We sailed on the Empress of the Seas for a 4 day cruise as a quick getaway for me and my wife. Now before I start, I did not have a bad time and did enjoy myself but it could have been better. I booked this trip through BJ's warehouse and got I believe, a good deal of $300each. I also got the ultimate drink package for both me and my wife for $40 each per day. Had no problem hitting the number of drinks but I did have a problem where they said it "includes" bottled water but does not include "Evian" water which ranges from $3 to $5 a bottle. I got nailed to the tune of $20 !. To me that is nickel and dime-ing.

I also discovered that a lot of the crew was new and were learning what to do on a cruise so I believe this is a training ship.This also caused a few mistakes at time by not getting the right orders in food and drinks and they also gave my card (which you use for your room, getting drinks, buying things, etc..) to someone else and had to get another one made up. I also found that some of the crew is also disgruntled and were on other boats in the fleet and were sent to the Empress as a punishment. Some told how they were on the Allure or another ship and want to go back which made for some crew telling their tale of woe which I did not want to hear while on a trip. Some crew members did seem to be happy and content. I also found getting a drink from a waiter poolside was next to impossible which means you have to get up to go to the1 bar on deck. I also like soda with my meals but again you have to go to the bar to get a soda because there is no soda machines or self serve. I once had to wait 20 minutes to get a diet-coke.

The food was good but not great and a few items were not prepared correctly or overdone. I did enjoy most meals and did a nice salmon and braised short ribs. We also did a night in Chops Grille for $35 each. The food was good and I had a petit fillet which was tasty. the experience however I felt rushed and from soup, appy, salad entree and dessert took only about 1 hour. I do not think it was worth the extra $70. Read more