If you took the time to read what I typed above, you have a good idea of what I think. Sorry for any typos, but I am sure you get the idea. We really enjoy Royal Caribbean. Over the 17 years of sailing with the, (currently Diamond Plus) we have thoroughly enjoyed this cruise line. They continue to improve their ships, the accommodations and venues and so many features and processes. They work to provide first rate customer service. Speaking of first rate customer service, I must mention our cruise agent, best of the best in the industry, a great communicator who knows so much about the cruise industry and has made so many great memories for my family and those I have referred to her. cruise agent Danielle Smith. For that next cruise, give her a call, see what she can do for you - - - . I am sure that within the very first few minutes of your conversation that you will be impressed with her vast knowledge and experience of the cruise industry. I hope yo will give her a call. : 800-278-4737 extension 77182 (Monday to Friday).
Embarkation
5 out of 5
With 6,000 plus passengers passing through Termkinal 1, embarking that day, minimal time was spent during the pre-boarding process. Security checks were well managed, passengers evenly dispersed through the 4 plus lines with wait times of about 10 miunutes. And what could be choas at the check-in counters was well managed by the many staff and volunteers, keeping the longest of lines for those without priority boarding status to 10 to 15 minutes when passenger traffic was at its peak.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food was fantastic throughout the cruise. The Windjammer's new process of managing access on days that most head there made a great difference, reducing passengers standing around inside next to those seated at tables. There was continual announcements asking those seated inside to not lounge there after they finished their meals. Additionally, a number of other restaurants are now open on the embark day (and other days) to accommodate the free meals for the masses. These restaurants are also announced. As always, the staff worked hard to clear tables and maintain the ship with a good presentation. As with most cruises, so many passengers leave dirty plates and glasses anywhere they please (passageways, elevators, stairs …), yet the staff kept up with the discourteous individuals and the ship maintained its clean and pleasant appearance.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
There is never a lack for entertainment and activities, and it is easy to find out what is planned. With the new smart phone application ROYAL, so much is at your fingertips, free with the ship's wifi. Yo can look up the day's events, locations, special announcements and so much more. Best recent change is the staff's push to prevent someone form dropping a towel on a lounge chair poolside and walking away, thinking that they have reserved that lounger for the4 day whether they use it or not. With a little effort on a passenger's part, such situations can be brought to the attention of pool side attendants who will monito and eventually remove the items set in a chair that is obviously being reserved and not used. It was still crowded poolside, but there were bodies in the chairs, not just towels.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Great shows throughout, fantastic talent. But for return passengers, the shows, pretty much, are the ones yo have seen on past cruises. A number of them are planned for replacement soon, which will be a refreshing change. But for a first time experience, the shows were fantastic.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
What a commitment by the Adventurer Ocean staff. There is so much going on for the children of all ages that it is hard to keep up with. The staff were attentive and engaged and the activitie4s were suited for every age. The spaces were clean, bright and effective for providing that quality time for those enrolled, and peace of mind for parents who were away enjoying their own quality of time.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
I cannot say enough for every crew and staff member that I interacted with or observed. Even at the worst of times when confronted by an irate passenger who wanted something "now" and done their way, the attempt to assist and support was always there. Want a reality check as to how people act as they would never do at home, hang out around Guest Services and observe how a "situation" is being handled, walk down a passageway and notice what is loaded on a cabin attendant's cart that was just picted up from the passageway left over form late night and morning room service, and take a peak in a suite after being vacated on the day of your disembark (view the mess left behind) , and you will see what a number of the crew and staff contend with (with a pleasant smile and calm attitude while dealing with a discourteous passenger or what was left for them to clean for the next passenger). The staff on this cruise was wonderful and I observed every attempt being made to make this a great cruise for all with wonderful memories.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Royal Caribbean makes ships right. Unlike some other ships we have been on, very few cabins are near late night entertainment venues or loud noisy area. The layout is such that it is easy to learn and navigate form one area to another. And, high traffic areas are set up as to accommodate the volume of passengers and deter congestion. Cleanliness is what it is. The crew and staff are there in numbers to maintain the ship and the passengers are there to enjoy it. The crew works hard to keep up, as do some of the passengers, but there are always challenges to accomplish corrective and preventative maintenance around the busy schedule of the ship and the agenda on board for the passengers. Royal Caribbean does a great job is managing it and working to stay ahead regarding presentation and cleanliness of the ship and spaces within.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Balcony on the 8th deck, 5 second walk to an elevator lobby and 8 seconds from the doorway to the forward end of Central Part --- PERFECT. Plenty of space, bed height accommodated stowing large suitcases under it, plenty of storage and closet space. Only three drawers in the cabin, but plenty of shelves in wall units and bathroom. Shower was very accommodating (no plastic curtain but rather is double sliding door. Balcony had a small round table and two chairs, plenty of room to relax (could accommodate four or five people leaning on the rail to share the view). Quiet, very quiet.
Ship tip
Load the ROYAL application on yor smart phone and learn to use it. This is the newest of two applciaitons that Royal Caribbean has. I was told it is going to replace the ROYAL IQ applicaiton. It is stillbeing improved, will one day have a shipboard talk and text feature for a small fee. Right now, without the talk and text, it is free and works of the ship's WIFI. Also, book your on baord entertainment at the earliest opportunity. Thinking yo willbe aqble to book when yo get there are go in the stand by line maybe a disappointment. Book everything yo want to do early ... .
Great place, lots to do. Only shortcoming is that in one area of the market the local vendors are a bit aggressive. Sandy beaches but the water is pretty rocky in most of the areas you swim - - - water shows, highly recommended.
Lots of opportunity to enjoy pierside or an excursion. Nice place to visit, plenty of time to do a few focused adventures. Lousy place to be left behind by the ship so plan smartly.
Lots of opportunity to enjoy pierside or an excursion. Nice place to visit, plenty of time to do a few focused adventures. Lousy place to be left behind by the ship so plan smartly.
Many passengers took advantage of the walk off. We decided to leave late. Was schduled to disembark at 1015, we actually walked off at 915 and very few were walking off with us. It was a breeze.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
