Disappointing cruise with too many people, lacking entertainment, overpriced extras, and lacking service.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
I was a Key guest so embarked with the suites folks. I was there early since I just disembarked an MSC cruise. Was able to get on quickly but was confused about not receiving a sea pass. Apparently you get that later when staterooms are ready. I also didn’t like how much Royal depended on you using your app.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Food was all good. No real complaints. The eggs at breakfast were always like soup though. The a la carte drink prices are ridiculous. $2-$4 more expensive than other cruise lines. It seems they are trying to force everyone to get the drink package. RCCL needs to remove the “My time” dining. They forced me on it when I chose early 5pm and it’s a ridiculous mess every night.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
The pools and water slides were great. Trivia was fun. But the game shows were absolutely stupid. The liars club was too drawn out which made it boring. The “millionaire” show format made no sense and the contestant just had to listen to the audience who couldn’t stop blurting answers. And I will never play bingo again with RCCL. They give the high rollers these iPads which are directly connected to the program picking the numbers. And despite only a few iPads, only people with iPads won. Clearly rigged.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
I was really looking forward to Grease but it was AWFUL. Terrible acting and too overly campy. The Schooner performer Kelly was boring. I thought he was gonna be more similar to Matt Ye. The “parties” in the Promeade just made it difficult to get to point A to B. I did really enjoy Columbus. It was very entertaining and fun. The hideaway heist was the best show of the trip.
Additionally, Royal needs to disallow the booking of shows 1 month in advance. You don’t know what else is going on so you either have to try to rebook or miss out on something else you wanna do . Allow reservations one day before so people can plan their day better
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
Extremely impersonal. My room attendant was really the only person I felt gave exceptional service. Royal should have at least one hosted solo travelers even on ships with solo cabins. Their “solo meetups” were just a random time at a random bar where everyone can still come. MSC doesn’t have solo cabins yet they close down one bar on a certain night to have a hosted solo event (they do this for lgbt too). Royal has just lost its way IMO.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
I was in a studio interior. It was ok but I won’t be choosing a “guaranteed” room on Royal again.
Ship tip
Buy the drink package even if you think you won’t utilize it. Royal has raised their drink prices so high that even a mild drinker will need it. Also, don’t do My Time dining.
Beautiful island. I just did the alpine coaster and I suggest getting the unlimited pass if you want to do it. It’s a blast. I am just not a beach person, however. One thing I really did not enjoy is that you will be hounded by the local staff to help you find a chair ( even though there are plenty ) because they want tips.
Sounds typical of Cruises on all lines now. Cutbacks staff shortages, increased prices and fully booked ships. Cruising is not what it was previously and probably never will be again. Lowered expectations are the key to enjoying a cruise now
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