To preface this cruise review. This was our 13th cruise. Numbering 5 with Celebrity, 3 with Carnival, 1 with Disney, NCL, Princess and now our 2nd with RCL. We arrived in Galveston (1 and 1/2 hour drive from AP)) the night before our cruise and stayed at the Galveston Hilton. Great location with good service and excellent shuttle service to the port in the morning.

The greeting as we boarded the Splendour was somewhat disappointing in comparison to Celebrity. We were handed a bluish liquid in a 1/2 ounce plastic hospital pill dispenser type cup to welcome us aboard. We then went unescorted to our Aft Junior Suite. The ship was in great shape for her age, some wear and tear but clean, although we noticed dirty room service and poolside items that were not cleaned up very promptly. The cabin was wonderful, large (230 plus square feet) with a large balcony. Later we visited other Junior Suites on the starboard side and discovered that our balcony was much larger.

Our cabin steward introduced himself and for the next 9 nights quietly and very efficiently did his job. Cute towel creations and the like. Being Diamond level Crown and Anchor members robes and a coupon booklet awaited us. An additional perk later in the week was a Champagne brunch reception for just Diamond level and above members. This proved to be one of the best dining experiences of the week. Read more