Somewhat surprisingly disappointing cruise. We have done many Southern Caribbean cruises but on Celebrity which we have enjoyed. Given that the two lines have the same owner, we expected a similar experience with RC, and we have cruised with RC in the past but that was a decade ago. Things have changed and not for the better in my opinion.
In essence, we will probably avoid RC in the future and stick with other brands, especially for this route.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
With the advent of on-line registration and check-in, the process has become almost seamless. We don't check luggage and use carry-on only so for us the process is even easier than most.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
This is where RC has really declined since our last cruise with this specific line ten years ago.
1. The buffet is remarkably similar in its offerings each day. Let us say, how many ways can you do chicken? And the food appears to be well cooked and sitting for a time.
2. Quantity was never an issue, but for such a large ship, the buffet was surprisingly compact. This led to much milling about by patrons.
3. Food in the dining room varied widely. Some of the evening's themes were, to say the least, uninspiring. However, the Indian options were quite tasty, although I imagine that a native would have found the spice level somewhat bland, but I was not complaining!!
4. There is a huge glitch in the way lunch is served on this ship. When in port, as expected, the main dining room is shuttered and lunch is served in the buffet. However.....many passengers take shore tours in port and don't arrive back until after three PM and the buffet stops serving lunch exactly at 3, and doesn't reopen until 5. If the people from the tour have not eaten off the ship, their only alternative for food is a ridiculously tiny pizza stand in the Solarium, with very very limited offerings. This led to huge lines from 3-5 PM as people were looking for something to eat, and meh food at that. This alone would rate a negative star in my book. RC needs to clean this up.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Standard cruise ship stuff, with lots of upselling going on at the fitness center.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
I give this a 3 star although one show was cancelled for undisclosed reasons, and we don't stay up late but the usual activates were available. I didn't try the rock climbing wall, but should have.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everyone is pleasant.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Great effort is made to keep the ship clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Standard cabin with tiny bathroom, but functional. In the world of cruising, you get what you pay for, but I will say that the bed was really quite comfortable, more so than most of the hotel room beds that I have slept in.
Ship tip
Do not buy the drink packages offered unless you consume huge, and I emphasize the word huge, amounts of soda pop, specialty coffees or teas or alcoholic beverages. You will do far better purchasing these a la carte and save money doing so.
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