Empress of the Seas Review

3.0 / 5.0
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RCCL needed to communicate more info up front on requirements for Cuba

Review for Cuba Cruise on Empress of the Seas
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Msh1614
10+ Cruises • Age 50s

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Sail Date: May 2017

Because RCCL did not send an email until 4 days before the cruise regarding the visa requirements for Cuba, had to pay close to $700 to get an expedited passport as it would have otherwise expired in less than six months. A notice when booking or immediately after would have saved a lot of time, money and stress. And yes, I know that travel documents are the passengers responsibility, but as they sent a Zika warning five days before, and a "reminder" about the passport requirements four days before the cruise, they clearly had the capability. Also, the Empress is very small and not at all updated. Carpet in the Windhammer was frayed, sailcloth near the pool was torn, paint on rails was not in great condition. It was not at all what we have come to expect on RCCL. That said, Cuba was fascinating. Very different than the typical Caribbean port of call, but interesting to see.

Cabin Review

Cabin Interior

Smallest cabin ever. Smelled like sewage.

Port Reviews

Key West

Used the City View hop on/hop off trolley this time. Good price and went to all the key attractions. Not enough time in port.

Havana

Booked the Panoramic tour -- informative and interesting.

Tampa

Tour of Tampa, University of Tampa and Ybor City. Better than sitting at the airport and the guide was very good.

Cozumel

Love Pancho's Backyard -- good food and convenient shopping in the adjacent Los Cinco Soles.

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