... but I am getting apprehensive with all the bad reviews. I have noted many of the bad reviews seem to come from people who think that every ship should be just like the newest one in the fleet at any given time. The ship may be cosmetically dated and without all the new specialty restaurants, but that doesn't mean the experience is not good.
..., to the creperie and pastries at Al Bacio, to the stunning art and glass everywhere, it was clearly a cut above.
Sadly, the Creperie disappeared when the change was made from Bistro on 5 to Sushi on 5, but the rest is much the same.
... long waits at bars and restaurants,
Yes there are waits sometimes, but it's when it's a popular time like when the show gets out, or the before dinner drink, which is exacerbated by no longer having the CC happy hours in the Sky Lounge.
...The one bright spot I keep reading about is the service and the efforts of the crew, for whom I have the utmost admiration and respect. It’s gotta be a very tough racket.
This is absolutely correct. The staff are definitely doing their utmost.
Is it all a bed of roses? By all means no, but certainly not as bad as the negative reviews make it seem. Go in knowing that there will be a few lacklustre experiences, and all will be good.
Enjoy your cruise.