While I return to RCI again and again for great service, itineraries and shore excursions, there is room for improvement aboard the Empress. The one, small adult pool is too small for the population this ship holds. "Adults only" is not enforced in the pool or saunas. The design of the Windjammer is not user-friendly or convenient, however, I was pleased to see staff encouraging hand-washing upon entering.I will return to RCI, but not to Empress. I do not feel their renovations paid-off quite enough.

The ship was clean and entertainment fun. Service was spectacular throughout! Embarkation and disembarkation processes were easy-breezy and again the staff was incredibly helpful! I wish RCI would reconsider the heavy gratuity for alcoholic drinks. It should not be as high as gratuities for attendants and waiters. It is not the same amount of service nor is it tradition to tip that much for drinks in the U.S.