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We never really thought about a cruise until some friends our age got addicted to Royal Caribbean. If relaxation is what you need, I'd say let RCCL take over and sail you away!
Our cabin was roomy enough (a balcony cabin on deck 7, midway between front and mid-ship). Even some of the interior rooms I glimpsed didn't seem too cramped, given that many people don't spend too much time in their rooms.
The crossing (June 14th sail date) to Bermuda was rough (seas were very rough with 10 foot plus waves). Nevertheless, I did not get seasick--probably the "sea-bands" helped.
The dining room food and service is superb. We only dined there once and thereafter we dined at our leisure at the Windjammer Lounge. The food selection is varied and everything is prepared fresh, except maybe the chickpeas for the chickpea salad. The food is tasty, not strongly flavored...everyone should be able to find a tasty meal.
At each meal time there is fresh melon and pineapple, every time cut or sliced differently. A huge fresh salad greets you at one of the entrances--it is simply irresistible. There are seven or eight different rolls of which two or three are offered each mealtime, all freshly baked, in addition to sliced breads, garlic bread, biscuits. Entrees--usually on this cruise there was sea bass of which I partook frequently, but there is nearly always at least one fish, one beef, one poultry, one pork, and one lamb or veal hot entree. The chef's steamed vegetables became a must for me, too, whether steamed carrots, squash, broccoli, zucchini, or cauliflower. Each night there is also a "theme" buffet from which you can choose (Caribbean, Italian, French, Asian, English etc). Two soups from which to choose every meal, and sometimes a hot broth or another soup besides. Side dishes, pastas, you will look forward to mealtimes! Desserts.....too many to name every night...and always at least one "sugar free" choice. Fresh bowls of apples, pears, oranges and bananas to eat out of hand...might help you keep your diet on track. A great sushi bar too! Wait staff is attentive and kind.
Activity times are fun without being too contrived. The outdoor "sports" pool is great...cool, uncrowded, and saltwater. You can't swim laps too well--not large enough--but you can do "European style" breast stroke (head above water) and water aerobics. The indoor pool is crowded and is kept warmer than most serious swimmers or exercisers like...also smells like chlorine.
Our room was checked frequently and the bed re-made after naps and turned down at bedtime. If you would like a change of towels, leave the used ones on the floor per the ship's suggestion. Otherwise you can help the environment and reuse them if possible. The room steward, Rodolpho, unceasingly cheerful and polite, as was the rest of the staff.
The intinerary was perfect for us, novice cruisers. We wanted to spend more time in each port. RCCL runs a tight ship, everything works like clockwork, and their multinational staff works together seamlessly.
This ship will go into dry dock this fall. Some of the interior fittings do need to be updated, so it will be interesting to see how the retrofit turns out. I met fellow cruisers who have done multiple cruises on this ship...I might just become one of them.
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