We travelled to Southampton on the Friday evening and stayed at the Holiday Inn. Car parking/luggage drop off was long winded even though RCI stated 'please do not arrive before 2 p.m.'. We arrived at 1.15 and it took 45 mins to drop off cases and get a parking space (even though we advised disabled driver the allocated spaces are 'normal' size). This means the less mobile traveller has to be able to walk to rear of vehicle. We took advantage of the online checkin which speeded up getting on board however we had to wait for assistance as the ramps to the ship are quite steep and we had a manual chair. By the time we got on board it was nearly 3.30 so we were able to go to our suite on the ninth deck. We had paid a bit more for a suite as opposed to the balcony cabin we would normally have chosen and this was to prove its worth as our suite became a haven from the crowded public places.
We booked the 6.30 sitting and just as well since on average it was around 8.15 by the time coffee was served. The food was good but not fantastic (compared with Celebrity and P&O). The first evening we tried the Chef's Special 'Alaskan Herb Crusted Cod' - this was a great piece of fish on a bed of rice with a full spring onion on top and nothing else! By day three we eventually got a portion of veg/pots with the main courses although one night these consisted of mushy peas and garlic mushrooms!?! Despite the fact they knew my husband used a wheelchair our table was on the front of one of the balcony and therefore involved us having to ask people to move to get past. On other cruises we have been allocated a table near the entrance or on the main 'floor' so this situation has never arisen before. When I asked about an easier location I was told there were no suitable tables available to move to even though several tables near to the entrance were never used during the entire trip. My husband has never experienced seasickness (his seventh cruise) until this trip. He wasn't actually sick ... when I went to the Windjammer I found that a large number of passengers were 'not well'. Smaller ships are definitely better from this aspect because we have experienced a force seven crossing the Med in a ship half the size of this one with no ill effect although we had to hold onto the rails.
There are two major problems with RCI - they allow smoking virtually everywhere except the food areas. Even though they are in Europe where most public spaces are smoke free, you will have to endure a smoke haze and stale smoke. Why can't they at least have the Promenade smoke free as there are several other bars throughout the ship that smokers could use. If not then their literature should at least include a warning. Secondly even though it was not yet school holidays those children on board were allowed to 'run wild'. They were allowed to run around bar areas, the casino, the theatre etc; they played in the lifts, the library and people who hoped to have breakfast in their cabin (including us) found the menus had disappeared or every item on them was ticked so either you didn't get breakfast or you had a trolley full of food you didn't want. I found it disturbing that they were allowed to play machines in the casino (in Vegas you can't even enter a casino if you are under 21) and when I spoke to the staff I was told they couldn't do anything in case the parents made a complaint against them! The staff were friendly. The food adequate in the restaurant, better in the Windjammer but at these prices why should you have to serve yourself! Nearly everyone complained about the toast - basically its rock hard because the bread is very thinly sliced, its made early morning and put in a warming oven until the waiter brings it to the table by which time it is only suitable for use if you are having pate. The fruit juices are also limited orange, tomato, V8, cranberry and PRUNE!