I spend several months each year at sea - frequently on RCI taking advantage of their "perks" for high cruisers, as well as their single friendly cruise fares. I must admit that lately, with all the cutbacks, constant appeals to spend money and many other aggregations that my happiness aboard RCI has been diminishing. It was nice to be aboard Vision, one of their oldest ships, for this western Caribbean run and to see how things can and do run right. Vision, the lead ship of the Vision class was "revitalized" in 2013

Instead of a Captain that begrudges making announcements, is never seen in public etc., here we have one that loves to be seen out and about, talks to everyone, supervises by his presence, and creates an atmosphere where everyone - passengers and crew alike- knows that they are important As a result crew morale is sky high and crew members go out of their way to be welcoming and friendly to all. Kudos to Captain Merik Slaby.

We also have a Hotel Director and an Executive Chef who ensure that food and service are better here than I have seen on RCI for years. Keep in mind that menus, food costs, etc. are the same on all RCI ships, and yet here food is much tastier, better presented, and "seems" costlier, than on other ships. Again it is the attitude and direction shown by senior staff which is the difference. Read more