My Louis Vuitton luggage, that I received as a gift and was using for the first time, was damaged. I don't know what they did or how they damaged it, but it was not like that prior to leaving it with the baggage handler. I contacted Guest Services and they took it to their "workshop". They tried to repair it but were not able to as it is a hard shell suitcase. It's actually worse now. They gave me a $50.00 credit, which will not do anything toward a replacement because it can't be repaired. I was told to contact the land services once I return home and they will handle it. Needless to say, I was not happy about this and want it replaced.
The ship was struck by lightning. Thankfully no one was hurt and no fires started. The only thing we were alerted of was the temporary loss of internet.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
This part was smooth sailing. (no pun intended)
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The dining rooms, buffet and restaurants were clean, and well stocked. For the most part, the staff was very nice, friendly, bubbly, energetic, professional, welcoming, with the exception of one evening when we went to join the rest of our group who was seated already, we were told that we had to go up to our dining room on the 4th floor, that we couldn't sit with them. We had been sitting with them every other evening so why couldn't we sit with them this time? I then asked for a table for 2 in place of being seated with the rest of my group and was told no again. We left and I did not eat dinner that evening. The dining room was half empty, what difference would two more people make? It wasn't close to closing time. That was another negative thought about the trip.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
I went to the fitness center. Saleem is great. I participated in 3 of the classes. I met with Saleem regarding the foot fitness and he did the foot pressure imprints for orthotic inserts. I bought a pair. Unfortunately my feet hurt after the 2nd day but he suggested I give them a chance for a few more days. I came back another day and he did the circulation compression boots. Those were really great. I ordered a set after I got home.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
The aqua show was good. However, due to the rough seas and one of the performers getting injured, the show was cut short. We tried to get into several other events/shows and unless you got to the room 30 - 45 minutes ahead of the scheduled time for the event, you were not getting a seat. Why would you have an event that would draw a crowd in a room that only holds 30 people, knowing there are 5,000 guests on the boat? That makes no sense at all. We missed several events because of this. The rooms were standing room only. Even after we caught on to having to get there so early, when others came, they stood and blocked us so we still couldn't see what was going on anyway. I was able to get a seat for the napkin folding and many couldn't see because he was folding the napkin on a plate on a chair in front of him. I left this event to get a seat for the ribbon rose and the same thing happened with seating, having gotten there 20 minutes early. There are guests there having a drink or just relaxing so there aren't any empty seats for anyone. We happened to find a small table and 2 ottomans in the corner and moved them. Once the napkin folding was over, those guests came across the way to the ribbon rose and either had to stand or left due to lack of space and seating. The 2 staff tried to help everyone but that didn't work either. Several left their ribbons right there as they left in disgust, including us.
I volunteered for the hypnotist.
Children's Programs
I didn't have any children with me.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All staff was great. I didn't have any issues at all. The cabin had a foul odor so the room steward vacuumed and then sprayed a carpet deodorizer. It helped.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The design and layout were very nice. ALL of the carpeted areas smell stale, moldy or like mildew. One area of the casino smelled like stale puke. I was not able to stay in that area.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The cabin was clean, minus the odor I mentioned above. We didn't spend much time in the cabin.
Ship tip
Be prepared to pay for everything a-la-carte. The daily events are on the cruise website, but you have to pay for the internet in order to access the website. The television wasn't working so we couldn't look on there for the daily events. We couldn't hear the announcements in our room, had to run and open the door. I have booked another trip in March for the same trip and I plan on changing it to another carrier. For this ship to be so well advertised, I was very, very disappointed.
Parking was not convenient at all for those that were leaving their cars at the port. For $30.00 per day, this was a bit much. There was 1 shuttle for all of those hundreds that left their cars at the port.
The port itself was fine. The Gatorland excursion was VERY DISAPPOINTING. For the charge, we all felt we were ripped off. It took an hour to get there from the port, we missed the first two shows, the next show was during our buggy ride (which was not as advertised). The ride was not even 9 minutes long. The 2 staff on the buggy were comical, but that was about it. It was advertised that we were going to get down and dirty with the gators (didn't happen); like we were going to be driving our own buggy (didn't happen); it was raining so we didn't get to walk around the entire complex to see the rest of the facility (no one has control of mother nature). The shuttle was coming but not for a while so we rode the train, which was another expense. The charge for the fish to feed the gators was overpriced. The bus was leaking from the a/c on us. All in all, all 6 of us were extremely disappointed with this excursion and truthfully, want our money back. We voiced our concerns to the shuttle assistant and he said he would pass it on to the cruise staff.
The grounds were nice but as with everything else, due to the rain, things were cancelled or closed. Our glass bottom boat ride was cancelled. If we wanted to go on the rides, that was an additional fee. I will say that the food was very good. Everyone enjoyed that.
You are supposed to make reservations for the shows so that you don’t have to wait in line and risk not getting in. You can do it through the free app, or you can book from home 2 weeks in advance on the website. I know that can be a little frustrating as well as you don’t know your plans for the day, but if it is something you really want to see, I suppose you would adjust your schedule.
For anyone new to cruising, know this, your bags will be handled basically the same as if you’re flying. They are grabbed, tossed, pulled and piled. If you have luggage you are concerned about getting scratched, damaged, etc.. it is recommend you self assist with luggage on and off the ship. To the reviewer, room space on ships comes at a premium. Not every venue can hold thousands of guests. If you want to see a show, get there early and be prepared to wait. I’m glad you found some enjoyment is this cruise and I hope your next is better. Happy Sails 🛳️🏝️
On every cruise I've taken so far, you can't hear the announcements in your stateroom, and I like it. I imagine in an SOS situation, you'll hear the information.
You should try contacting LV for replacement - that looks like a manufacturer defect. Also, you do not have to pay to use the RCCL app - that's free when you put your phone in airplane mode and log in to their wifi.
That's unfortunate. I am quite surprised you would risk taking a >$4K luggage set on this cruise. It's not like they would handle it with care like Regent, Ponant, or even Cunard cruise lines. Good luck in trying to get adequate damages compensation.
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