We love Royal Caribbean for family cruises, we just might not spend the money again for a Christmas cruise.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was very fast and easy. There were plenty of staff helping to direct the flow of people ensuring everyone was in the right place.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The food in the main dining room was always excellent. We did not try a specialty restaurant. The food in the buffet was very good. The food was warm at times and there didn't seem to be as many varying options from day to day.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We did not use any of the pools, they were usually way too crowded. We did lay out in the very front area of the Solarium and really enjoyed that area and relaxed atmosphere. We didn't try the rock-climbing walls, fitness center or other regular options. We were extremely disappointed in the lack of Christmas events and during the day activities. They played a Christmas movie or two each day in the aqua theater and there were Christmas sing alongs in the schooner bar, but that was about it. There was an ugly Christmas sweater during the silent disco, which made absolutely no sense and in our opinion was just a dumb idea. We were so excited to wear our ugly Christmas sweaters, as a family, and we were looking forward to seeing everyone else's but you couldn't see anything in the crowded silent disco and after a short time of dancing in your ugly sweater you were sweating so much you couldn't take it. We were also looking forward to the activity with Christmas PJs, but that was just a wear your Christmas PJs while sitting outside in the sun in the aqua theater while watching a Christmas movie. Since we had warmer Christmas PJs, we just skipped that event all together and just looked silly wearing our Christmas PJs Christmas morning. We expected so much more from a Christmas cruise. The ship was barely decorated and there were no typical Christmas events. We aren't sure if this was all due to COVID or lack of planning on the part of the cruise director and staff. The reason I think it could be due to lack of planning is because the cruise director was one of the most lack luster cruise directors we have seen in about 20 cruises. He was non-engaging, non-energetic and at times a bit rude to cruisers.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
I fell asleep during Cats, but that seems to be just due to the story line, my husband did enjoy it. The ice show and aqua show were both excellent.
Children's Programs
Our daughter attended the teen club. From what we heard, it sounded like it was just a place for the teens to hang out or meet each other. We didn't hear of any planned activities.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The waiters, room stewards and other ship personnel were all excellent. We had top notch service from everyone. Or room steward was so good, we felt like we were staying in a suite instead of a balcony cabin because of the wonderful service he provided us. The waiters were quite busy, but they tried their best and usually did an excellent job remembering what we liked to drink and other things like that.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship design and layout is the same as any other oasis class ship, which we enjoy. All of the common areas were clean and well-maintained. We always saw staff cleaning all parts of the ship and making sure the tables were all clean and sanitized for guests.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our extra spacious large balcony was amazing. It was so nice for our 16 year old daughter to have her own bunk bed area with curtain all to herself. She was able to relax in her bed any time and keep all of her belongings together in her own area since we didn't have to share the couch as her bed.
Ship tip
If sailing with kids, get the ultra spacious large balcony. If you have the refreshment package, order cans of soda, which is usually better then the freestyle machine sodas.
We didn't purchase an excursion, we just lounged in a free lounge chair and enjoyed the beach. I would recommend trying to find someplace closer to the bar or food area if you plan on using either often.
We did the 2 hour driving tour through Royal Caribbean. It was nice to see the island. The one stop was a way to busy tourist trap which happened to have an area with a pretty view. You just had to wade through tons of people to get out there. If you plan on getting one of their banana daquiris, get in line as soon as you get there. We were out of luck because 20 minutes wasn't enough time for the line.
We took the water taxi over to the beach and rented an umbrella and 2 lounge chairs for $15. It was a nice location and very relaxing. I even got suckered into a foot and leg massage from a local, but I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. It was so relaxing to be laying on a lounge chair, listening to the waves, while getting a leg and foot massage with real aloe. My only advise it to ask for the price before hand so you can negotiate. I thought $45 was a bit much, but she worked very hard and she was very appreciative and thankful the tourists were back.
Even though the lings to get off the ship were extremely long, getting through the terminal was very easy and even better using a porter to help with the luggage and zip us through the lines.
I was on that cruise!!! And I agree 100% with you. I will not spend that kind of money again for a Christmas cruise. I didn’t feel like Christmas at all, and us too were looking crazy because we had our ugly sweaters and it was also formal night, so you saw people in ball gowns and others with pajamas or ugly sweaters lol…. I was expecting way more specifically for children, at least I was expecting to see Santa by the tree.
I've only taken one Christmas cruise and don't plan to take another for the similar reasons. It just didn't feel like Christmas. Sounds like your ship did much more Christmas activities than mine did. I don't expect them to change too much of their entertainment program for the Christmas week. In any event, the cruise takes precedence and Christmas is a side-note. I would rather have a nice Christmas at home, then take a cruise.
Appreciate your feedback. We have avoided Christmas cruises because of the number of children. But if there is nothing special happening that’s another reason not to sail then.
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