Traveled with a group of 16 and for 10 of us this was our first cruise (myself included). For the experienced cruisers, this was their first cruise out of Europe, so all of us didn't know what to expect. Our cruise was booked back in January through a travel agency. After our cruise was paid for, I discovered the Cruise Critic website and member reviews and I was very concerned. But proceeded with the best hopes that things on the Splendour of the Seas weren't as bad as other member have indicated.

Months before beginning the trip, our issues with Royal Caribbean began. Various members of the group would call RCI customer service with very basic to specific questions and we would get a different answer EVERY SINGLE TIME. Questions such as what beverages where included in the Beverage Packages (answer to that one was only clear once we got on the ship and went to dinner and found out the information we were told on the phone was wrong). One person was traveling with a 9 month old and wanted to know what swimming options were available for the baby. Once again, called several times, given different answers each time and the correct answer was only given once we got on the ship and tried to find the program that we were told would be available, of course it wasn't. In my opinion, calling RCI customer service is only helpful about 25% of the time.

We arrived in Venice a couple of days in advance and stayed at the Best Western Hotel Bologna in Mestre. Would highly recommend this hotel for travelers to Venice. It is located right across the street from a train station where all trains go into Venice and it is a 10min, 1 euro ride and is very affordable compared to staying directly in Venice. The cruise terminal was a 10-15 min cab ride away and was very easy to get to. Going to the terminal the hotel arranged travel for our group it was 160 euros, went back to hotel for one night after the cruise and we took taxis at the terminal it was only 80 euros. Read more