Great experience with Royal Carribean... I give it a nine out of ten rating...
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Walked right in with no waiting to check in. Waited in Embarkation area for 15 minutes and then boarded. No problems at all.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food was always hot and prompt and served by a friendly wait staff in the dining room.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Schooner bar was relaxed atmosphere with nice decoration so I could slow my drinking down
Casino Royale
3 out of 5
Pretty standard. The casino will eventually win. I'm not a smoker, it gives me a headache, but I understand and know smokers have money to spend also. There are designated non-smoking areas that are appreciated, but is not enforced when inconsiderate smokers take over. No big deal though, I just cashed out and went to drink.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Stage shows talented and energetic.
Children's Programs
4 out of 5
no children.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Wait staff excellent. Room service excellent.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
This is my 12th cruise. 11 with Carnival. This is my first with Royal Carribean and "Vision of the Seas". I was concerned because some of the reviews i had read regarding "Vision" were stating it was and an older and smaller ship and not very clean or maintained very well. Surprise... those reviews must have come from Carnival employees... the ship was smaller and older BUT... very well maintained, very clean, in all areas of the ship. The shows were excellent, innovative crowd inclusive shows and contests like the "egg drop challenge" and the Michael Jackson "Thriller" crowd dance. Different lounges to just relax or to be entertained. Food was always hot and served in a timely manner.
Compared with my Carnival cruises, I would give the Royal Carribean ship experience with "10" being the best.. a "9" compared to Carnival a "6".
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
size was adequate. balcony, larger than Carnival. Plenty of storage space to hide and store your belongings. Bed was adequate because I did sleep well enough.
Ship tip
I prefer to board as early as possible and check if the room might be ready early. I used to carry on my luggage but found that letting them carry, it allows my wife and I to walk around the ship with our early arrival. I do carry a small backpack with my meds and other essentials in case there is a delay with the luggage brought to our room.
Even though the tips were included with the overall pricing, I bring extra cash just for tipping the individuals that I feel do an outstanding job or an extra special service. (slip one to a bartender and see what happens).
There are so many extras that cost on any ship so have a budget and stick to it because it will get away from you just swiping the sail and sign card.
Ports of call... been there...done that... you will have this phrase burned in your memory.... "come...look...almost free". If you take any kind of "tour", expect several "points of interest" stops such as "tequila tasting"... with either a purchase or gratuity expected, or "genuine diamond jewelry" worth about 25% of asking price. Buyer beware and keep your eyes and ears open.
Costa Maya --- all inclusive beach excursion.... beer brought to you in small cups, if you can catch the bartender. Effort was made to rake the beach of seaweed regularly... maybe it was just weed season. Beach water was clear so you can see all the weeds. Seaweed salad piled up on the beach was free. Pool with open bar... almost as much sand in the water as on the beach...
Same comment as Costa Maya:
Ports of call... been there...done that... you will have this phrase burned in your memory.... "come...look...almost free". If you take any kind of "tour", expect several "points of interest" stops such as "tequila tasting"... with either a purchase or gratuity expected, or "genuine diamond jewelry" worth about 25% of asking price. Buyer beware and keep your eyes and ears open.
Took Horse and buggy tour... Nice Horse "Speedy Gonzales"... typical tourist "almost free" buddy stops...
Been to Cozumel many times with different excursions... best buy IMHO... buy or rent snorkel equipment yourself and take a cab or bus to the puclic beach Chaakanaub (sp?)... there you can just walk down the steps and then float or just stick your head underwater and you will see amazing sights of different tropical fish and scenery... all without a guide...
when time was called... walked righ off the ship just had to wait 15 minutes for luggage... ten minute bus ride to car... basically on the raod home one hour after docking...
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