Sail at your own risk. We knew we would be risking a COVID exposure being on a shop with thousands of people. But Royal Caribbean did not do a good job of sanitizing or any kind of social distancing. Everyone was on top of one another. It was as though COVID never even existed to them. Of course four days after getting home we get an alert to a COVID exposure on August 26-27. Shocker.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Only ate at specialty restaurants in an attempt to avoid crowds. Everything at specialty restaurants including the service was top notch. Last days seems to get overcrowded.
150 Central Park
5 out of 5
Excellent food and service.
Dog House
4 out of 5
While on the Boardwalk my daughter had asked for a hot dog. Naturally I get in a short line to get one for her. 20 minutes later, I finally make it to the front and see what the hold up was about. The individual who was serving everyone was completely inexperienced. When he asked me what I wanted I said the “Classic” as the sign implied that was the name. He didn’t know what it was, he was reading taking the signs out to read them. I felt terrible for him. It was as though he was just fed to the wolves without any training or help from anyone. He kept apologizing to me which made me feel even worse. I wanted to jump back there and help. And while most of the patrons were pretty understanding, of course there are always those who take a bad situation and make it worse. Shame on Royal Caribbean.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Way too overcrowded pools, angry people trying to reserve chairs all day using towel clips, no enforcement of any rules. A free for all.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
While all of the shows were fantastic as were the performers, the organizing at any unreserved event was again a free for all. My family and I would get there early enough so we had a decent view of some of the entertainment. Ten minutes into the show, the room is so crowded my daughter is on my shoulders to even get a glimpse of what is happening. We tried to get out but there were so many people we couldn’t even get out at that point. Talk about a superspreader. And there was no one there enforcing any kind of rules. Just people on top of people.
Aqua Theater
4 out of 5
Awesome performers! Older shows were a bit more engaging though.
Children's Programs
4 out of 5
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The staff was exceptional. All of the staff we encountered seemed to be genuinely polite and respectful.
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
Shop Is not well maintained at all. At the kids water park, every water cannon was leaking rendering them virtually useless except for a dribble. What seems to be an easy fix, I guess it’s low on the priority list. While this is just one example, the lack of maintenance can be seen all around the ship though. Slow moving doors, broken floor tiles, empty/broken hand sanitizers, etc.
Cabin / Stateroom
2 out of 5
Extremely tight, cramped rooms. We knew this beforehand though. Shower is extremely difficult to move around in. Cleanliness of the room was not good. We made sure to wear slippers most of the time.
Ship tip
While embarkation was great, debarkation was another story. Once we returned home, we revived a notification of a COVID exposure on August 26-27. Shocker. Not enough was done for anyones safety.
Very unruly. Even if you get downstairs 45 minutes early there is still a long line that stretches into the main dining room instead of around the promenade. The main dining room is carpeted making it difficult to wheel around luggage while navigating around chairs and tables. And then you find that after waiting there that long, most people were just walking right into the line at the front without a peep from any of the staff.
was on this ship in july. i feel they did a great job with disinfecting and cleaning and hand washing and all. guess you need to stay home and no go out. in fact i was so happy that i have booked another cruise. i could not have asked them to do more
We went on 2 cruises this year and both times at least 2 or more of us got COVID. However, we were all vaccinated and boosted so symptoms were minimal. We still love to cruise despite the risk because we made sure to get vaccinated. I hate to think what will happen to unvaccinated folks when they are able to cruise again.
Nobody wants to read the “I went on a ship with thousands of people and visited ports with thousands of people and still came home with covid so the cruise line must have done something wrong” moans any more.
Haha yes, I was just on Allure and it was very crowded. I came home with no symptoms and the day after I tested positive for Covid. I knew it was inevitable. 🤷🏼♀️
Still trying to figure out why people that are so worried about covid and being exposed go on a cruise. I would also like this person to tell me how do you expect to social distance with that many people. Just stay home if you’re that concerned.
I just got off Allure in July. None of what you are stating was true when I was on her. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience, but I'm having a hard time finding truth in your comments since I was just on Allure myself.
I was on the allure in April and none of what you said was true as far as I was concerned they were always cleaning wiping the room was clean maybe cruising is not for you
I agree with all the comments and who doesn't wear slippers or cover their feet in a cabin or hotel room, etc., where multiple people have walked around?!
You knew the risks when you decided to sail. We have been in 2 already post covid and were on a ship at the very start of covid. Have had no issues and I think they are doing a good job.
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