first open for business!

I found everything very much to my liking. The ship itself isn't glitzed-up the way the huge new ships appear to be. The atmosphere is friendly and intimate, even in large spaces like the Manhattan dining room. The Eagles' Watch lounge is especially nice. Pools were fine; I didn't really swim, just spent a little time in the hot tub. No casino, thank goodness. Not my kind of crowd.

Wonderful food, interesting menus. I don't know how they served 600 at each dinner seating so effectively. My waiters were unfailingly cheerful, helpful, even solicitous. The buffet was good and convenient, but I preferred the main dining room, which was open for all three meals.

I signed on late, just one week before. I paid half of the full price for the least expensive ocean view room, which would have been a couple of levels below main deck and, as a single traveler, received the "single guarantee." I was guaranteed at least that level of room or better; I ended up on Mariner deck, three levels above main deck, with a beautiful big room and a double window. Big bathroom, scads of closet and storage space, too. And lovely, hospitable cabin stewards to boot.

I only attended a couple of the shows, but they were excellent. The juggler/comedian was especially funny. And the passenger "talent show" on the last evening was great. The lounge performers were outstanding.

This is more of an "in-port" cruise than an "at-sea" cruise. Many excellent choices, including "extreme" challenges (not my thing). I went on tours in each port: Waimea Canyon, Haleakala Crater, the helicopter tour of an active volcano, whale watching, and a coral reef tour by submarine. Apart from taking a fall at Healakala Crater (my own fault entirely), I couldn't have enjoyed the tours more.

Very friendly atmosphere. I met several couples I would like to see again. In fact, some of us have kept in touch. Most of the travelers were older, although there were a fair number of families and young couples, as well. I was embarrassed, as an American, to see so many others who are just plain fat. If they can't or won't lose weight, at least they could wear their clothes big enough and not dress like slobs, even if they are on vacation. After all, so is everyone else. There -- I feel better now.