We did enjoy our cruise, it is hard not too, and plan to sail with RCCL at least one more time as I believe this can not be the new standard. However the level of service and general atmosphere was just not what we have become accustomed to on Royal Caribbean. We heard similar comments from other passengers as well.
We felt it important to discuss some issues we experienced on our recent cruise, the May 6th departure on the Radiance of the Seas from Honolulu to Vancouver. We have sailed many times with RCCL and are currently Crown and Anchor Diamond members. This is the first cruise we have taken where I felt I should say something.
Things just did not seem to be in sync. There was an overall lack of communication and at times incorrect communication, through out the cruise. There was a lack of direction and assistance on the pier for excursions. Staff were hard to find on the pier in ports, other than security. The transfer process from Vancouver to the airport was very slow and the worst we have ever experienced. The driver could not have driven slower and why he took the city streets rather than the expressway is beyond me. We got to our gate 5 min. before boarding and we heard from others that they got to their gate when the airline was making their final boarding call. I would not be surprised if some passengers missed flights. Air travel, especially on the back end of a long trip, is stressful enough without having to deal with this.