We've done many cruises, several with Royal Caribbean and generally were happy with the standard and service on this occasion. We were surprised to find a younger age group than usual on this trip, which meant that bars and entertainment areas were busier than is usual during the evening. However, this did not cause any difficulties in getting service. This gave a better atmosphere at night than the half empty spaces you tend to find when there are many elderly or mobility impaired people on board. There were plenty of children around, although it wasn't yet school holidays, but their behaviour was fine and didn't cause any problems, except the usual problem when the kids take over the lifts! The mass of smokers to one side of the pool deck made negotiating that area pretty unpleasant, but I suppose they have to smoke somewhere!

We had the Ultimate drinks package, which suited us well, apart from a MAJOR problem that cruisers should be aware of..........the price of the same glass of wine differed throughout the ship, and we were regularly challenged that our choice was outside that allowed with the Ultimate package. For instance, the Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (the only New Zealand SavBlanc on the wine list) was priced at $14 a glass in the Schooner Bar and the pool areas, but $18 a glass in the Sapphire Dining Room and the Crown and Kettle pub. The staff in the Schooner bar assured us that $14 was the correct price but we continued to be challenged by bar staff in other areas of the ship throughout the cruise, which was unpleasant and embarrassing. We raised the issue with Sri, the Beverages Manager, who was helpful, and assured us the price was $14 and told us he would deal with it, indeed, he sent a bottle of wine to our cabin with his apologies, but the anomaly continued throughout the cruise even after his intervention,,,....so cruisers be vigilant!!

This was our first cruise since the policy on gratuities had changed (gratuities now being included in the cost of the cruise) and we wondered whether this would change the level of service received, but we found the crew to be generally helpful and pleasant, however, the standard of English amongst the crew was definataly not as good as we have been used to in the past, and this led to some difficulties when ordering food and drinks. Read more