Royal Caribbean treats its passengers like cash cows, even charging for a sea sickness pill! The gratuities system is a scam. We had decided to opt for My Time Dining so, paid the required amount to cover gratuities at the time of booking and used the online facility to book a table for two in Cascades each night at a specific time. On board, however,, each time we went to the Cascades Restaurant we had to wait for a table to become available. Thus, we may just have well have not opted for My Time Dining and so had to pay the gratuities, merely instead just have queued with the small number each night who had not done so.
The Drinks & Beverage Packages are also a scam, because on ordering a drinks package for one member albeit whether or not another sharing needs one, a drinks package must be purchased for each and every person sharing a Stateroom. We decided not to purchase any drinks packages, and saved a great deal by just buying alcohol and soft drinks as and when necessary. Fresh orange is only served 'free' at breakfast time in the Windjammer or Cascades - otherwise it is charged for. The only drinks Royal Caribbean offer at no extra cost are teas and coffees, water and diluted lemon or iced tea. Coco cola is also at a price, as is bottled Evian - 1 litre bottle $4-5.
The speciality restaurants are an expensive option and it seemed not so popular, as each morning outside the Windjammer their waiting staff were always outside touting for business.
The cabin was comfortable, and the attendant did not disappoint. Accordingly, we tipped him fairly at the end of the cruise. Only disappointment was that we usually book a balcony stateroom, but all were booked over a year before the sailing date! Nevertheless, we had an Oceanview Stateroom, so the non-opening window was fine as the air conditioning was efficient.