The ship was full but Royal Caribbean keeps everything working smoothly and orderly. The dining room food was disappointing. The live music made up for any negatives. I meant for this to be a relaxing cruise and it was. Service at bars and everywhere else was good.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Suite/"Key" passengers are escorted onto the ship away from the crowds.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Izumi was great. Best to book in advance online; those without reservations were turned away.
Park Cafe in the Solarium is great for a snack, the roast beef sandwiches are so good.
Windjammer buffet was too crowded for me, but the food looked fresh and abundant, and they had juice-bar-type smoothies already prepared.
The suite lounge was a great advantage, with the view from the crown of the ship, hot coffee, fresh fruit and pastries, nightly happy hour, and plush seating in a quiet setting. The concierge was superb in handling requests. I wish I could have a cinnamon roll right now.
The main dining room was comfortable, pleasant, service was good, but food quality and selection has declined. Escargot, fish, and shrimp were good.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The pool was a zoo but people looked to be enjoying themselves.
Rock climbing is always good and the coaches do a great job.
The cruise director was too loud and over-the-top for me but she works hard.
The egg-drop is fun for all ages and the activities director does his job well.
Plenty of activities like name-that-tune, trivia, games, dance lessons, stretching, etc.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Rhythm and Rhyme was just ok. Tango Buenos Aires was great. The house bands were great. The vocalist gave mics to two pre-teens so they could sing along, that was nice of her.
The string duo from Ukraine however was the absolute highlight of the ship for me. It was incredible to witness their talent and hard work. BUT - to the group of uncouth, middle-aged, loud drunks congregating nearby - you should know better and have respect towards artists. Disgusting!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Cabin attendant Cris was very genuine, someone you would want to hang out with. He was ninja-like! I learned that it is impossible to keep windows clean on a ship, the very next day they'll be dirty again from salt and condensation. I like to go around the cabin myself with disinfectant, and let me tell you, it was scrupulously clean already.
Dining room waiters were quick to learn preferences and did a great job as usual.
Spa staff was friendly and did a good job.
When you first step on the ship, the staff makes you feel welcome.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Very well-designed ship and very, very clean. The ship is 25+ years old; areas exposed to the maritime elements including balconies will have rough surfaces, spots of rust, and evident wear. There is a faint but noticeable sewage odor around the ship now and then.
The teak wraparound promenade on deck 5 is a wonderful feature that you don't find on newer ships.
The decor is dated, you just have to embrace it. It is grand.
The casino is smoky.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Just about perfect! Roomy, comfortable, and extremely clean. Almost too many drawers and cabinets. Plenty of hanging space. Malin & Goetz bath products. You could hear what sounded like rolling carts overhead, but it was muffled enough to not be a problem.
Ship tip
Have common courtesy, don't be sloppy drunk and loud in indoor venues.
Extremely smooth, the suite concierge whisks you past all the passengers standing in line, and you retrieve your luggage in a separate part of the customs area.
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