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First off we would like to say overall we enjoyed this cruise even though there were a few problems. The worst issues were the embarkment and disembarkment. As stated previously, this is a transportation mode for Brazilians. Many of the cabins were purchased for storage for the Brazilians. Our cabin attendant told us one cabin held 27 pieces of luggage. When we arrived at the port a filled large semi trailer was backed in the area where you hand over your luggage, unloading everything from flat screened TVs to large cargo type containers. After waiting for someone to take our luggage we headed to boarding. The 2 RCCL employees we first encountered had no clue where priority boarding was or other questions we had. We climbed the stairs, asked 2 more people before we found one that could answer our questions. The general boarding line moved more quickly than the priority line did. What a mess, the worst boarding experience we have ever had.
Once on the ship things went a lot better. Food in the Windjammer was adequate at the beginning but soon turned toward the majority of peoples tastes which were not ours. We knew we would be the minority so that the way it should be. We did not go hungry.
Surprisingly the ship was fairly quiet. We heard horror stories of parties all night and smoking in unapproved areas but, did not find any of that at all.
The ports were what you would expect,not real nice and you had to be very careful. Our friends used their ATM card for exhanging money in Salvadore and realized when they got home $1500.00 was stolen out of their account. Luckily the bank will cover.
The ship was very clean and staff very nice and friendly. Our cabin attendant Christian was great as with our head waiter Collin and waiter Lokman. The food as I stated above the food was geared more toward the Portuguese and the more we cruise the less choices we find on the menu. I guess everyone is making cuts these days.
The ship shape area was very small. Only 8 treadmills for 2300 people. Once in there was enough for us.
Disembarkation in Santos moved a lot smoother than we thought but the excursion of Santos to Guarulhos airport through RCCL was a horrible experience. I would not recommend this to anyone. It is better to get a day rate hotel at the airport such as the Marriott and purchase a transfer through the ship which is offered after the 4th or 5th day of sailing for $32.00 us.
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