We had a good cruise. The departure from Tampa Bay was a different experience than most cruise ports. I do recommend being out on the top deck when the ship goes under the Skyway bridge.
Coco Cay was definitely the best part of the trip. The cruise experience is a little different with the covid protocols, but there is still fun to be had. I didn't feel like it was any more risky than a trip to the grocery these days.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
We showed up at our scheduled time, but the ship was late from previous sailing and terminal was not ready for check-ins for the first group. Had to wait in the parking lot and in line outside the terminal for probably 35 minutes before being let in the terminal. Something people returning to cruising should know is that Royal is sticking to your scheduled boarding times. Heard lots of complaints from the second group not being let into the terminal before their scheduled time.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Food and service were very good. Believe there was a little less variety in the Windjammer than my previous sailings, but still plenty there to keep me satisfied. Service was a little slow at times in the Windjammer because they had to serve everyone. There was usually only one person at each counter for both sides. Not long waits but not the quick grab and go I had been used to before covid. Worth noting that Windjammer closed for the day after lunch. This ship doesn't have a Sorrento's and late night food options were limited.
Chop's Grille
5 out of 5
Service was excellent. Great appetizers. Filet was the best I've ever had. Ribeye was good but a little lacking in flavor. Very enjoyable sides. We skipped dessert because it was so much food.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
This ship is more of the classic cruising experience. Not the thrills or flash of an amped ship, but the ship is in excellent shape with plenty to enjoy for a laidback experience.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Stage shows and comedians were enjoyable but nothing special. Most of the normal cruise games shows or pool activities where the crew interreacts with guests were done which was a little disappointing. Assume this was due to covid protocols.
Children's Programs
did not travel with children
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everyone was attentive and courteous.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
This ship's layout is a little different that other Royal ships we've sailed. My wife had a hard time getting her bearings on the midship decks. The central elevators are all on the right side of the ship. The location of Izumi was a little odd being on deck 12 and could only be accessed from outside. Everything else was pretty standard for Royal.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Pretty standard oceanview cabin with plenty of room for a couple. Noise wasn't a problem in this cabin.
Ship tip
Not for this ship specifically, but for travelling in general... pack your patience. Things don't move at the speed we were accustomed to before the pandemic. I hope we get back there someday. But in the meantime be patient and kind.
We felt rushed for disembarkation. We were given a time of 945 to disembark and planned our morning around that. I expected there wouldn't be too much deviation from the times for social distancing in the terminal. Wrong. All departure groups were called by 9 and our steward stuck his head in our cabin every 15 minutes until we left about 910. All went smooth until we got to Customs. There was a long line at Customs of several hundred people. It took about 40 minutes to get through the line. This was the only time on the trip I felt unnecessarily exposed to close contact with a large group of people.
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