So great to get back to cruising . This trip was a substitute for Mediterranean cruise we cancelled in July 2020. Our teen sons weren’t thrilled with choice but ended up loving it. Amazing family vacation thanks to RCL.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
We had a 11:00 check in, arrived at 10:30 and were on the ship shortly after 11:00. Port very confusing, no signage, fortunately staff directing. Elevators very small, staff encouraging crowding. Ship check in easy (just be sure to have all your paperwork, saw some folks having issues). Staterooms ready at 1:30 and luggage arrived by 3:30ish.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Windjammer good for breakfast and lunch. Lots of options and most quite tasty. Baked goods tended to be dry. Could use more healthy/lighter options. Dinners in main dining room were fine - always had options for everyone. Portions a little small for my teen sons but could always get second servings if wanted. Service very good. Ate at 2 speciality restaurants (Chop and Giovanni) and enjoyed both - good food and excellent service. Ship experiencing supply issues, especially with wine and ingredients for cocktails but enough alternate choices that it didn’t really impact us.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Appreciated having the fitness centre, solarium good for relaxing/reading. Family enjoyed the mini golf. Tried bingo once but didn’t enjoy (felt long and drawn out). Hoped to catch a movie on sea day but no options that appealed to us. Had a warm sunny day so enjoyed a pool day which was unexpected for Alaska. The pub put on the CFL game for us when we requested.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Went to most headliner shows - some talented singers and dancers. Didn’t always appeal to us but that is just personal taste. Can appreciate hard to entertain such diverse groups.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Every staff member we encountered was friendly, enthusiastic and helpful. Very positive vibe on the ship. Loved the staff flag event.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Love the smaller ship. So easy to navigate. Lots of spots to hang out. Could use more seating in Centrum though to enjoy entertainment. Ship definitely showing wear and tear but clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
We usually get a suite but this time had 2 balcony rooms so found them small, especially the bathroom. We did the guaranteed category option - would not do that again. We had a partially obstructed view in one room and the other room was right by housekeeping closet so noisy and busy. Rooms could use updating. Lots of closet and storage space so room quite functional despite the tight quarters. Loved the balcony - kept the curtains open all the time to enjoy the gorgeous views!
Did zip line excursion which was fun. Had wanted to have dinner in town but port so busy with 4 cruise ships we couldn’t get in anywhere. Should have made a reservation but didn’t even think of it.
Did the Wildlife boat tour - had an amazing tour guide, very engaging and informative. Saw lots and learned lots. Went to Bear sanctuary which as neat and Raptor Centre which we could have skipped as not particularly interesting or informative. Had lunch at food truck and used the shuttle to get back to ship. Appreciated having time to do so many things.
East and quick. We did self assist so had breakfast and waited in room until called at 7:50. Off ship in less than 5 minutes and short wait for taxi to airport.
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