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Enjoyable trip by
Glen L from Philadelphia, PA Sailing date: Aug 2009Pros: Quick hit in every city and country Cons: Too quick of a visit in some cities Cruise director was excellect and daily schedules were excellent. If you couldn't find something to do, you just weren't trying. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodNot as I remembered it on my last cruise but still good. Stateroom QualityThe word small comes to mind but that's expected. Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & ActivitiesOnboard activities were plentiful. Still selling art onboard after all these years. Children's ProgramsPrograms run from early morning to late at night.  
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Barcelona, SpainIt was HOT during our visit. This looks like a "night life" city but we were only there during the day. Sagrada Familia (sp?) was an unbelievable site.
Don't Miss: Sagrada Familia is a must see. Cagliari, SardiniaVisited Nora on another very hot day. Beach next to Nore ruins was outstanding. Wish we could have stayed longer.
Genoa, ItalyExcursion to Portofino proved to be one of the highlights. I can't beleive places like this really exist. Never did get to see Genoa and I kind of regret that.
Don't Miss: Portofina Palma De Mallorca, Balearic IslandsRan out to the caves but they don't allow pictures. It was great but come on, we're all tourist. You've got to allow pictures.
Villefranche-Sur-Mer, FranceIts was nice to see how the wealthy live. Great tour of Nice but thought Eze was overrated.
Don't Miss: Jump in the ocean in Nice. 9 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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  It was great and I can't wait to go agai by
Andy from DeWitt, MI, USA Sailing date: Jun 2006
Entertainment & Activities
15 out of 23 people found this review helpful.
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Not impressed. by
Tenley P from MA Sailing date: Jul 2010Pros: Price of Balcony Stateroom Cons: Price of Everything Else First off, let me say I'm not a big fan of cruising, so consider that when deciding if my review will impact your decision to go Royal Caribbean. I went on this cruise because my husband likes cruising and it was his turn to choose the vacation.
1. My husband and I went on this cruise to celebrate our 5 year anniversary. We mentioned this during booking and it was noted in our account. But no one actually did anything on our anniversary. When we cruised with Carnival in the past, they put balloons and a nice card on our door when we were celebrating something. I don't know why RC asked about our occasion if they weren't going to do anything about it. (Please note however we did not spend that evening in the dining room, so maybe we would have received special cake if we had?)
2. Tours are absolutely overpriced. With 40 people on each tour there is zero interaction between the guide and the guests. Guides seemed to be reading from a high school history book - the content was that bland. We might as well have been listening to an audiotour. For $100 per person, I'd expect smaller groups with high quality guides. We did one day on our own - Athens - and did all of the activities and more covered in the tours that were $100 each. Our total price: $2 each for the subway and $15 each for the sites. We do not speak Greek, by the way. Other sites might be harder to do on your own since there aren't subways everywhere, but there HAS to be a way to get better quality for your money.
3. I got sick on Day 2 of the cruise... typical cruise flu-like symptoms. I think it may have been the salad. The doctors were very nice, gave me free help and medication, and then quarantined me for a day. (Fortunately it was a sea day.) They let me watch free Pay-Per-View movies (usually $13 each). Guest Services called several times to check up on me so that was nice. The problem was that the Room Service was VERY SLOW (90 min wait sometimes). If they are the only way I can get food then they had better be somewhat quick about it. They also made mistakes with my orders and didn't have everything in stock on the doctor's "bland diet." Finally, some of our movies weren't working. I called about it two times and was told someone would call me back. No one did. Not that big of a deal I just really wanted to watch Kick Ass and couldnt. =)
4. I received a spa voucher for booking on Orbitz. I was supposed to get a 50 min massage but instead got a 35 min one and a 10 min sales pitch for the products that had been used. When I complained the lady got cranky. Then she printed out the cost of the massage ($120!!!) and told me to put her tip on my SeaPass card. When I told her I wasn't going to tip her she argued with me and then stomped away.
5. There were TONS of kids everywhere. As a childless person it was a little overwhelming. (Good birth control though.) At breakfast one morning some parents brought their kids (likely age 2, 4) over to our table and left them with us (without asking) while they got in the buffet line. Awkward. The kids were jumping on the chairs and eating sugar packets. Did they want us to babysit? Very weird. Also, there didnt seem to be enough seating at the Adults-only pool. Some lady tried to bring her diapered baby in the adults pool but fortunately the staff told her politely about the kids pool.
Overall, everything on board was generally very expensive. They charge low rates to get you on the boat and then gouge you everywhere else.
On the positive side, the balcony room was very nice and the price was awesome. The boat seemed nice and the food wasnt bad. The waiters and room attendants were all very friendly and high service. The dining upgrade at Chops was delicious. Ship Quality
Dining/Food1. When I booked the cruise, I was told the 2nd dinner seating was at 8pm. It was actually at 9:15pm. I just dont like to be misinformed. Also, I think they should put English-speaking people together. We were at a table of Spanish speakers so couldn't meet new people.
2. I ordered the wine package (5 bottles) before the cruise started because I was told I could access my bottles anywhere on the ship. In reality you can only access your bottles in dining rooms - not bars. You have to purchase wine ala carte in the bars at high prices.
3. The beverage package does not include all soda - only Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and sometimes Ginger Ale if the machine is working. You must purchase Fanta and Root Beer if you want them. That seemed weird. Actually, the drinks included in the cost of the cruise (lemonade, iced tea, fruit punch) were very good so next time we wont do the soda package at all.
Food taste was good. Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff QualityEveryone was so nice and friendly. Entertainment & Activities1. I really enjoyed some of the shows but they did not have the "classic" entertainers - comedians and magicians. Call me tacky, but if I'm going to cruise I want to see some magic. =) The hand puppets were very good. So were the black light dancers.
2. The ice skating show was very good but looked a little dangerous. Also, there was this really weird bit where a woman dressed like a puck screamed and skated frantically away from a group of male hockey players seemed kind of like a gang rape scene. Uncomfortable.
3. The Mystery Dinner was illogical. The actors did not follow the normal Mystery Dinner "rules" (i.e. only the murderer can lie) and therefore the solution could not have been deduced by anyone watching. For $50 per person on top of the regular meal charges that seemed poor form.
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Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
Iraklion (Heraklion), CreteAlso do this one on your own. Very easy to do.
Piraeus (Athens), GreeceDo this port on your own. Totally do-able with the subway a 20 min walk from the port.
Messina, SicilyIf you have ever seen a volcano before (e.g. Hawaii) I personally would not bother with Mt. Etna.
11 out of 15 people found this review helpful.
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Very nice ship, very fun, prepare to rel by
A Traveler from Philadelphia, PA Sailing date: May 2006Pros: The crew are there to please you and blow you away with service. Its nice to lay up on deck during the day. Great time, easy to relax and do your own thing. Make sure you check out Johnny Rockets and eat your fill. Entertainment & ActivitiesActivities: Fitness area was fine - alot of treadmills with a nice view of the ocean, you can get sea sick running and staring at moving waves.
Entertainment: The shows are actually pretty good, remember to get tickets (they're usually free but go fast). 9 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Wonderful Cruise!!! by
A Traveler from Alameda, CA Sailing date: Apr 2010Pros: Spending time in a stress free environment. The food was amazing and the staff were great! Cons: we were among the youngest people there. Almost everyone there was seniors, and not many activities geared towards 20s & 30s. My husband and I, both 30, decided to take this cruise for out 5 year anniversary. It was a wonderful experience and we would definitely do it again! (although I did gain at least 10 pounds from all the yummy food!) Ship Quality
Dining/FoodAmazing! My Time Dining was totally worth it - we also were able to request a table for two when we didn't want to socialize. Also, the dining room menu was so great - there was no need to go to the specialty restaurants. Stateroom QualityWe got a promenade view, and it wasn't worth it. we could hear the noise from the bars downstairs and people could see in to our room so we kept the shade drawn all the time. It is only worth getting a room upgrate if you go for an ocean view or higher. Otherwise to interior. Ship Staff QualitySo warm and friendly! Entertainment & ActivitiesIt was great if you are a senior, otherwise it was kind of meh. Not terrible, but not great. 7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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A wonderful ship and crew by
A Traveler from Jacksonville, FL Sailing date: Dec 2008Pros: The service Cons: The weather This was our first cruise and we were delighted with our balcony room. The room was much larger than we expected on a ship and had plenty of storage areas to store everything we brought on-board. The service was excellent. While the ship doesn't have coffeemakers in the rooms, the room service personnel brought us coffee at all hours of the night and morning. As we are early risers, we were concerned about not having coffee available right away. In addition, there was a 24 hour cafe on the promenade deck that had snacks and coffee available whenever you wanted them. The porter assigned to our room went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed. He was excellent. The food was excellent, especially in the main seating rooms. We had bad weather, however, between the casino, shows, etc. we managed to stay busy. Our port of call, Cozumel was disappointing, mostly because of the weather. I wouldn't go on another trip to Cozumel but would take another cruise. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodMain seating areas were excellent, cafe promenade was excellent, the buffet at the Windjammer was overcooked. Stateroom Quality
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Cozumel, MexicoThe weather was bad so we didn't get to go snorkeling which was disappointing. The people were friendly, however, from what we saw of Cozumel it is purely a tourist trap.
9 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Cruise exceeded our highest expectations by
Bill H from Shady Shores, TX Sailing date: Jul 2011Pros: outstanding & genuinely friendly staff Cons: ended all too soon The ship was spotless any where we went. the entertainment was varied, excellent, and fun. The food was first class all the way wherever you ate & our room was quiet and comfy. Ship Qualitytakes a while to get your bearings but before long it's like an old friiend Dining/Foodtake your appetite and forget the calories...you're gonna love the presentations and varied flavors. Stateroom Qualityloved our balcony views, the bed was huge and comfortable, nice sitting area, and plenty of closet space and storeage Ship Staff Qualityyou just have to see for yourself...the service from everyone was second to none! Entertainment & Activitieswe took advantage of every venue offered and had a blast. the entrainment director deserves a raise.
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Kusadasi (Ephesus), TurkeyThis was an unanticapted pleasure. The counrtyside is beautiful, the people were very nice & helpful and Ephesus is a national treasue as well as Mary's home. Whatever faith you are you will appreciate the Biblical Ephesus tour. The ruins are specatular...it's as if you can hear the vendors and chariots in the streets.
Don't Miss: Ephesus Souda (Chania), Cretethe port of Chania or Hania as they write it is simply a beautiful place to spend the afternoon or to take a boat tour. The port has a great fell to it and the market is well worth a visit to.
Don't Miss: the in town port itself & the nearby resturants Piraeus (Athens), GreeceThe port and Athens may leave a bit to be desired but once again we had a great guide and she made the Acroplois come to life for us at every turn
Don't Miss: the Acroplois of course Messina, Sicilythe drive to Mt Etna gives you the most scenic panoramas and our guide knew the history which was a real plus for us. The stop in beautiful Taormina was too short but we enjoyed every minute of it,,,,take the tour...it's a must.
Don't Miss: Taormina 5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Great service and value. by
Torres from Chicago, Illinois Sailing date: Sep 2006Pros: The Pools we amazing. This was the first cruise for my husband and I. What a wonderful experience! The crew staff was amazing, always helpful and the food was great! You could never be bored with all the activities the ship sponsors. Entertainment & Activities
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Flawless cruise experience by
Joshua B. from Baltimore, MD Sailing date: Feb 2010Pros: Superior service, cabin (suite), food, ship design / decor Cons: Nothing! Up front, let me say that I am a hard-to-satisfy customer, and can always find something that could or should be better... except this time. Clearly some smart, innovative thinkers designed the ship AND the entire on-board experience -- and quality assurance must be taking place continuously behind the scenes as every detail of food, service and process was truly flawless. We booked a grand suite and it was worth every extra penny. Besides the roomier accommodations, suite service includes valuable amenities like a private lounge with a dedicated concierge (no standing in line for the guest relations desk), complimentary cocktails and sodas, reserved seating throughout the ship, and just generally a more private and intimate interaction with other cruisers. We never ate at any of the "premium" restaurants, nor did we feel the need. The food in main dining was excellent in both quality (high) and portions (modest, as fine dining should be). Having sailed on other cruise lines, we were especially surprised and satisfied by the food in the buffet areas -- an object lesson in quality and variety. Our decision to choose this ship was influenced by the presence of the Asian-inspired Jade "buffet", a separate section within the larger Windjammer buffet. We were not disappointed! Japanese, Thai and Indian food were delicious, and a great break from the meat-heavy cuisine of other ships. In fact, vegetarians especially should consider this ship, as vegetarian options were bountiful, delicious, and clearly identified. Royal Caribbean obviously has made an effort to respect the tastes and nutritional needs of those who wish to eat less or no animal protein. Throughout the cruise, and in all areas of the ship, the staff were consistently attentive and friendly. Finally, the art collection on board was ever-present, tasteful, and truly interesting -- again, Royal Caribbean appears to have invested heavily here and the effort paid off in a visually and intellectually stimulating way! Ship Quality
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5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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A Fabulous Cruise! by
A Traveler from Boston, MA Sailing date: Mar 2009Pros: Beautiful ship, wonderful food, clean/comfortable room, nice people Cons: Entertainment was generic and not our taste but most others liked it. The Navigator of the Seas is absolutely huge! For its size it was remarkably smooth even when we hit some high winds there was minimal noticable affect. The posted signs were easy to understand and for its size made everything quite easy to find. Beautifully designed public areas including the promenade, casino, various clubs and bars and pool areas. Ship QualityVery clean, easy to understand layout, beautiful decor. Dining/FoodThe Windjammer buffet always provided a great variety of foods for all tastes. The main dining room meals were beautifully presented and the food was always delicious. Stateroom QualityThe stateroom we had was large with a small but very comfortable balcony. Everything was clean and maintained beautifully. Ship Staff QualityOur stateroom staff was always cleaning... at least twice a day they made sure everything was in order and cleaned in our room. Our stateroom assistant was very friendly and always greeted us with a smile and responded to anything we required quickly and efficiently. The added touch was that every day he left us a little surprise with towels shaped like some type of animal: a swan, a dog, a monkey. It was just a little bit of fun added to the trip. Entertainment & ActivitiesMany activities for all ages and skill levels. The entertainment was generic to appeal to a large group but not to our taste.
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Belize City, BelizeWe booked an excursion with Reef Rocket for a trip to an island and snorkeling. The island was beautiful and the snorkel instructors were excellent however there was no "service boat" available as promised with showers and a restaurant. There were some locals selling barbeque and drinks which was okay. The major dissappointment was that our Reef Rocket boat transportation never returned and we were all stranded for over an hour not knowing how or if we would make it back to the ship. Luckily, they comandeered another boat that had to take us directly back to the ship to make it in time. That ruined our experience for the day.
Cozumel, MexicoWe booked an excursion to swim with the Dolphins which was fantastic! Very responsive staff to direct us and transport us back/forth from venue. The Dolphin site was well maintained and even had a very nice restaurant where we enjoyed a delicious mexican meal. We did not have time to explore other parts of the city.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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