We chose this cruise because we wanted to try Royal C. out. Once we were on the ship we felt as though we were just another customer. The bar staff never greeted you with a smile and never seemed eager to please. At one point my wife in a funny way asked the bartender to smile and he came back at her with "It's Busy". Very unacceptable considering what you are asked to pay. The stewardess (Nita) seemed as if she only wanted to do the minimum required. I did a survey earlier but never did it ask about what I thought of the pricing of services such an alcohol, merchandise, or shore excursions. We didn't do the drink package because we knew one of us it would not have been worth it but it requires both people in a stateroom to purchase. It turns out that I would have been better off getting it. Here's the math and what to expect: Beer $6.95 + $1.25(18% gratuity) =$8.20 per beer. $8.20X12 beers =$98.00 for a 12 pack! I know that they need to make money but everthing is an additional 18% gratuity on top of $14.50 gratuity required per day per person. Oh by the way they leave you an envelope on the last night asking you to tip some more. The shore excursions are considerably overpriced if you consider how less expensive it is to book online with the same thing directly. We actually just wait til we get in port and then go find the things we want to do and it is considerably cheaper (not for everyone I know but we don't mind it). Point is Royal C. dollars you to death and then wants more. No one ask me if I needed anything on the ship except "would you like the drink package" "would you like to sign up for another cruise" or "would you like to reserve one of our specialty restaurants". All of which are more $ of course. In the end Carnival is not priced much different but they sure make me feel like I'm getting more for my $. The windjammer is not open for early risers, you will have to wait until about 7:30 on days at sea. The food overall was good and no issues at all really except late night pizza(cardboard). The ship was not overcrowded but there were a lot of older people(50+) and the ship seemed to fit them. The piano bar was a dissapointment, the Schooner bar is a quiet space, there is no sports bar, the casino bar is 4 stools wide with no stools, the pool bar was ok but only one and they were in no hurry, & lastly the R Bar....well that is the centrum and was ok. Oh by the way they tell you once you get on the ship it is a non smoking ship mainly but there are 3 places you can....Outside on portside/right side deck 5, one small area on pool deck 9 but not near the bar or pool area, and in the casino by the bar area but not in the casino. I don't smoke but my wife does and it as an inconveinence. We will go back to Carnival (been 3 times before) and highly doubt we will go Royal C. again. & days definitly too long on this ship.