Vision of the Seas Review
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I've taken 5 Carnival Cruises ranging from 4 nights to 7 nights and Norwegian. The Vision of the Seas was my first Royal Caribbean cruise and it will be my last. The ship smelled like urine the entire time, hence "The Royal Flush". Our room was border-line unbearable with the odor. Most of the staff was extremely rude. No one went above and beyond unless you called them out on their rudeness. I was later told that this ship is a training ship, however, I never saw trainers and most of the staff said they had been on the ship two or more years. It was obvious they were not happy to be there. I found them to be slow and argumentative.
Don't participate in the drink packages because you will find it difficult to get a drink. Ordered wine with dinner 3 out of 7 nights and never received it. The bar service was slow and the servers that worked the pools and decks were extremely scarce. The food was just not good. the buffet was horrible (poor quality) and dinner was very disappointing because the "free" menu was mainly weird foods like escargot and duck. However, you could purchase better, more familiar food like filet or lobster. I was shocked that there were separate menus and up-charges for better food.
There was nothing fun about the ship, at all, especially for kids. The entertainment was very poor quality, not what I'm used to on Carnival experiences...hence one of our coined phrases during our trip became, "Well, it's not Carnival". I felt hustled on the one excursion I did in Honduras which was a Royal Caribbean excursion that I purchased on the ship. If I had to say something good about the experience, it would be that the embarkation and disembarkation went smoothly.
Cabin Review
Interior Stateroom
Bad urine odor. No special service. Didn't even make towel creatures until last two nights. Had to beg for ice in our ice bucket, sometimes waiting 2 hours or more. Also, room service was extremely slow, up to two hours. I've often heard rooms on Royal are much bigger than Carnival. Not the case and especially when it came to the balcony.
Port Reviews
Tampa
Had an average experience in Tampa. Found it drama free and efficient to get on boat.
Roatan
This was part of the snorkel package. Had an enjoyable experience while relaxing on the beach because we had a wonderful security guard that stayed with us and watched our stuff. We were hustled by walk-up vendors and massage therapist, but he did his best to hold them back. The food was much better than on the ship and so were the drinks. The service was very good, but again, they were expecting tips.
Roatan
Felt hustled by snorkel guides. Was led to believe they were part of our package, but out in the ocean, where we couldn't touch bottom, he explained that he expected a tip.
Belize City
I really enjoyed Belize City. We walked around and had a nice lunch at the Wet Lizard. We had originally booked an excursion, but it was cancelled due to high water levels....which the ship handled very poorly. I would love to go back to Belize.
Costa Maya
This was one of my favorite ports because the people were so friendly and because of the giant pool on the beach with swim-up bars. Drinks were weak and lame, but the atmosphere was amazing. You really do not need to do an excursion here. There is plenty to do at the port.
Cozumel
This is, by far and always is, my favorite stop. We walked across the street and rented a topless purple jeep. We went to Alberto's (a regular stop for me when in Cozumel). It was delicious and relaxing and my massage on the beach was awesome! I highly recommend going there. Ask what the fresh seafood of the day is. Also, if you drive further down, there is a really cool Raggae bar that Bob Marley owned, Freedom in Paradise. Love Cozumel! Go off on your own!