Cuba = wonderful, Empress = not so much

Item: Empress of the Seas
Rating: 3.7
Author: ForestRanchSM

Empress of the Seas Cruise Review to Cuba

ForestRanchSM

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 32

Overall rating:

3.7 out of 5

8 Night Best Of Cuba (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 03, 2019

Ship: Empress of the Seas

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

Unfortunately, Empress is the only Royal ship to go to both Cienfuegos and Havana, at least right now. Most newer ships have a step between the ocean view and suites, but Empress does not. The cost of the suite is over 2 times the cost of oceanview. For us, it was not something we could afford. The ship is also older and does not have all the amenities that new ones have. Even after it had been in dry dock, many things were closed and being worked on for the first several days. The swimming pool did not open at all the first day. People had problems with no hot water in their cabins. We were told by more than one person not to judge RC on this ship. I doubt we will be on another one.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Miami and Royal have it together in getting cruisers on their ships.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Main dining room was great, especially the service. Chops Grille was a complete disappointment. We have a much better steakhouse in our little city. The service was terrible, my wife's medium rare steak was almost raw. Save your money.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Lots of fun on board. Tania in activities was a delight. We actually searched for games and activities that she was hosting.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Shows were good.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

This would be a five star except for the service at Chop's Grille.

Ship Quality

2 out of 5

Our room was loud, had water problems. Banging noises in the middle of the night woke us up often. I would think the middle of the ship would be better.

Cabin / Stateroom

1 out of 5

Don't pick this room. Small and noisy with just a rusty porthole to look out of.