Vision of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I agree with everything that Treeburn (July 2015) said about his/her cruise.
This is my 3rd cruise (2nd with Royal) and was responsible for booking this cruise for my family of 14 (me, partner, Mum (who paid for the whole family), brother, 3 sisters, partners and 3 children). As I had been on an RCCL cruise before I really sold it to the family saying that they will have the holiday of a life-time. I went on the Sovereign of the seas >20 years ago and to say that this cruise company has changed for the worse is an understatement. To compare the experience from e.g. The Ritz to Butlins is about right. RCCL have done as much as they can to reduce the exclusive experience and appeal to the masses. Kerching (that's the sound of a cash register) for drinks, decent coffee (after dinner), unexpected transfers from port to main towns, towels ($25 if you didn't return it, even if someone else stole it), photos and the list goes on and on. Outdoor swimming pool packed and murky - didn't want to venture into it! Jacuzzis too hot. Indoor adult pool - too cold. The entertainment was average apart from the soul group - they were brilliant!
On the positive, our cabin guy (Rodney) was great. The kids loved the monkeys, snake, gorilla, dog, rabbit, goat he made out of the towels. Our two waiters (Alex and Ruchie) were the star rating that I was expecting everywhere else on the ship. They were charming and gave the best service you would experience in a top restaurant. Some nights the food was lovely, other nights just ok.
Cabin Review
Large Ocean View Stateroom
Port Reviews
Barcelona
We went to Barcelona two days before the cruise. Stayed in UP suites aparthotel - what a fantastic place and great staff. The hospitality was amazing. They arranged for taxi transfers, tour buses (at no profit - take note RCCL!), admin help etc. Went to Barcelona stadium (don't buy the football shirts, rip-off prices). Went on the cable cars - great experience, but long queues. Barcelona is a wonderful city with lovely restaurants and lots to see.
Villefranche
Villefranche is so pretty. Wished we had stayed there instead of getting the packed train to Monte Carlo. I had already been there, but went with family who hadn't.
Dubrovnik
Can't say too much about Dubrovnik. We paid the unexpected $15 per head for the transfer from the port to Dubrovnik ($60 for my family). Unfortunately the heavens opened, so we got absolutely soaked when we got off the bus. Found a restaurant to wait for the rain to stop - which it didn't. Therefore got the bus back to the ship - waste of money.
Kotor
Got the bus from Kotor to the beach (can't remember the name of the town). Had a lovely day - nice to have a swim in the sea. Beautiful scenery in Montenegro.