The ship is beautiful, but I would not recommend it to anyone who has mobility issues. We booked Chef's Table and Mystery Dinner because I was assured they were accessible for a wheelchair. Not so - Chef's Table required going up three steps and Mystery Dinner was so crowded I couldn't get around to the seating, so be careful about what you are told. Elevators are very crowded with strollers, adults and children so there is a long wait if you need room for a scooter, wheelchair, or walker.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
Ship was delayed four hours and it was a madhouse when they finally allowed boarding. Crew members who were trying to maintain order finally gave up. They did give everyone a $25.00 shipboard credit because by 3:00 o'clock everyone had missed lunch on the ship. We didn't leave Galveston until around 8:30 p.m.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Dining room food and service was good. While the menu wasn't as varied as on other cruises the food was plentiful and good, and service was excellent. Chops Grill's ambience was nice, service was excellent but I did't feel it was really worth the price. Windjammer was so crowded that it was next to impossible to find a table, and for anyone in a wheelchair the food tables were so high it was difficult to reach, and the explanation of what the dishes were was placed on top and unless you were standing up you coudn't read them.
Boleros
5 out of 5
Patsy, the bartender, was very helpful and very upbeat. She's been on Royal Caribbean for 20 years and can answer most questions with a smile. She was most helpful during the Muster Drill, explaining things and keeping everyone in good spirits as we were outside and it was cold.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
My adult children were with me and my son and daughter did the flow rider and the wave. They enjoyed them and wished they had spent more time there. Daughter used the fitness center daily and enjoyed the spin class. Rock climbing wall was very crowded and we didn't have a chance to use it. I wish they had separate times for children and times for adults to use the wave ride and the flow ride.
Swimming Pools
4 out of 5
The pools were beautiful and clean, however the hot tubs were always full of children (they aren't supposed to use them, but it wasn't enforced).
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We enjoyed the ice show and the country band. Acrobatic show was rather boring.
Studio B
5 out of 5
The ice show was fabulous. The skill of the performers was amazing and it was very entertaining. It is well worth standing in the line to get in, but be sure to get there early as most seats are full by the time the show starts
Children's Programs
We didn't travel with children
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Cabin steward was amazing, always seeming to show up when we needed something. Room was kept tidy and well stocked with things. She was delightful. Dining room service was also excellent and our waiter was very entertaining. The rest of the crew that we interfaced with seemed to be rather frazzled and few acted like they enjoyed dealing with the crowds of people that were on board.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
This is a very large ship and the common areas were kept very clean and well-maintained. It was amazing to me that they could do such a good job with as many people as there were using them.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
I had an accessible balcony cabin and it was large, well appointed and easy to maneuver a wheelchair. The bathroom had a roll-in shower and plenty of grab bars. The sink was a little high for a wheelchair user, but doable. There is a small fold down ramp to get out on the balcony and the door is very heavy to open. But the balcony itself is roomy and enjoyable.
Ship tip
This is a very large ship and is difficult to get around if you are in a wheelchair. Elevators are full most of the time with adults, children and strollers making it frustrating to get from one floor to another. All in all, I think this ship is not very accommodating to wheelchair users. With 4,000 people on board, everywhere is crowded and not a lot of room to get around people. Windjammer was the worst as people are going in all directions with plates of food and it is easy to get bumped with people trying to get around you.
Did not do an excursion, but wandered around the shops and sampled some of the local food and drink. It rained some while we were there, but we enjoyed our time there.
Again, it seemed that the Crew didn't have any idea how to manage the number of people on board in an orderly fashion. People were not staying in their designated areas and were leaving the ship before their "number" was called. Wheelchair people were not given any special consideration, but left to exit with the crowds of people. Suite holders (my daughter was one) were sent to three different places because areas were full to capacity.
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