I'm on a BOAT!

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 6

Review summary

This was my first cruise, and while it likely won't be my last... I don't have the bug to do one of these every year for the rest of my life like some people. I think it really boils down to a person's personality... and really at no fault of Royal Caribbean, the very nice boat they operate, or their staff, I just prefer dry ground for vacationing. That said, our room was nice, and unexpectedly largely sized (aside from the bathroom which was about what I expected). The staff was courteous for the most part, and in a few stand out cases exceptional. The food was above par at the assigned restaurant and at the specialty restaurant (though our service in the specialty Italian restaurant was only average). The food at the various nook cafes was pretty good as well. The buffet (the Windjammer) was pretty mediocre in general, offering at least one item to eat at each meal that was good, but with a lot of stuff that was just not that good (quality or presentation-wise). I found that eating in the assigned restaurant was consistent and much higher quality...too bad we were stuck with this couple that were super annoying at our assigned table during most meals. :( We never once went swimming, which was our own fault, though we did put our feet in the hot tub in the indoor (Solarium) pool. The pools were nice in general... the bars near them served weak drinks I thought, though that might have been a coincidence for us... only the drinks in the casino were the opposite, so I am guessing not. Overall, the staff were friendly and helpful... our two waiters in the main dining area were at times difficult to understand (our main waiter read the specials for each meal very rapidly and with no inflexion), but were attentive, and overall did an excellent job. The only low marks I would give any of the staff areas is in the entertainment dept... specifically the comedians... we saw two, and one had a skit that must not have been updated in 10 years (since he likely retired from Vegas), and the other was just not that funny... when stuck on a boat with only one big event each night like this, it should be impressive, or at least mildly entertaining... it would have been better to have had a mediocre magician, than mediocre comedians that are self indulgent (the one) and barely funny (the other). So, yeah, I am really focusing on what did not floor me... to be fair, the boat itself is very nice, the room are great... the ports of call where very fun (Ensenada, where we did a wine tour I would highly recommend, and Cabo San Lucas, that again we enjoyed). They do NOT let you bring on ANY alcohol, so don't try... I had read otherwise... they take it and give it back to you on the last day. Just save yourself the hassle, and plan to buy drinks on the boat (in the casino where they make 'em stiff).

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

Entertainment

Service and Staff

Ship Quality

Cabin / Stateroom

Pros: ports of call, room animals, baclony stateroom

Cons: being stuck on a boat much of the time, food from room service, deserts in buffet area

Recommends Radiance of the Seas? Yes!