The Gradeur is my 5th RC ship. At the beginning of the week, I contacted RC about this particular cruise and the possibility of the itinerary changing. Hurricane Matthew was brewing and Nicole was heading to Bermuda. I was told RC would be monitoring the situation and inform me of any changes. People who booked through AAA, knew Saturday that RC wasn't going to Bermuda. Customer service said we were still sailing to Bermuda. Staff said we were still saling to Bermuda. I was never informed. Announcments weren't heard in all staterooms, including mine. Bayonne was the worse possibility! My biggest complaint was the lack of communication. Customer service couldn't give answers. Staff didn't know anything. I brought a sweatshirt or two, but didn't have sneakers or closed toe shoes. They made sure that we heard our credit can be used towards a next cruise, but we have no idea what that credit will be or how we will receive that credit. Unless we went and stood on a long line, asking the same questions as everyone else, we wouldn't know anything.

I found the bar and the bartenders unprepared, ie warm beer, no water, not knowing the difference between tonic water and ginger ale. Kudos to my waitstaff at Great Gabsy! Those guys were awesome and greated us with a smile every evening! That goes a long way. I understand the saftey of the passengers, but I do believe people should have had the option to opt out. Pools were only available on our last day! They were empty when we boarded. Due to the storm, the Solarium, outdoor areas, including bars, were all closed. Water came into balcony rooms. Staff were tense and not at the friendliest, and I can understand. Just will that alone, I believe RC should have prepared their passengers of what could happen. Instead, we were kept in the dark grasping at any information we could get whether is was right or wrong. Cruise Director lacked enthusiasm. I can't even tell you his name. However, Andre the Activites Director did his best to engage the guest!

My friends and I were celebrating our birthdays, and we had a good time. We made the best out of a bad situation. This will be a trip that will never be forgotten! Read more