I just recently returned from my third cruise with Royal Caribbean, and although my first two were fantastic experiences, this one was my last. Horrific service from their Guest Services and the main dining room, and poor communication between the company and guests confirmed that I had wasted several thousand dollars on a vacation I can’t even look back on to enjoy. My fiancé and I had almost grabbed our bags and departed the ship when we stopped in Key West, and I truly wish we had.

Boarding the cruise ship has changed dramatically from what it used to be. Now touring the ship and various shops and bars felt like walking through a mall with the most aggressive kiosk vendors of all time. Everyone was shoving some brochure or pamphlet in your face and challenged you to upgrade (if you had already purchased a package) or asked personal questions about your dining schedule to pressure you to purchase food at one of their restaurants. Although I had already made two reservations online for their restaurants, we still got pressured to eat at one of them (of course, for additional charges) nearly every single day. I was even challenged by a worker on the ship of who I made the reservation through and what exact time I had reserved- he kept insinuating that I was lying to avoid making a reservation through him until I felt rude enough to walk away.

Guest Services was horrific. After eating at Izumi (great service there, they appear to be the exception of the ship), I was double charged and my credit card company declined one of the charges. I received a letter to immediately report to Guest Services (although all charges are supposed to go through the final day of the trip..?) – she then proceeded to berate me, and even after speaking with my credit card company on the phone about why it was declined (the full charge was approved, and they proceeded to attempt the charge THREE more times. Of course it’s going to be declined after I already paid the full amount…), she was extremely demeaning and brought me to tears. When I finally asked for a manager or supervisor, one came over to ask if she was okay. Really, Royal Caribbean? Read more