This was our seventh cruise and fourth on Royal. This ship was really cool and large. Basically laid out like all the others but just bigger. With 3600 on board this week, it really did not feel crowded. The suite was the way to go. They have reserved seating at the pool, shows, and you have the concierge club. This was the best crew of the seven. Very friendly, cool and helpful.
The food is your normal cruise food, however, our wait staff was the best yet. We did eat three times in Chops (1), and Portofino (2). Portofino was the better of the two.
We travel with another family and the kids all had a great time meeting and hanging out with new friends. Only the nine year old used the kids club and he had a blast being able to check himself in and out. The Ice show and Quest is a must see. The other shows are pretty much the normal stuff. There is a ton of stuff to do on this ship and plenty that we missed in our week.
I liked the old route where you had two days down to PV and then headed back. This route gives you two days coming back against current and wind. The first day was not to bad but very windy. The last day at sea which is always the same, is crazy windy and much colder...depending on the time of year of course. Remember, you are headed back against the prevailing current and going 20 knots into a head wind. This is the day to schedule your massage and do all the indoor stuff. I would suggest this cruise to anyone.
