This was our first cruise and the whole experience soured us from ever trying again. It was just a series of little things that added up to a negative experience.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
It was very easy and smooth getting on the boat.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
The food in the main dining room and buffet were good but unless you had a drink package there was nothing to drink. We only found one drink station on the whole ship and the bartenders balked at a glass of water for my kids.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Unless you like drinking, gambling or spending money shopping there isn't much to do - even less if you want to include your kids in the activities instead of checking them into daycare.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The comedian and tribute band were excellent. The stage show dancers were ok.
Children's Programs
3 out of 5
It's just a daycare program where you drop off your kids for a couple of hours. There aren't really any family type activities if you want to do anything with your kids.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our room steward and main dining room waiter and assistant waiter were fantastic.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Only one drink station, very small pool and for some reason all the railings were tacky and gross.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
I thought the pullman beds would be in a bunk bed configuration and instead they were literally on top of the main bed in the room. Also, the window was about 3 feet from the wall the bed was on with a weird little compartment that meant you couldn't get close to it.
Ship tip
Don't board the ship until the last minute. Once we got on the ship there was nothing to do and no where to go. Our staterooms weren't ready until 2:30 and there weren't enough seats in any of the common areas. I ended up having the kids sit on the floor by the stairs with our carry ons while we waited for hours. Also, if you don't want a drink package, prepare to be thirsty.
We did the Playa Mia excursion and booked separately from the cruise and it was perfect with small children. We had a fantastic day and it was less expensive there than I expected.
Like everything else on this trip, they were late so it took longer to get off the boat than expected. Also, very long lines with the two shuttle buses that were taking people back to the parking lots.
Just got off vision and have to agree on a couple of things.
The shuttle bus was very slow however I think that's not on Royal that's the port and parking lots.
But, I also found the handrails to be sticky.
I saw that they were constantly sanitizing (sponge and sanitizer) which was great. But didnt notice them wiping off the excess. That could have something to do with it. I am a Loyal Royal cruiser and I know a great Royal experience. Vision fell short of what I've seen in the past. It was a good cruise (never had a bad one) but truth be told it did have some issues. I did come to realize that I'm a voyager class or above cruiser.
Well, the Vision Class ships are definitely the second smallest ships in RCL and more oriented toward adult cruisers. You might have been happier on a bigger ship with more amenities for kids. Next time before you cruise, check out the cruise line and the ship’s features before you book your vacation.
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