We booked with in March 2022 and paid roughly $1450.00 for the two of us. Our agent continually checked for promotions until final payment. I understand that there were incentives to cruise because of covid but by the time we departed on October 2, 2022 our price had dropped to $800.00/$400.00 per person. This included cabin, taxes, trip insurance, prepaid gratuities and $300 in on board ship credit. I think it was a once in a life time price. We have cruised with Royal some 15+ times, also Princess, Holland, Celebrity, Carnival and NCL. We still love the impressive RCL ships.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
The cruise port was congested so plan extra time arriving. From the time we went into the building to getting on the ship we 15 minutes. Absolutely incredible!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Food quality is not as it was 10 or 20 years ago. How can you cook gourmet for 3500 people. The food in the main dining room was quality banquet fare. Food was filling but on the bland side. Pastries and desserts used little flavoring and a lot of gelatin and corn starch to thicken mousse, cake fillings and even soups. We did not go to a speciality restaurant. The Windjammer had a huge collection but expect a lot of the main courses from the evening being recreated for the next days lunch. The promenade cafe had decent pizza. There was always something to eat at anytime on the ship. We did not use room service.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Two pools were heated as were the jacuzzis. Unfortuately it was windy and cold being an autumn cruise. It was 33 the morning we tendered in Bar Harbor.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We really enjoyed the entertainment. The comedian was a former contestant on America's Got Talent, one production was music from movies, the other Broadway. The headliner was the original Frankie Valle from The Jersey Boys and of course the ice skating. All top quality.
Children's Programs
I don't have any children.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Most of the staff were from Asia, South Pacific, Phillipines. We did not encounter one unpleasant person. In fact, we had some delightful conversations with staff, one lady Bali in particular. Staff could not be friendlier and if any little thing was out of sort they more than made up with it with their sincere apology and smile.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship has a lovely mall like promenade with liquor, perfume, sundries, Coach, jewelry and Swarovski crystal. The dining room was 3 levels and stunning and was the Royal Theatre.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We had an inside cabin in the front of the ship close to the elevators and Royal Theatre on deck 3. We were one deck down from our life boat station. The room was very well appointed. We had an outstanding room steward. 5+
Ship tip
Remember that this is not the cruising of 20 years ago. The ship is beautiful and grand but you are serving 3000+ people. The staff do an incredible job attempting to make everyone happy. For the price we paid the cruise was incredible.
We tendered to town. The Visitor Information booth at the dock was helpful. Get a map. Walk up the hill by numerous shops and go to the village green. You can take the free national park bus to various points in Acadia National Park and the Jordan Pond House. What an incredible ride and scenery. Bar Harbor was our favorite stop. The people were amazingly friendly.
We went into town about a 10 minute walk to a very interesting indoor farmers and craft market. It was amazing to see the artisans and compare prices. Food was cheaper due to the wonderful exchange rate.
It was a misty overcast day so we did not take any tours. There is a large warehouse type building full of shops and artisans which was surprisingly entertaining. Again, it was so nice to talk to the artisans and learn about their crafts.
We carried our bags off ourselves. This allowed us to get up at 6:30 a.m. have a nice breakfast in the Windjammer and then depart the ship at 8:15 a.m. We cleared customs on the ship, only had to show our passport and was at the curb to be picked up in 15 minutes. Outstanding.
Sounds like you have a wonderful travel agent! The only decreases I've ever gotten from a travel agent was because I watched constantly and contacted them to get a price reduction. Is she/ he a local agent?
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