I have always loved RC but this cruise was not my favorite and makes me wonder if I should try other lines. I am a platinum member so it's not like it's my first cruise. I took my kids and grandkids this time to sell them on cruising. Not sure this one did it. This cruise was NOT up to what I thought Royal Caribbean standards were. I was highly disappointed because I had talked them up before we went and then had to smell the smells and eat under cooked or over cooked food. Just disappointed.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Lines were longer this time but all in all was good.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
We mostly stuck with the buffet since we had littles. Typical RC food. The cookies were on the hard side, breakfast sausage looked undone. Was gray, not browned at all. Bacon was extra crispy and crumbled when you tried to pick it up. Food was not consistent. Some overcooked, some undercooked.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Pools were great, hot tubs good, slides exciting.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Love the shows on Royal Caribbean. Comedians were fabulous, great fun. Quest is always a good time.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
There were a few that went above and beyond (who were tipped accordingly). I have found with this cruise, RC may have cut staff. I remember a time there was ALWAYS someone to help you and this time seemed a little slight on the service. They were nice enough, just not overly nice.
Ship Quality
1 out of 5
Design fine, cleanliness not even a one star. I could go on and on about the cleanliness but I will hit the highlights. Deck 4 smoking area, no ashtrays until I asked and smelled of rotting flesh. I actually gagged. Our cabin sink smelled of sewer gas when you ran the water. Sewer gas smell throughout the ship, not appetizing. Common restrooms had fans constantly running, not cleaned well and smelled of mildew. Cups, plates, ashtrays were left hours on Deck 11 unattended. I am not used to this being an apparent new RC standard.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
I give this three starts because the room attendant was fine, room size was fine. The smell was bad. Mildew and sewer gas in the bathroom.
Ship tip
Don't expect this ship to be much. It has all the amenities as other ships but needs updated and if you are offended by smells, this is definitely not the ship for you.
My wife and I have been on 4 different lines now. We always find a cruise is what you make it. We started cruising in 2000 and yes we do believe quality and all the classy events have changed a bit, but still great. Formal nights have lessened food is still very good but not as before with midnight buffets and the likes. The ships are constantly going so I am sure upkeep is very hard. We have also found Mexico and Western Caribbean for us is not as enjoyable, but we still go and enjoy them. Our 13th cruise in March on the Liberty of the Seas.
Being from Dallas we sail Liberty often, have never experienced foul smells or had an issue with staff not being available. I will agree, however that the passenger to staff ratio isn’t what it once was, but LOTS is a fantastic ship, that presents as nearly new.
I went on this ship about 2 months ago and LOVE and ENJOY every minute of our time here. We also traveled with large group and stayed on the same deck as you did, did not have any trouble whatsoever. We had breakfast and lunch in the Windjammer and have dinner in MDR; typical American breakfast and lunch....dinner foods was great!
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