This was our first Med cruise having previously done Caribbean/Bermuda (all with RCCL). We flew out (arranging our own flights with bmibaby - very poor) to Barca, stayed the night in airport hotel and then got on the ship straight after breakfast. Was at the port at 12:30 and got straight on the ship (we didn't need to use the express check-in line). Enjoyed the Spanish sun before the sailaway.
SHIP - General comments: Was in much better nick that I originally thought since eight years old. Could not fault the appearance at all she was well looked after. We had a great dining position and were at 9:00 sitting which was good. Dining room was nice with open panoramic views. WIndjammer effective. Pool areas were nice but Solarium was often infiltrated by uncontrolled children and immature teenagers
DINING - Food quality was OK, I felt standards and portion sizes have dropped since last year. Or perhaps it is because we don't eat that much in Europe. Soups were salty. However the steaks were lovely and I wasn't tempted to use the "alternative" menu until the last night, I found this to be the best meal. We had a superb table of mixed Americans and English who all got on raucously (table 062... you know who you are). Waiting staff were superb and massive big ups to Jorge, Fenelao and WJ for looking after us so splendidly. Disappointed more people (men) don't make the effort on formal nights but this was better than the last three cruises we have been on. Only had lunch on ship once and this was repeaters meal (platinum) so can't comment on quality then. Breakfast was OK but I had a dodgy egg benedict - what's the point of plastering page one of the cruise compass with warnings if you don't cook the eggs properly?!?