Empress of the Seas Review
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We got a great promotional rate we couldn't pass up for this cruise. I have to admit I was a little concerned going on RCCL's smallest and oldest ship (although it was refurbed in 2016). I was concerned the staff would be sub-par, that the best employees went to the biggest and newest ships. I was thinking Empress might be a terrible experience. I couldn't have been more wrong.
The staff on this ship is second to none. Our waiter was excellent, we found his recommendations weren't just shallow suggestions, but he had sampled and found what tasted the best that night. His service and attention were great. Our stateroom attendant was also the best we've had in all of our cruises. I'm not sure how he did it, but I swear we couldn't leave the room without Ike greeting us, asking if we need anything, have any issues, etc. He even delivered ice and wine glasses for the wine we brought on board. The cruise director called Empress the "small ship with a big heart" and I think that hits the mark.
The food itself in the main dining room was good, but not spectacular. We didn't have any complaints really, but we didn't have any WOWs. The main dining room brunch was excellent and our favorite meal of the trip.
Cabin Review
This mini-suite is really just a balcony cabin on most ships. We were on deck 9 in this 10 deck ship. It was mostly quiet, however you could for some reason hear when someone on deck 10 moved the deck chairs around. It wasn't terribly annoying, but you could hear it. It had ample storage for us, but as always could use a few more coat hangers. There is no mini-bar in the room, but the stateroom attendant brought us ice. We usually liked keeping water cool in the mini-bar fridge.