Having taken over 18 cruises on various lines (5 with RCCL) I've been able to gauge expectations fairly well. This one threw me a curve ball. The itinerary was absolutely fabulous! The ship not. Built in 96, she's 12 years old but looks 20. I recently sailed on the Sovereign (built in 88) and thanks to a recent refurbishment, she looks fantastic, so age isn't a true gauge. A 12 year old ship CAN look fabulous, but the Splendour did not. Here are a few obvious examples we noticed...

Public Rooms: Cigarette burns in the leather seats of the Champagne bar, torn leather seats in the Viking Crown lounge, carpet stains, stains on chairs in dining room and in solarium lounge cushions.

Cabins: Our cabin hadn't been cleaned upon arrival. We met with the cabin steward to discuss the condition and he did return that night to clean, but there were still sticky glass rings on the tables, spots from splashed liquids on the mirrors, and dirt/hair inside the drawers. He never provided room service order forms, and did the minimum for the remaining cruise. There was mildew in the torn fabric lining on the shower walls and the mirrors inside the bathroom were cracked. Read more