This cruise was better than we could even hope for. First my grand daughter is/was a member of the Ice Cast, so this was a cruise just to be with her. We have cruised with other Cruise Lines, but this one topped them all right from the get-go. We recieved all of our documentation from Royal Caribbean at least a month before our trip and this gave us time to do the credit card and on line check-in. We had our printed baggage tags sent to us in lots of time. Our flight to LAX did not arrive until 1PM. As I have stated many times before, always arrive a day before departure time, to relieve the stress and anxiety of being late, but circumstances prevented us on this trip. The last shuttle from LAX to San Pedro with RCI was at 12:30 so we went immediately to the taxi area and got the first taxi. We were on our way!!
We arrived at the San Pedro Pier in about 35 minutes. Costing $70 including tip, and were met with lots of longshoremen waiting to accept our bags. Even though a bus was unloading there appeared to be no crush of people. We were ushered into the check-in area where we were directed to the booth dealing with Deck 9. No one waiting except the staff waiting to get us on board. Within 15 minutes of arriving at the Pier we were walking up the gangway. The ship embarks with two gangways so there is no line up waiting for the traditional photo shoot and the security.
Our cabin was ready and waiting for us when we boarded and I immediately phoned to my grand daughters crew cabin and within minutes she was there. The cabin was huge. Full length windows that opened up to our balcony, The storage space was more than ample for all of our things. Bathroom was large and had a circular shower with doors, no shower curtain. Plenty of shelf space for our toiletries. We met our cabin steward and he showed us the safe (and how to work it, the mini bar fridge and offered to be of any assistance he was able to do. We immediately went to the Windjammer for a bite to eat, and with all the guests embarking we were able to get food and find a table right away. We went to the Viking Lounge to watch the ship depart on time then down to the Dining room on deck 3. We sat at a table of 10 but only eight of us were there at one time. Service was beyond words and the food was extremely good with lots of variety. The ports of call were not new to us, and so many others have reported on them I will leave that. We did find a nice restaurant on the dock at Cabo that had the best guacamole and chips with the coldest beer, which we enjoyed in the 100 degree temps.
Mazatlan we just went to the Art Market just off the ship via the supplied trams.In Puerto Vallarta, we took the bus tour to Mismaloya Beach with a great tour guide.
The ship is huge and it takes a good three days to find your way around. In the centre there is the Royal Promenade, where all of the shops are located. There is also a wine bar and an old English pub. Close to the pub is the Promenade cafe, open 24 hours a day for those times when a cup of coffee and a cookie is necessary.They have an assortment of donuts, croissant sandwiches and desserts. There are many varied bars and show areas throughout the ship and the entertainment at these venues is very good.
The entertainment in the show lounge was great and very professionally done. The Ice Show in Studio B is a definite must see. Get your tickets a soon as they are available. The show fills quickly and is by far the best entertainment on the ship. How those skaters can do the things they do on such a small sheet of ice in remarkable.
when we got back to San Pedro, non Americans had to present themselves to the US Customs for re-entry back into the USA. The line up moved very quickly and by 7:45 we were ready to do the Expedited walk off to our waiting transport to LAX. Of all of the cruise I have taken, I have to rate this one as the best. Best Check-in, Best ship, Cleanest ship, great food, great service great entertainment but I guess the thing that stood out the most was the friendliest smiling-est crew I have ever encountered. Would I sail with Royal Caribbean again--- Yes in a heart beat. Already planning our next.
