1. They need a lot more trained staff. The absence of trained staff who could speak English or knew what they were doing was very noticeable which led to poor service and lots of misunderstandings. We suspect that RCI was training new staff at our expense without having many experienced mentors. 2. The food offered at both Windjammer and the specialty restaurants was predictable, boring, mundane and unpalatable. It would not have been acceptable on an American cruise. We were on Quantum of the Seas out of NJ in Mar 16 and there was no comparison. Quantum was far superior. The prices, service and enjoyment at the specialty restaurants on Quantum were a lot better, and cheaper, than what we experienced on Ovation. 3. The shows and entertainment on Ovation were a joke. After having the 1:40 hour stage show Mama Mia, for example, on Quantum in Mar 16 to the pathetic shows offered up on Ovation were disgraceful. 4. There was no one in charge when we needed directions to get off the ship during port excursions. Everyone was wandering around trying to find where they had to be. 5. The prices being in USD were ridiculous. The AUD was not good and it added nearly 50% to our final on board bill. If you are in Australian/NZ waters, why not AUD? Princess manage to do it! 6. Our biggest gripe is that we appear to be treated as second class citizens because we are Australians. RCI would not get away with treating us like this if we were on an American/European/Caribbean cruise. 7. We are very unlikely to ever go on another RCI cruise. Read Less

This was my second cruise in Australia, this cruise was the worst one I've been on. A few positives, 1. Some of the guest shows were very good.2. Restaurant staff were good. That is where it begins and ends. Room service was appalling, food on the ship was good for the first two days and downhill from there with the exception of the specialty restaurants. Our room with balcony while in a good position was very average. Many of the guests I spoke with were of the same opinion. Most of the staff appeared very unhappy and the managers were argumentative, access cards to rooms failed often , the hard sell was constant and at times we were completely ripped off, a packet of chips cost almost $15.00au!!! I could go on and on. My advice is too avoid the this ship, this trip has put me off ever doing an Australian cruise again . Read Less