Loved the size of the smaller ship. Easy to navigate. Never felt crowded.
Anticipated feeling more rocking from the swells. With 6 ft. seas, you”ll feel it, but, it didn’t take long to get used to it. Choose your room. Deck 9, under pool deck, was very noisy. The unavoidable dragging of deck chairs on 10, sounded like thunder, day and night.
No special perks except for the Grand and Owner suites, and, only higher level C&A status.
Lack of communication, among staff, regarding disembarkation for C&A. Still, a wonderful cruise on a unique ship.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Empress was docked in the original RC space, not, the newly built RC space. Uber had a difficult time locating the ship.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Service was wonderful. Attentive and up to RC’s high standards.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Smaller ship, fewer activities. Not many venues, but, activities staff kept a full and varied Compass. Not a ship that under 18 years if age would prefer.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Headliner comics were entertaining. Musical shows were average. Headliner Olympian demo and his memory hacks were entertaining.
Children's Programs
No children
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
From welcome greetings to food service, the staff is attentive and friendly. Room attendant, Mikael, was exceptional.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
A smaller ship with comfy nooks and seating so you’re away from the action, if you choose to be. Empress is showing her age. The design for common areas made it easy to find your way around. Not crowded except at those times you would expect; early dining, departing for shore stops.And, debarkation, upon return to Miami.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Clean. Comfy bed. Sofa near balcony door. Lots of storage.
Directly under pool deck. The dragging of deck chairs, overhead, sounded like thunder, morning thru night! Not a positive RC experience.
Ship tip
Don’t get stuck in a cabin under the pool deck. Expect the feel of rolling seas in this smaller cruise ship. We had 6 ft seas with swells. Still, a good cruise, just, expect to feel more than you would on the larger RC ships.
Usually love this port. A great beach day. But, the smell of the tram exhaust was horrible. The fumes were thick. Dissipated slowly even with an ocean breeze. Surprising that RC would allow it on heir private island.
We chose to make it a beach day and took a cab ride to SandCastle on the beach resort. Charming. Great service. Cafe and pool. $25 pp for chairs, umbrella, WiFi, pool, welcome rum punch. Clean, friendly.
We chose self-departure and kept our luggage. Huge line wrapped around the deck at 8am. After two inquiries about departure for Crown and Anchor members, finally, got correct info from Guest Services Andi. He saved the day. Do not expect the same Crown and Anchor perks fir your level with the booking of a Jr.Suite.
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