Ultimately, No matter my complaints, this was a MUCH needed Vacation. Neither of the fields I work in received any time off during the pandemic, nor have I been able to Vacation.
However, we KNOW Royal Caribbean can do better. I also know PEOPLE can do better.
We were delayed boarding for 2.5 hours, because the full ship needed to be Sterilized, due to individuals not reporting having COVID Symptoms on the previous two sailings. This is not a cruiseline problem, its a People problem.
On this cruise, we had roaming groups of 30-40 teens causing disruption everywhere they went, and taking over hottubs all day and night. Security seemed to be intimidated by them, and allowed them to do whatever they wanted.
We also experienced swarms of 5-10 year olds taking over hottubs and pool chairs, with no parental supervision whatsoever.
People are using the Pool as a babysitter, and going off to do their own thing. Hopefully Adventure Ocean ramps up their capacity soon.
The water Slides, and the dry slide were both incredible. If there were fewer people, we would have done them more.
The Service outside of our stateroom was incredible, whereas our stateroom attendant was awful.
All in all, we had a great time, and cant wait to go again in 90 days!
Embarkation
4 out of 5
The actual embarkation process has been streamlined beyond recognition! The only hiccup we had was that RCI sent us an email at 0200hrs on embarkation morning, telling us to arrive 2.5 hours later, due to the need to sanitize the ship. We did not see the email, and arrived at our assigned time of 1130am. We stood in line for 90 min prior to being admitted into the Terminal. Upon entry into the terminal, the check-in process was incredibly smooth. taking less than 7 min from entry into the door, to having a seat in the departure lounge. Once seated in the departure lounge, we sat for 53 min, and again were onboard in less than 7 min.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Phenomenal as always. We were the first guests in the Park Cafe, getting the first cuts off the roast beef.
MDR was great as well.
Windjammer had its normal "Meh" fare, which was 100% served by staff.
We had dinner the first night at "Hooked" This was the absolute best experience in a RCI Specialty restaurant we have ever had. The food was Phenomenal, the service was even better, and the atmosphere great. I hope RCI introduces it to every ship across the brand.
Hooked Seafood
5 out of 5
By far the BEST specialty dining we have had on a cruise!The food was cooked to perfection, and tasted great. Our waiter was very insightful, and extraordinarily good, and the atmosphere was great as well. I Sincerely hope that Hooked becomes part of Every Royal Caribbean ship in the future!!
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Cruise Director was noticeably absent for the entire cruise. Many features and programs were not open or available.
Heard rumbings onboard that the morning of our embarkation, 20% of the activities staff walked out and quit, due to low morale.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Hairspray, Hiro, and the Commedians were incredible. There were no other shows available.
Children's Programs
No Kids.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
This was the 2nd cruise in a row where our Stateroom Attendant was subpar. Next to zero effort at all. Requested Bathrobes 3 times, and did not receive them.
Waitstaff in the MDR was great. Rodelio and Edwin went out of their way to make every meal perfect.
Bartenders both stationary and Mobile were fantastic as well.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The Oasis Class are a near perfect design, that caters both to Functionality and Comfort.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Cabin was a comfortable size, and clean. slightly smaller than a Junior Suite.
Ship tip
The Kimmelweck sandwich in the Park Cafe is just like the Roast Beef on Weck you find in Buffalo, NY!
Cozumel is tired. Only reason I used to get off here - Bubba-Gump Shrimp Co. - Is now closed. Duty free doesnt seem to be any cheaper than anywhere else.
We were unable to dock at CocoCay, due to weather. We pulled up broadside to the pier, about 200yds off the end, and watched waves crash over the pier for 2 hours.
Disembarkation was INCREDIBLE. We were allowed to remain in our staterooms until our group number was called. After that , the only time we stopped moving was to scan our badges to get off the ship, and to have our faces scanned for Customs. I really hope RCI Continues to do it this way
I keep reading the same thing about unattended children. It’s frustrating since I’m a teacher trying to get away from kids! A few cruises ago I lost my mind one afternoon and used my teacher voice (parents weren’t around so what did I have to lose?). And boy did they listen! I shouldn’t have to do it but people…take care of your own kids!!! And staff do better!
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