As mentioned - this was our first time on RCL. We had high expectations as we had always heard good reviews of RCL. Disappointed. Over 25 prior cruises with Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, and one on Holland. This ties for last place.
The ship is fine. Design, condition, cleanliness all good. Food was hit & miss as described previously, and service in the Windjammer was the worst that we have ever experienced. With Windjammer closed from 3:30 - 6pm, it was often a scramble to get something to eat after an excursion - there are almost no options during those hours.
Overall we enjoyed the vacation as the places we visited were good - it just could have been better if the food & service were improved.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
There was confusion about COVID requirements prior to cruise, but aside from that, embarkation was good.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Main dining room was pretty good, but menu repeated, and a few nights had poor menu selection. Windjammer buffet food was not very good, and staff was not very friendly. The Windjammer closed from 3:30-6, and you don't want to get in the way of the staff in their closing routine. Offerings at the Grill & Deli were poor. Buffet food quality varied with some items pretty good, but others tasteless, or with an inappropriate taste (sweet chips for nachos). Wine selection poor for at least 1/2 the cruise - paying $60+ per day you should be able to get the Kendall Jackson Chardonnay listed on the wine menu. No margarita mix on the boat. Did not offer bottled water for excursions as is often available on other cruise lines. Freestyle coke machines stopped functioning halfway through the cruise, and the beverage station was not well prepared to offer the variety of soda or adequate service.
We have cruised over 25 times on several cruise lines - this ranks at the bottom for food.
This was our first time, and likely last time on RCL. Did not try specialty restaurants.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Used the pool area & tanning for 2 days. A couple of the days the weather was not very good or seas were rough. Did not use fitness center or other activities.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Participated in several of the shows - just okay.
Children's Programs
no kids
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
A real mixed bag. Dining room service was excellent. Windjammer service was often poor as stated previously. State room attendant was excellent.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
In good condition, clean, and well maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
A little smaller than other cruise lines, but okay. Everything worked fine.
Did border country tour through RCL. Somewhat interesting, but shopping not as advertised. Would have been better to skip the excursion, and just walked through the city as it was near the dock.
Booked Barcelona tour which ended at the airport. Ship staff did not assure that we could get elevators to self disembark with the tour. Luckily we made it.
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