Just returned from a short "sampler" cruise on IOS, the third time on the ship for us but the first time with the two couples who came with us. All in all a good time was had by all, as usual RCCI got most things right first time but there were a couple of issues that they could do with sorting, and I am a little concerned that The IOS is going down market.

We chose this cruise as we wanted a short break and our newbies were keen to dip their toes into the cruise holiday. It seemed a good chance to combine the both and see what they thought before possibly joining us for a week or more next summer.

Getting on board. Booked ABP port side parking this time as when we went on The Eclipse in August the off port parking with Cruise Parking was a nightmare. As usual ABP got it right and apart from a small traffic jam getting into the port all went smoothly. I am unsure about the change from luggage drop off at the terminal and collecting in in a van from the parking area but all went smoothly. One first point about the down grading here though what is it with RCCI's policy of guests printing their own luggage labels. Cheap skates or what!! Read more