Only my 2nd cruise so compared to short Carnival Valor---RC is a huge upgrade! We really enjoyed every day on the cruise. There was plenty to do and the food was good. Shows very nice.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We came in via taxi late in the day due to flight. It was ok--nothing hard about it.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Since the only comparison I have is 1 cruise on Carnival--RC seems like a huge upgrade! Their food was all good--the drinks were reasonable and got what I asked for. Really enjoyed my dining experience onboard Adventure of the Seas. Wish Johnny Rockets was free HB like Carnival tho.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
There was plenty to do even into the late night hours. Compared to Carnival Valor--hardly anything after 9 pm and lots of places dark; not even movie in theatre. Which I think RC could have had more of also. How hard is it to show a movie 2-3 times a day so you can catch at least one of them? That is at least a 90 min. period of time you have to block out if you want to see the movie and you might miss something you really want to participate in---just saying. Was impressed with the kids part of the ship and how they handled that by age group--so much that want my son and family to cruise maybe in Jan. or Feb. They have 3 boys that would really enjoy this part of the ship.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Since this is my 2nd cruise--hardly have much comparison but a lot more than Carnival. I enjoyed everything we went to and participated in. It was great to have choices. Would like to see movies shown more in the theatre more often during the day when it was empty. That shouldn't be too hard.
Children's Programs
I had no children with me but looked at what they had as want my son's family to cruise with me next time.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everyone was super friendly and nice. The only exception was a guy that chased us down to try to sell us a meal @ Giovannis' even after we told him we didn't like Italian food. He persisted so much that I finally walked off. My friend was nicer but finally had to tell him we would call him the next day as he would not take no for an answer. Maybe they have a quota to fill--it looked pretty empty every time I walked by it. Did not try Chops Grille as we had steak option at dinner in the dining room and it was good. Not great but good. Think hamburgers @ Johnny Rockets should be part of the cruise fee...not something we have to pay for. Carnival has free HB and they are really good. Since RC Windjammer and Dining Room had such good food--it helped that we didn't have to rely on HB or pizza so much as an option like I had to on Carnival as that was about all that was good on that ship.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Always saw crew cleaning and repairing just about wherever we went. They were very good. Like the ship layout but again--this was only my 2nd cruise.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Had inside cabin 9263 on Adventure of the Seas and the bed was rock hard. The cabin steward tried his best bringing in 4-5 mattress toppers but they were not thick and not much use even after I doubled them over. I ended up sleeping on extra pillows he supplied. RC definitely needs to upgrade to pillowtop mattresses or at least provide a true mattress topper that is at least 2 inches thick.
Ship tip
Eat in the Dining Room more. The food is better quality and the service is excellent. Takes a little longer but worth it if you have the time. Altho, except for desserts, the Windjammer was good most of the time.
The city itself did not seem to have much to offer. I went on a snorkeling deal with Woodwind which were super excellent--my first and they were great!
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