This was a family cruise for my siblings and our spouses. We chose RCL because we wanted a short cruise out of Tampa and this ship had a better overall rating with the competitive Carnival Cruise. Chose an inside stateroom and was surprised how roomy it felt. Didn't even fill up the drawer space. Making the beds with rounded corners makes a big difference. The only thing small was the bathroom. Not a fan of the shampoo/conditioner, but brought my own as I knew that combination leaves my hair a tangled mess.
Our last RCL cruise was about 15 yrs ago with our last 2 experiences with RCL as negative ones. During that absence, we cruised on several other lines, including Celebrity, their sister line. This cruise wiped out our previous bad cruises with RCL and was exchanged with wonderful memories.
We arrived at the port around 12:30 and embarkation took maybe 10-15 minutes. We are Diamond members, but other family members who were not had similar timing. We were not allowed into our rooms until 1:30, which gave us time to have a relaxing lunch in the Windjammer. That first lunch experience was the best I had for the whole cruise. since they offered chilled mussels, shrimp, scallops, crab claws, and crawfish. I thought it was the start of glorious seafood munching for the cruise. Alas, that was the only lunch that would offer seafood options.
We chose My Time dining and asked for standard seating at 7:15 for a table for 8. but after the first night, we asked if we could make it earlier so we could make the shows. Our request was granted. Our servers were Neel and Juan and they were very attentive, though timing between courses was glacial! There's no reason to wait 30 minutes after the entree plates are cleared to serve dessert. Overall enjoyed the appetizers and the entrees with the exception of the NY strip steak which was tough.
Split breakfast dining in the MDR and Windjammer and had good experiences with both. Just wish one of the options could have been steak and eggs. However, they did an excellent job of fried eggs in both locations. All lunches were at Windjammer. They always had a good selection of salad offerings and had regular options for Indian dishes. They also had pizza (great the 1st day, but doughy thereafter), hamburgers that were light brown, and all beef hot dogs. Desserts never looked appealing to me, but I'm a bit picky on that. However, the ice cream was great and seemed like a rich custard.
Had a chance to talk to the Windjammer chef and he explained if the pizza tastes doughy to ask for a fresh pizza as it was probably sitting there for a while and lost its crispness. Take the time to check the evening offerings at Windjammer - one night they were making fresh crepes with fresh fruit, chocolate, and whipped cream options!
As we've gone to each of the ports on this cruise several times, we did not do any excursions. Instead, we made use of the vacant hot tubs, steam room, and sauna. Very relaxing.
Saw two of the production shows - great singers but the dancers weren't always on the same beat. Saw the hypnotist show but felt at least half of those hypnotized were just going along with it as their reactions didn't always match his commands. The other show was a Rock and Roll Tribute band called Private Stock (http://privatestockband.com). They are excellent musicians, per my DH who is a drummer, and really do well mimicking the styles of famous bands.
This was our first experience with the Diamond Lounge and other Diamond privileges. We've done Concierge class on two other lines, and this line outshines them. In the morning they had fruit, pastries, smoked salmon, and other chilled options. The coffee machine there makes espresso, cappuccino, and regular coffee with foaming milk, and hot chocolate and tea options. Mornings only saw 1-2 others.
Evenings never had more than 16. Food in the evenings consisted of wonderful petite fours, fresh fruit, veggies, cheeses, thinly sliced French bread with brie or salami, and 3 hot appetizers. Beverages included beer, wine, sodas, hard liquor, hard cider, and champagne. Once you return a second time the bartenders are ready to offer you what you had the previous night. This lounge overlooks the outside pool so it had great sailaway views.
We had the opportunity to chat with the head chef and his second in command a couple of times in the lounge and I asked if there was any chance we could have sea bass one night for our table. With 2-days notice, we did receive it. That was not a regular menu offering that night. I was also told by the Windjammer manager that we could make a special request there with 2 days notice, but I did not follow through with that option.
We were never at a loss to find something to do on the ship and with so many items so close together, it sometimes meant we missed something we wanted to do but couldn't due to the timing.
Debarkation was a breeze. We were one of the last scheduled to leave. We went to the MDR at 8:15 and the continued to serve us until 9:00 even though the dining room closed at 8:30 for food service.
A special kudo for our cabin attendant, Jackson. When we went to breakfast after we left the room, I realized I'd left a sweater in the room. Despite the fact that the room had already been stripped of all linens and towels, he was able to track down my sweater in just a few minutes.
Overall, it was a great cruise. We had to switch the two ports because of weather conditions, but only had minimal issues with the ship rocking and rolling. Enjoyed the evening band options, trivia, and dancing in the Centrum. Staff always were smiling and helpful. Will definitely cruise RCL again though we didn't book on the ship.
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