By previous RCCL standards, the cruise was a little less than great. There seemed to be many inexperienced staff - not unexpected in these times. The lack of printed information on ports was very inconvenient and disappointing. Not being able to see our cabin account from the TV (as in many hotels and previous RCCL cruises) was inconvenient. The Crap Table in the casino was never staffed (we were told there was no experienced staff yet - our Princess Cruise last Fall had a fully staffed Casino, including the Crap Table). Ironically, the CDC lifted its COVID test requirement on June 12th. If we had taken the cruise one week later, I would not have had to isolate in Vancouver.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Very congested at the terminal. We heard that there were multiple ships boarding that day which caused the congestion.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Ate all dinners in the Main Dining Room. Our Asst. Waiter seemed inexperienced, but after we informed the Head Waiter, she improved and service was great from then on. With Traditional dining, there was no waiting (except for Day 1, when things were just getting organized). There always seemed to be a line for getting into the Dining Room, so Traditional Dining seemed to be the only way around that. We did have a short wait for dining room service at Breakfast and Lunch. As usual, finding a table at the Buffet was nearly always an adventure. Ordered Room Service once, for Breakfast. Only half of our order showed up. When we contacted Room Service, we were told that they didn't have one of the items we ordered - no explanation on why were we never informed of that. Did not use any Specialty Restaurants. Main Dining Room Dinners were excellent 6 of the 7 nights, 1 very good.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Only rained on the last day at sea, so the running track was always an option. Only used the Health Club once, the scenery outside was too good to stay indoors. Did not participate in very many of the onboard activities, although there was always something going on.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Compared to previous RCCL cruises, the entertainment was perhaps a little below the RCCL norm - but still very good.
Children's Programs
No kids.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Many of the service personnel seemed inexperienced. The Shore Excursion staff in particular did not seem very knowledgeable. No printed information / maps were available (usually delivered to your cabin the day before arriving at a port - but not even available at the Excursions Desk). Cabin account could not be viewed from the cabin TV as before. Guest Services very helpful in printing out a copy and we even found an excess charge on Day 4 which had to be corrected. The Cruise Director's Morning Show was not as informative as previous RCCL cruises, and many of the interviews with various ship managers and personnel seemed pre-recorded / canned and not geared to our specific cruise. The Chef even gave out incorrect information on the Dinner Menu for two of the days.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Overall, seemed a touch below previous RCCL cruises, but still very good.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Excellent cabin, well laid out and maintained. With an outside Balcony, lighting inside at night was not an issue. On Princess, there are floor lights that turn on when your feet touch the floor, very convenient for inside cabins.
Ship tip
RCCL did not provide much assistance with the required COVID testing at the end of the cruise. RCCL provided websites where you could make an appointment, but little else. Websites for travel guidance depending on your test results were also provided. We felt we were on our own once we got off the ship. RCCL did provide info on help with costs caused by a Positive COVID test result, we have submitted our costs and have not received a reply yet.
No RCCL excursion just to the Mendenhall Glacier, so we took an independent tour bus, with flexible times. Spent a few hours at the Glacier, walking up to the waterfall and back. The glacier has receded a lot from 4 years ago, but the waterfall is still a terrific sight.
Could not get a COVID test appointment early enough to use the RCCL transfer (did get a refund for our unused transfer). Used early disembarkation and got our tests done at a hotel near the cruise terminal. My test was Positive, so I had to stay isolated in Vancouver for 5 days before I could fly back to San Francisco. .
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