First time a Royal ship has been on the California West Coast in years! We didn't care what ship we went on. We were celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary, husband's 60th birthday (6 & 13th) and 1 1/2 years of treatment for cancer. This trip was a biggy! We booked a Grand suite to do it right. What a disappointment to experience a FULL ship staffed with trainees. (I truly hope they were trainees.) Not once did the room staff stop by to ask if we needed anything. No extra effort since the tips are already included? If it weren't for the concierge, we would have had a better time staying at home. At home I have bed covers without numerous stains, shampoo and conditioner ( I was told by room staff they had run out and I would get it tomorrow, first day on board.

We make lobster hoagies, fresh Italian fish stew, Black Angus rib-eye steaks and local GMO free salads and veggies at home. So the cruise dining experience fell short. We did appreciate the awesome presentation of food and intimate, attentive service at our favorite place, Portofino. BUT "back in the day", ( when Ca. had a ship) Royal used to WoW us with beautiful food and ice sculptures all the time. I would walk thru the buffet and I used to love the smell of the everything. The early dining room service people would know everyone's name, have bottles of wine waiting and make dining a joyful experience for all. Definitely missing.

I was expecting to disembark feeling as if I was "Queen of the World" because I had been so spoiled and made to feel special. Instead, I left feeling sad that the concierge would continue to work really hard picking up the pieces, as the ship sailed on. The concierge made this trip incredible and memorable. It was an honor to be under his care. The concierge deserves a 5+ rating.