|
This short four night cruise from LA was our second cruise with RCCI. At the end of a two week tour of the US this was our way of relaxing and we were not disappointed. Embarkation was quick and easy, due mainly to our cabin being a suite and the express check in we received as a result.
Our cabin, on the port side, aft was on deck ten and was as expected being well furnished, clean and spacious. The balcony had two chairs and a small table which served us well for the trip, used for breakfast and early evening drinks. The cabin attendant made himself known as we arrived and was very friendly, attentive and efficient. Although I'd prepaid tips I was sure an additional $20 tip to him when we first met, helped to keep our stay well catered.
The ship is looking very well, the decor is good, she is clean and tidy and the public rooms are well appointed. Service in the bars, shops and casino is spot on. Our regular visits to the Viking Crown lounge were just what we needed at the end of a busy day, the service there was especially good. It helped being able to say thank you in the native (Rumanian) tongue of the waiter, who was also then more attentive.
My one tip to any cruiser is to be sure to learn the basic thank yous for your main waiters and attendants, in their languages; French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and Rumanian. If you are not sure, as trip to the Internet zone soon solves the problem. RCCI helped by including some in the cruise compass anyway.
The food was excellent, a wide choice, always different and always hot and tasty. Not once did we have any complaint about any food. The only problem we had in restaurants was from other guests, usually the children, well mainly teenagers who seem incapable of any manners at all.
Our shore excursions were planned in advance and went very well indeed, we sailed the harbor in San Diego, snorkeled in catalina and tasted wine in Ensalada. On return to port we had an excellent 5 hour tour of LA, our coach driver and guide was Harry Carpenter, a great guy who knows everything required of the city and made the end of our cruise feel special.
|
