This was my first RCI cruise. I chose it for its itinerary. The cruise started from Vienna/Ravenna, and, let me be clear, Ravenna is an expensive and inconvenient place to start a cruise. I had wanted to revisit Venice for a few days prior to the cruise, and very early on, I wrote to RCI inquiring about transfers to Ravenna from downtown Venice. I heard nothing. I called them, still almost 8 weeks before the cruise. I was told such transfers were not offered, but if I could get myself to the airport, I could join an RCI port transfer from there. Having a heavy suitcase, I felt I had no choice but to arrange my own expensive private transportation from Venice to Ravenna. (That travel piece took almost 3 hours and cost $400–and I did price a few options.) A few days before my cruise, I received both an email and a telephone call from RCI apologizing for the delay in response and telling me that due to the late date, unfortunately their transfer from central Venice to Ravenna was sold out. Having been told twice that it was not even offered, I remain confused. I would never again choose a cruise leaving from Ravenna, unless I were visiting that city. This was the equivalent of saying that a cruise begins in New York City, but the port is in Philadelphia.

The food on the cruise was very good. The choices were many. Chops steakhouse specialty restaurant was imo not worth the upcharge—the steak was no better than what was available in the main dining room. RCI is incessant about up charges, via relentless daily emails before the cruise—wifi, beverage packages, cabin upgrade “auctions”, spa, etc. I did opt for the extra charge for the “Key” services which offer expedited embarkation and disembarkation at the various ports. I was very glad I did. It was helpful.

I found the RCI website clunky and sloppy. Some of its pages, and even emails, referred to the cruise as starting in Bologna, which was obviously. wrong. Navigation on the website is difficult, and I found myself searching and not finding, and having to return to the Home page. Read more