This was our first cruise on RC. We previously had only cruised on Carnival. We chose RC/AOS for 2 reasons 1) we wanted to experience Xmas aboard the ship, and 2) to experience "more luxury" aboard the ship. I know it was one of AOS's older ships, but expected more. The only step up from Carnival was the Promenade. Which was very nicely decorated, but was populated with overpriced shops.

Dining: The Windjammer buffet was a huge disappointment. The food was no better or worse than Carnival. It could use a huge improvement. There was no all day/night hamburger/hot dog/fries/pizza station(s). The was Giovanni's specialty Italian restaurant which was an upcharge of $35 per person. The specialty burger spot was Johnny Rockets which charged $6.95 per person. Although not much, aboard Carnival Guy Fieri's burgers were being cooked fresh and was included in cruise cost. The drink such as Heineken beer was $8.42. So you need to have 6-8 drinks a day to make the drink packages work. Unless you tipped your bartender, you would get watered down drink. Water also had to be purchased. Aboard Carnival, you were allowed to bring a case of water with you upon boarding. "Specialty Coffee and Ice Cream" was also an extra charge.

Entertainment: This was poor. There was two comedian shows, one each on Day 1(family) and Day 7 (adult). The AOS singers and dancers were just OK as well as their show productions. The contracted entertainment, The Unexpected Boys and a balancing act. The Boys was a really good show, but short. The balancing act, was somewhat entertaining. Being a Christmas, you would have expected Christmas Show- NO. No special Xmas show. There were also a couple nights with no show at all. Read more