This was the safest cruise environment I could have imagined. Social distancing, 35% capacity, masks worn inside (except for events for vaccinated guests where you could take off the masks), separate dining room level for vax/unvax. This wasn't a perfect trip, but any day at sea is better than the last 15 months. I hate nitpicking about things that shouldn't have been an issue but RCI is usually much better at the details than this cruise demonstrated. Revenge cruise #1 is in the books for the first cancelation. Can't wait for revenge cruise #2 for the October cancellation.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Overall embarkation was quick and easy. Just showed the vaccination card at least 3x, and the Covid test. Since there were so few people 1400/3800 they didn't board by status. Galveston terminal isn't as fast as Bayonne but there's a new terminal coming and that should improve things.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Have to take a star away since Windjammer wasn't available for dinner (sailings under 50% aren't operating Windjammer after 3pm). Even though I knew this going in, this was part of the experience missed. Main Dining room team was great, food was standard RCI, some food was good, some was not, some was excellent. A late night (included) buffet is a must, cafe promenade and Sorrento's just doesn't cut it. Johnny Rockets, Playmakers and Room Service fills the gap and is a reasonable cost.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
All the activities were running during the cruise nothing was missed here.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Grease was excellent, the Ice show Freezer Frame was also captivating, comedians only get a C+ expected better.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Have to take off a star here but I'm not going to mention the nitpicky issues that brought down the rating.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Freedom class ships are excellent. Even though the general layout and design has been around for 20 years, this is a not a ship that you have to compromise your expectations for. This is a first class ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Cabin inspection checklist is needed to make sure nothing is missed.
Ship tip
Make sure you are sailing with a passport, it makes disembarking the ship completely effortless.
This was the easiest disembarking ever. Stay in your cabin or go to breakfast until the luggage tag is called. No more being thrown out of the cabins to be shoved into departure lounges. As long as you are sailing with a passport, you just go to the facial camera and keep going. No stopping for TSA😷.
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