I have cruises 18 times over the past 35 years by husband 8. This was our 8th RCI ship. I could definately see differances in this cruise compared to the last one on RCI 4 years ago. There have definately been cutbacks but nothing that really made a major differance in the cruise. No one assited us in finding our cabin when we arrived. The photographers drove me insane with the number of photo shots before getting into port and places set up throughout the ship to do formals, casuals anything. I noticed that not everyday was their a towel animal waiting for us, I think 3 in the week and no turn down service in the cabins basically they just removed the throw pillows and small throw at the foot of the bed. No chocs on the pillow and Crown and Anchor cutbacks. I found the ship very clean, the service from our cabin steward was wonderful, he was friendly and always had our room done when we returned even if we had only been gone for 30 mins.

Food

We opted for 2nd seating traditional and had a 4 person table by the window, with my son and his wife. I noticed that several large tables around us had only 4 people at them and the couple next to us seated at a 4 person table were alone the entire week. Our waitress was less than great, she seemed to have little personality and never really warmed up to us the entire week. She made her recommendations each evening but acted like she wished she was somewhere else. Not sure if it was a language barrier or just apothy but worse waitstaff I remember ever. I found the food good not great but good. We ate in the main dining room for breakfast once and my husband thought the meal was very small portion, definately pre prepared. He ordered a breakfast of eggs and meat and toast but was not specific as to what meat, they did not ask and in turn did not get any. Lunch in main was very good, unfortunately only open on the 2 sea days. I had a salad they I selected what I wanted in it, great, my husband had an open steak sandwich he says was best he ever had. Windjammer was usual faire both breakfast and lunch. Only orange an apple juice I asked for Tomato and was told not available only in main dining. We ate in both Portfinos and Chops: I found Chops to only be fair, I felt like we were rushed, we were out in 1 hour 15 mins and had 5 courses. I very much enjoyed the service and meal at Portofinos better and coming from New England we are often treated to very good Itilain food. 2 small midnight buffets starting at 11:30 in the Windjammer. No afternoon teas. Windjammer closed from 2-3 daily according to the Cruise Compass, I did not attempt to eat during those hours. Coffee in Windjammer was almost undrinkable most days but the coffee bar where coffee could be purchased was good. Read more