I have gone on over 10 Carnival cruises and 3 NCL cruises in the past. This was my first time on a royal ship. I haven't done royal in the past due to high prices than normal but receiving a free trip I obviously wasnt going to turn it down.
Embarkation Was smooth from Miami and was on the ship by 11:15. Got the drink package online ahead of time and saved 20%. Was definitely worth getting for a 5 day cruise. Wifi was 80$ for the 5 days and was pretty good. Much better than Carnivals. Room was a inside room but nice and my room steward was great. Room was done twice a day before 11:00 and 7:00. The breakfast food at the windjammer was surprisingly very very good. A lot of bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit and much more. As well as multiple omelette stations. The quality of the food exceeded my expectations. I purchased a 4 night specialty dining package before the trip and saved 20% on that as well and all 4 specialty restaurants were outstanding. The steakhouse had great apps and sides as well as a 16 ounce Rib eye that was incredible. Both the Italian and Mexican restaurants were very very good. The Japanese is A La Cart so with a dining package you get $35 to spend and anything over you pay the difference. Food was very good but without a dining package I would not of eaten there. Prices for a cruise A La cart restaurant were much higher than I was expecting (5 pot stickers for $8.) The dinner my 5th night at the buffet had a prime rib carving station and all the food looked great. Overall the food was one of the best parts of the trip which is never a bad thing.
The ship was in excellent shape and condition on all the floors especailly the 5th floor where all the shops and the Ben and Jerrys was. I thought the ship was 5-6 years old but then found out it was turning 16 this year. So kudos to the staff and Royal for keeping the older ship in great shape.
Inside room. Not bad size tho for a inside room. Bed was comfy, and had a couch in the room as well. Between Royal, NCL, and Carnival the best in room TV selection is by far Royal. They are also the only cruise line where you can watch NFL playoff games in your room if you choose to.