Bit of a shambles, given a number and told to wait for our group to be called even though we had priority boarding. Once at the checking in area I explained again that we had paid for priority boarding as we have young children. The woman at the check in tried to tell me we didnāt have it even though it stated we did on all of our booking paperwork. She reluctantly let us check in after realising she couldnāt explain why we couldnāt board!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
1 out of 5
After cruising with Royal Caribbean for the last 5 years our expectations for the food and drink were probably set too high.
We had the Premium+ Drinks package which covers all drinks on the menu in any of the bars or restaurants up to ā¬10. This was fine for everything we needed and we never found ourselves wanting whenever we went to the bar.
The food on the other hand was basic and repetitive. The Zanzibar buffet restaurant was a bit of a cattle market, hard to get seated and very slow to clear tables. We also found that they started to close section early and shut larger sections earlier than stated. Only 2 had alcohol was stations on the whole ship! And no enforcement to ensure they were used.
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
Very poor, everything seems geared towards Italian guests. Nothing for kids, pools were ok but kids not allowed to jump in. Splash area rarely on and babies in nappies allowed to sit in them even though this is not permitted for hygiene reasons. Hot tubs had a 6 person limit that was constantly ignored. No play areas for kids.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
Children's Programs
1 out of 5
Kids clubs not ideal. Very little English spoken by the crew members in charge and the kids have to be left all day. Probably again geared more towards Europeans whoās idea of a āfamily holidayā differs from ours as they never seemed to have kids with them and frowned upon any noise from other peoples kids.
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
Ok but not great again. Staff didnāt seem very well trained and often looked bored and unhappy. Not the politest either, many of them take right of way no matter what you have in your hands without even a smile or nod. Very little interaction with room attendant. Nowhere near the level of Royal Caribbean but in fairness the attitude of 90% of the guests probably contributed to their behaviour.
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
Nice ship but a confusing layout. Everything seemed scattered about and difficult to get to.
Not the cleanest and hygiene not a top priority. Very few hand wash stations, tables wiped with napkins and no disinfectant spray. Old plastic glasses and chipped plates. Dirty windows and floors. Not great.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Nice comfortable cabin, decent size with a nice but small balcony. No real complaints.
Ship tip
Donāt go if youāre British, have kids, enjoy food or have previously sailed with Royal Caribbean!
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