Just got back from the Mexican Riviera on the Vision of the Seas. Very nice trip! First time sailing with RCCL. Sailed previously with Celebrity. I am 36 and my husband is 41. We are both professionals, like to travel, and take two vacations a year. Booked the cruise through Royal Caribbean about six weeks prior to sailing. Got a great deal on a balcony room, deck 7. Arranged the flights ourselves and did NOT utilize the shuttle service between LAX and the pier dock. We hailed a cab to and from LAX that cost $43 (not including tip). Price is the same for one couple or two. Cab ride is about 30 minutes (Sunday AM; no traffic jams).

Embarkment: A little chaotic at times. Lots of different lines to stand in (drop off luggage, getting checked in and your Sea Pass Card, security check, etc). They had a room for everyone to sit and wait for your group "number" to be called, at which time an entire herd of folks would all run to the XRAY machines to have their carry-ons scanned (at times people were just walking up into the security line without waiting for their number to be called - this was frustrating for those of us who had been sitting and "waiting" as instructed by RCCL personnel). I thought the process went "ok" although my husband was a little impatient. During the check-in process at the terminal, make sure to have all your paperwork completed, documents in hand, passport, etc. Entire process took a little over an hour.

Service on Board: We did not experience one "bad" or rude employee while on board. Everyone was eager to please and help at all times. I did call down to the Pursers Desk one evening about the long-distance code to dial for Mexico and perhaps I caught the woman at a bad time as she wasn't the most friendly person. Our stateroom attendant, waiter and assistant waiter were all extremely nice and more then willing to provide anything we needed. Keep in mind, my husband and I travel a lot, do not mind spending money for a good vacation, and in doing so, we have certain expectations while on vacation. While we look and expect good service, we are not the type of cruisers who knit-pick at every small detail as some do in their reviews here at Cruise Critic. When I walk in my stateroom, if I see a spot on my chair, I don't "freak out" and ask for a new one, nor do I write my waiter up for not putting my napkin on my lap or greeting me immediately upon entering the dining room. There are certain things we "let slid" and others we don't (if I had a dirty bathroom or sheets, I would ask that it be cleaned, etc). I guess it depends on the person and their expectations. My husband and I like to travel "in style" (balcony suites, wine packages, etc) however realize the servers on board are not only serving us, but 2,500 other people too. I wish folks would remember that. These people work hard, work 12-hour days, have families they don't see for 3-6 months at a time depending on their contract, and have bad days like everyone else does. Read more