Ship is very nice; rooms clean, comfortable and roomy for a cruise ship (we had private balcony room). Would prefer no smoking allowed on any balconies. Rock wall & bungee excellent for teens; even teen programs pretty good (family contests were fun). Lots of variety of places to hang out (lounges, library all very comfortable). Gym very nice.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Don't care for late dining times, or being forced into buffet because of that. Should offer a second sit-down (more casual) option, with some of the dining room choices. There are already more choices than necessary on the dining room menu. Also should eliminate the "recommended" formal dress and "recommended" tipping. These items are discouraging to many cruisers considering the initial expense already incurred.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Lots to do all the time; often had to choose one over the other. Shows better quality than previous cruises.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
Even teen activities were pretty good; not too lame!
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Most staff very helpful; some customer service new to ship and gave wrong information a few times. Suite attendant excellent.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Very nice balcony stateroom with queen bed, sofabed and upper berth. Great for couple and 2 teens who need separate beds. Good closet space, lots of room when beds folded up.
I know Dom Rep is a very poor country; I spent a week there a few years ago. However, it is a bad choice for a cruise ship port. You must tender to the port (not a big deal), then it's a 1-hour taxi ride (on very rough roads) to a "nice" beach. That costs $100 for a family of 4. Only plus is the driver is yours for the day at that rate. Beach was not worth the time and cost. Should look into docking at Punta Cana, or very close to one of the nicer beaches. Be prepared for vendors aggressively hawking you everywhere. But, prices are great on their crafts, jewelry, paintings.
Very nice beaches, snorkeling, safe, clean, chairs provided, BBQ lunch good. Better than previous reviews indicated. Vendors extremely aggressive. Royal Carib should get them to tone down a little; many people unfamiliar with these practices get very scared. You can get great bargains if you "battle" with the aggressiveness. Eg- $40 handmade wood chess set for $20. RC should also NOT permit them to sell items (eg walking sticks) that they know will be confiscated later by Customs. Chair attendants should not be PERMITTED to look for tips; we already spent enough on this cruise and had no choice but to come to this beach, which is owned by RC. Extra activities here are VERY expensive (zip line, roller coaster); should be reduced.
Lots of fun! Music and vendors in the street (bonus-we got there on the 2nd day of a 2-day festival). Walking tour of 2 forts; flying kites in park at fort; street crafters; felt safe walking; fun atmosphere everywhere; brewery near dock excellent!
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