We chose this cruise because of the ports it was stopping and this was our first trip to Europe. We have cruised with RC several times and while the Ovation of the Seas is an amazing ship, this was the most disappointing cruise we have ever taken out of 12. We did not receive ANY of our Crown and Anchor amenities/perks. Our travel agent had scheduled a birthday celebration for my husband's 50th birthday to take place at dinner yet, no one on the ship knew anything about this. Whenever we questioned a crewmember about specific events or activities, no one ever seemed to have an accurate answer. The entire crew seemed to be untrained and uninformed. Every other night the wait staff screwed up where we supposed to be sitting so we were only able to sit near our friends on two nights. The other nights the wait staff acted like we were crazy when we asked why were not at the same table.

Probably the final straw was when we tried to purchase our pictures. We were debarking in Belgium to continue our European travel on Thursday. So, on Wednesday night, we went to the Picture Gallery on the ship to view and purchase our pictures. However, we were unable to do so. The staff on hand informed us they were experiencing technical issues and we would have to come back later or in the morning. We stopped back in the morning to find out that we could not purchase our pictures while in port and there would be no way possible for us to purchase them after we left the ship. This was my husband's 50th birthday celebration and we held nothing back. We got all dressed up, visited every photographer we saw and had lots of pictures taken. All to find out, we couldn't get them! The idea that RC can't figure out a way to provide access to guests after their cruise, ESPECIALLY, when we encountered so many issues, to buy their pictures is ridiculous. We're talking about digital files that can be transferred via email. Something, that nearly every other provider can accommodate.

We called or stopped by guest relations as we encountered every issue and no one ever did anything to rectify the situation. We just got apologies and you'll have to check with someone else. I contacted Corporate Guest Relations following the cruise and they were even less helpful. We will never cruise with Royal Caribbean again! Considering all those loyalty points got us nothing on our most recent cruise it doesn't make any sense to continue to try to advance within that loyalty program. RC's level of service has declined so drastically since we started cruising with them 15 years ago. It's time to return to Princess or NCL!