This was our first ever cruise and we would definitely do another one. Loved our suite, deluxe drinks package, specialist restaurants etc, which all made it more special, and gave us our own space when we needed it. Staff work their butts off. Excursions all really good. Was a fabulous week.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Really easy and straightforward - well organised
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The Windjammer was our idea of hell. HOARDS of cruisers all determined to eat before each other. Food was 5/10 at best but there was plenty of it. To be avoided at all costs. Staff worked really hard.
Tides was hit and miss. First time we ate there, the service was excellent - the 2nd and 3rd time were not quite as good. I paid extra for fillet mignon and surf and turf, which were really good.
Giovanni’s table - fantastic food, fantastic service. Loved it. Got a great on-board deal of 3 meals in speciality restaurants for $79 per person. Would recommend.
Chops- hit.and miss. Had breakfast there and orders were sometimes wrong. Service was ok.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Room steward Seville was good, not intrusive and kept our room nice. Emilita and Christian in Giovanni’s were excellent. Checker from the Concierge Lounge also really helpful - gave us a refund for an excursion we accidentally missed, which was kind of him.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Great, staff worked really hard to make the ship nice.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
We had the 2 bedroom owners suite, via the RoyalUp programme. There was only two of us in it, so lots of room, loads of storage space, comfy bed, good main bathroom.
Second bedroom was permanently freezing cold regardless of a/c setting and the second bathroom was very basic.
Ship tip
The RC shore excursions were excellent - enjoyed every single one
Loved loved loved this place. Had orientation and then high tea at Emirates palace - literally amazing.
Then did our own thing and went to observation deck on Etihad tower, then to the Presidential Palace for tour and light show. Phenomenal. This was the best day - do not miss this opportunity!
City tour and grand mosque the following day, really good. Mosque was SO busy, masses upon masses of people.
Did Dubai city tour and high tea at Burj Al Arab. Great and knowledgable guide. Very full itinerary for 6 hours! Lashed down with rain whilst we were on a boat on Dubai creek, got so cold and wet but so funny. Gold souk was crazy, and constantly harassed by locals to buy fake Rolexes - can’t be doing with that. Was a great adventure, met some interesting people. Would recommend.
Did souq waqif and the museums with Claudia. Really enjoyed, learnt lots. Spice market was great. Did our own thing afterwards, dhow boat and museum of Islamic art. Great day.
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