It seems RCI is lowering their standards to compete with other lines. Having cruise multiple times with Royal I and my traveling companions were disappointed with the main dining room menu selection. For example there was a time when Royal had a surf and turf night and other specialties in the main dining room, no more. This has now been added as an extra with the extra cost. We ate in the specialty restaurant, Chops, a couple of nights and it was excellent as usual. But I don't appreciate being directed to eat there by the lack of choice in the main dining room menu to eat at the specialty restaurants.

The wait staff on the pool deck was practically non-existent for most of the cruise. Royal's crew members were using the passenger elevators and Royal Promenade for moving luggage carriers during peak hours.