Embarkation went smoothly. The food was good in both the Cascades Dining Room and the Windjammer (buffet). Our waitstaff was good and very friendly, but it appeared as if they've cut back as they seemed to have more tables than before and seemed very rushed. We also had room service a few times, that food was fair. We ate at the Seaview Cafe a couple of times for lunch and really enjoyed the sandwiches and soup and everything we tried there. The solarium cafe was also good. I purchased one blended mocha from the coffee bar it was satisfactory, but over priced. The coffee on board was good at times and horrible at times. The sad part is it was bad more often than good. It tasted old sometimes and too strong at other times. Occasionally we got coffee that tasted freshly brewed and had good flavor. This was our return to what was our favorite cruise line, I say was because they've made alot of cut backs in the last ten years. The little things they used to do is and the service is what hooked us on cruising. They no longer give chocolates on the pillow at turn down, they don't provide you with shampoo, conditioner and hand lotion anymore. Yes, they do have soap and a shampoo-conditioner dispenser in the shower, same as you can get at 3 star motel! I didn't even bring lotion as I thought it would be there, luckily other family members had brought some.
Our stateroom was very nice and comfortable. The balcony was disappointing, small and you can't look down at the water as the balconies are set back so you look at the roof the next deck. This ship was the noisiest ship we've ever been on, it creaked and moaned and groaned like a 100 year old house. The first couple of nights we thought some one was knocking at the door, but it was just the ships noises. It is decorated very beautifully and the staff was very friendly. Our cabin steward was hard to get a hold of at first but fine the rest of the cruise. Room service was very prompt and very efficient. Alot of other little things have been eliminated ie. little pocket maps of the ship, the view from the bridge on in room tv, the navigation channel used to be alot more informative and still is on other cruise lines.
We liked the selection of shore excursions and booked one in each port. One of the ones we were looking forward to got cancelled but we rebooked and had a good time. We enjoyed all the shore excursions and thought they were fairly priced compared with past cruises. We will definately cruise with RCCL again as they were our first but sadly they're not our favorite anymore. This was our 3rd cruise with them and 3rd ship so we'll have to try again.
