I know my review may seem negative. Its just my honest opinion for this particular sailing. I love Royal Caribbean but our embarkation set the tone and it was so awful! I do highly recommend Independence of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas class. I think they are the best value at RCL.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
It was awful! We were told my baby nephew could not board because both parents weren't there (father was returning rental and dropped us all off first). So we waited (not a big deal), but then my other nephew was told he couldn't get on with his birth cert (Puerto Rico). He is active military and then was told his ID would work then was told it wouldn't because it didn't say active (they don't say that anymore). We had to request luggage be taken off the ship and because 1 nephew couldn't go the other family members no longer wanted to cruise. This cruise was specifically for my nephews to all be together and the cousins. All in all it took multiple agents telling us different things depending who we spoke to. I was in tears because they couldn't get on and I was losing all the $ I paid. They never took our luggage off the boat and 30min prior to sailing we were told nephew could get on with his military ID AFTER we did our research and told the ship employees his ID was valid. It was an awful experience. We arrived at 11:15am and finally got on ship at 330 after all of that. We argued amongst ourselves, cried... it was just awful!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Fish n Chips was awful. I know it's free, but I don't see how they could charge for it. Diningroom was ok. Better than other cruiselines but my last cruise with Royal the food was better. Buffet was good.
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
Disappointed we didn't get to do laser tag. I feel like that should have been more available than ice skating. Other cruisers thought the same.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
So I usually love the entertainment. I was soooo looking forward to Grease. I watch it everything on tv and know all the words... in my opinion, it was too long. And a little boring. I was surprised by the other show ( Vegas style concert) the band was so good and so was the singer. Only one comedian show that I didn't get to see. I do wish there was more comedy. Also on the pool deck when a movie want playing there were videos of tiktoks playing. Everyone was complaining. Not the vibe we're going for on a pool day. So boring. So many ppl said they could have just played the music louder when band was playing too. It got boring when the pool band wasn't on stage. The TV and low music not the fun vibe we all were after.
Children's Programs
We didn't use it.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All onboard staff we encountered were great as usual! They really do want to make your trip the best.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Ship is clean, updated and offers alot. Upper pool deck spaces are in desperate need of shaded areas. Whether they are sturdy umbrellas or random pergola placed...they need something. I get not everyone can have some shade but it gets brutal up there on sunny sea days.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Just what I expected. I just wish they would upgrade the look (carpet, furnishings etc). Space and storage were great.
The beaches aren't that great. And the prices to rent daybed, cabanas is outrageous! Pool could have been cleaner. Cups everywhere and water is pretty dirty. I get there's so many ppl but it was kind of gross. We just laughed it off and made the best of it.
Oh my gosh!! I would have cried too! That’s a HORRIBLE way to start your vaca! I mean, THANK GOD they finally let you on the ship but going through that hassle still sucks!! I’m sorry… 😞
Wow, what an awful time for you on embarkation. Why did you give disembarkation one star as well? I'm glad you all got to board. Thanks for the review.
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