We went with 4 other couples for a quick getaway. While we had a good time as a result of the company, our first time on Royal Caribbean was pretty unmemorable. We have sailed on Carnival, Norwegian and Celebrity. I would put RC in the same general category as Carnival - low cost, unmemorable and constantly upselling. We really enjoy Celebrity (owned by the same company as RC I understand) and the few extra $ upfront are more than made up for in the quality of the food, the professionalism of the staff, the more diverse offerings on board and the more relaxing absence of constant upselling. Is it really so hard to put a bathrobe in the room RC? And the militant beach towel policy is interesting to say the least. I for one don't appreciate the ever present sales tables of gift shop merchandise, hair braiding, specialty restaurant hawking or spa services hawking that are set up in the busy parts of the ship.

The food in the main dining room was competent but unmemorable. Heavy on lamb (ok with me, but I heard grumblings). There were choices that were there every night like the 3 piece shrimp cocktail and a few choices that changed daily. True to my gripes, there were also a few extra $ items on the bottom to get you to buy more. This was the first cruise I've been on where lobster was not served without paying more. The service was OK, but I think they were a bit overwhelmed. Many of us would order 2 appetizers because of the small sizes. The buffet restaurant was also competent but unmemorable. A relatively narrow selection of foods (minimal international) but nicely laid out and replenished. The staff clearing tables and filling glasses were ever present.

The nightly entertainment was also competent but unmemorable (a theme....) The dance company did 2 shows, one of Broadway tunes and the other of "Boogie Nights", 60's and 70's stuff. Neither was really my cup of tea; the dancing was better than the singing. Two comedians on the other two nights were pretty entertaining. Read more