Pre-Cruise Since we were unfamiliar with the Port Canaveral area, we decided to book a hotel and transfer package with Royal Caribbean. The advertising on the web page states that round trip transfers are provided. When my documents arrived, they stated that our transfer from the airport would be at 3pm. This alarmed us because we were arriving at 8:30 PM. I called RCCL; the customer service agent did not give her name or provide any "service". Instead, she yelled at me, stating "you can't expect us to get you from the airport to the hotel! You are on your own!" When I tried to get a word in edgewise and explain that the advertisement stated the "round-trip transfers", she yelled back at me "are you trying to tell me I don't know how to do my job?" When I asked, politely, to speak to her supervisor, she hung up on me. I called back. I was told that her supervisor was not at her desk and if I left a voicemail, she would call me back. I left a message. After two hours and no response, I called back and talked to a different supervisor who assured me that the person who hung up on me would be disciplined. Later, I e-mailed RCCL to discuss further. I received two e-mails stating they were "reviewing" my complaint and someone would contact me shortly. I responded to both e-mails stating that I had heard nothing yet. Both came back with the same response. Its been several weeks and still no response whatsoever from RCCL.
Port Canaveral: This was our very first cruise sailing out of Port Canaveral. This is not a great port to sail out of if you are flying instead of driving. The port is an hour drive from Orlando, the closest airport. Taxis are prohibitive due to expense. We stayed at one of the three hotels offered by RCCL: the Radisson at Universal Studios. The taxi ride to the hotel, which was advertised as being "at the entrance" to Universal, was over $30. The hotel had also changed ownership to the Doubletree. Upon arrival, we found that we were at the very back entrance to Universal and facing a two-mile hike into the restaurant area. We stayed at the hotel since it was 9:30 PM at this point. Check in at the pier was fast. No complaints. We found it very easy to navigate the ship and located our cabin quickly.
Accommodations: We had the Superior Oceanview with Balcony. The room is comfortable and smartly furnished. Bed is larger than most. My husband who is 6'3" does not hang over the end. Nice decorations. I wish the bed wasn't next to the door; I'd prefer to have the couch close to the balcony. It would also be nice if the table were slightly larger. Thermostat works well and responds quickly. The balcony, while small, has large, comfortable patio chairs. However, the patio table could be larger. It barely holds a dinner plate and is quite low to the ground. Refrigerator is stocked with soda, candy, and nuts, all at reasonable prices. There are multiple outlets for appliances. Big desk holds ice bucket, glasses, TV, my laptop and lots of other things. Bathroom is very small. I like the curved shower door; however, the shower is very, very small. I'm a size 4 and I found it difficult to shower. Shaving was a challenge! I liked the drain, which was located on the side of the shower instead of a large round drain directly below me. RCCL only supplies shampoo and soap. Missing are conditioner and lotion. Hot water in the shower is a commodity; the shower appears to have trouble maintaining a temperature and throughout my showers I had to constantly nudge the thermostat hotter and hotter. Nice touches are the multiple "medicine cabinets": one in bathroom and two at the desk area. I wish the sink would drain; instead it is painfully slow. The television swivels and has a good picture; however, there was a very poor selection of programming (Welcome Back Kotter, Charlie's Angels, Mr. Ed, The Patty Duke Show, etc.) and no guide to tell the guests what would be on when. Also annoying was the propensity to cut programming short and start something else in the middle of an ongoing program. The music video channel was fun but only for those of us familiar with 80s music. The room is well lit with lighting in several places. Hairdryers are supplied at the desk; however, they are permanently attached to a drawer and you have to hold the high or low button the entire time you are drying your hair. There is a switch in each cabin that allows you to listen to public addresses if you wish. Turn on to hear the Captain's daily report, which includes the weather, etc. The closet could be located in a better place. If anyone is in the closet, the bathroom door can't be opened.