A bit of background. We have sailed (cruised) with at least 8 different lines over the past 24 years, have taken short 3 day and two trans-Atlantic trips, and stayed in insides to suites. I only offer this because I didn't believe this trans-Atlantic cruise could turn out so poorly. Pros were entertainment, cruise director and his activities, ship layout, venues for eating and/or drinking were numerous, food was usually very good, and the ports of call looked great on paper. How could this cruise be so bad?

Embarkation was normal, especially from the NYC port, the usual lines that slowly move forward.

For many decks the cabins were not ready when we boarded around 2pm, ours was supposed to be. We take our luggage on board as it was lost on one rock and roll cruise with Royal (but eventually turned up … it's only when that happens when you learn what the on board shops don't sell). Our key cards did not work so I went to have them fixed. When I returned I found my wife in the cabin. Turns out the steward locked himself in, who knows why as he didn't leave with anything or come back, which prevented our cards/keys from working. Read more