Selected this cruise because of the itinerary and price. I guess I should have managed my expectations. The cruise was fine, but lots of little issues that took away from the experience. Food in the main dining room was ok, but nothing special. Entertainment (both production shows and musical groups) were disappointing, with the exception of a very talented piano and violin duo. I find myself going back to my cabin each night after dinner due to a lack of interesting activities/shows/musical performances. Also, didn't care for the dynamic pricing for drink packages, dining, etc. I'd prefer there was a set price. Also disappointed by the need to pay for text functionality with other guests through the app; this has been provided for free on other lines. The cost was minimal , $2 per day per person, but it felt kind of petty to have to pay to keep in contact with my teenager.
I know I'm focused on the negative, so I also want to discuss the positive. The staff, particularly the dining staff, were outstanding. Everyone worked hard to make sure guests had the best possible experience and went out of their way to provide outstanding service. The cabin and the ship was generally very clean at all times. The itinerary was also excellent and had a great variety of ports of call.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Two ships were embarking on the same day and there was mass confusion. People on the other cruise were moved to the front of the line and long queues to get through security. It was hot and having to navigate the long lines and differing paperwork checks depending on the cruise was not a good start to the trip.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The food in the main dining room was adequate, but nothing special. Food descriptions sounded good, but the actual meals were underwhelming. I can't remember a single item I ordered that stood out. It wasn't terrible, just not great quality.
Buffet had a great selection and was presented well. Desserts could use some work. I really disliked the self-service buffet. While there was someone at the entrance making sure everyone was sanitizing their hands before entering, there was not sanitizer within the dining area that I could find. This was the one area where I feel Royal Caribbean failed with regard to COVID protocols.
Dining staff were excellent; friendly, helpful and provided outstanding service.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Pools were ok and plenty of lounge chairs. Mini golf course ran very low on golf balls toward the end of the cruise. Activities were mostly limited to bingo, karaoke and trivia contests.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
Didn't attend any of the stage shows because they didn't seem interesting. For example, one night the entertainment was an Il Divo tribute band. Musical performers were also lackluster, with the exception of an outstanding piano/violin duo.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
Teen program was very good, although limited hours were kind of disappointing. Not something we have experienced on other cruise lines.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Staff were for the most part outstanding! Can't say enough about the dining team. Guest relations always seemed understaffed and took forever to resolve issues.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Ship was very clean and despite the ship's age, everything was in great condition.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Room was fine and exceptionally clean. Great balcony, although lounge chairs needed some TLC as they were ripped and stained in areas. Biggest complaints were the bed; I usually like a firm bed, but the bed was almost as stiff as a board and the small shower. Closets were a good size and plenty of outlets at the desk (although none by the bed).
Ship tip
Manage your expectations. The itinerary was outstanding and the reason I selected this sailing. If you're looking for a reasonably priced transportation to visit some unique ports but don't care about lots of bells and whistles, this would be a great ship for you.
Great port with lots to see and do. Took a ship sponsored excursion to the Acropolis which was excellent. Guide was very knowledgeable, and bus was nicely air conditioned, which was great considering the intense heat that day.
Outstanding. There was a train strike which meant more people than usual used the cruise-provided transfers. Departed as scheduled and couldn't have been easier or faster. Never waited in a single line, literally walked right off the ship, grabbed my bags and walked straight to the bus. Was at the bus about 5 minutes after stepping off the ship.
Hand washing stations are at the entrance to the buffets. For food safety it is more effective than sanitizer, that's why proper hand washing stations have been on RCI ships for years. Sanitizer dispensers are placed throughout the ship ahead of frequently touched areas like elevators.
We have had similar experience on Royal, dinning room food is ok and drink package and individual drinks are expensive.
Wonderful itinerary so I know you had a fabulous trip!
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
