Royal Caribbean is remodeling its ships after which they are said to be "amplified". If there is one thing their ships don't need its to be amplified. The buffet on this ship had loud music from breakfast opening and through the day, even though the few people there at seven am wanted nothing to do with loud music at that hour. The Royal Promenade had the same problem as well as the pool deck. Movies on the pool deck were ear splitting to the point of pain, even if you wanted to watch. Nearly impossible to get away and find a peaceful spot. Frequent cruising Crown and Anchor Society members say they complain at every survey, but nothing is done.

This cruise had a large number of infants in strollers and elevator service was extremely slow. Elevators were packed all cruise long, like a sardine can. And slow! If you didn't get to the main dining room right at opening for breakfast be prepared to stand in an extremely long line. The schedule for bands in the lounges was pequiliar in that at times there was no entertainment at all except the piano in the Schooner bar. The show Grease was very good, however. But there was only one production show which is the same one on several other ships. The ice show was typically good, but there was only one set and the costumes were not as spectacular as other shows. It would have been good to have a meet the stars event like other ships, but not on this one. No captain's corner either. Couldn't tell you who the cruise director was. Heard him on the pa but never actually saw him, even at the "Top Tier" reception for RC's "best customers". Been on many RC cruises and never had that happen before. He seemed pretty detached from the guests.

Food was generally good, but no lobster night and service at both breakfast and dinner was very slow, like two hours for dinner, after being seated. Breakfast servers seemed largely inexperienced and ordered items often never arrived, even after a long wait, such that eventually you just gave up. Read more