Have just returned from my first, and at this stage, last RCI cruise. Having cruised 9 times previously both in Australia and the USA with Princess, NCL and P & O, I was looking forward to experiencing a new line, even though the reviews were not great.

Six months before sailing I tried to pay and upgrade our Junior Suite to a full Suite but got no reply from RCI. This did not set a positive tone for the cruise to start with. The Junior Suite was very comfortable for three adults and large enough to keep the sofa bed up the entire cruise. Cupboard space was ample, and we liked having a kettle in the room - thanks to other posts we knew to bring coffee with us. The fridge did not work and was quite surprised to see it stocked like a mini bar....who is going to buy a hot can of soft drink? The shower curtain was mouldy but was replaced halfway through the cruise. The balcony was great and chairs comfortable but we did not use it as much due to the heat. I really liked the walk in wardrobe and we also put a suitcase under the bed.

We caught a taxi from our hotel to the quay ($15) and getting on due to the suite status took about 15 minutes with the longest queue being the security screening. The emergency drill was very strange...certainly nothing like I had ever experienced...being on the open deck and very uncomfortable for members of my group who had trouble standing up for approximately 25 minutes. Read more