The Solarium area was closed completely (including the Bistro and Samba Grill) for the first 4 days of the cruise. Additionally, the Beach Pool and access to the women’s restroom on the pool deck was blocked off the entire cruise while the pool was being refurbished. Once the Solarium opened back up, the hot tubs near the Solarium were closed. These closures caused overcrowding in the pool areas, preventing people from enjoying the pools. It also caused the Windjammer and Park Café to be so overcrowded that tables were hard to find and food was running out within minutes of opening. Royal Caribbean did not provide any prior notice of these closures to its customers. Had we known that two major pool areas were going to be closed (with a fully sold out cruise), we would have re-booked for a different date. It is absolutely unacceptable and poor customer service on RC’s part.

We ordered the unlimited dining package to try out all of the different restaurants. We were staying in a Suite. So, we also had access to the Coastal Kitchen. Service was good in most of the dining venues; and the staff was excellent with dealing with my food allergy in the restaurant areas. However, the food itself was lacking. Samba Grille didn't have any Pão de queijo. How do you have a Brazilian steakhouse without Pão de queijo? I appreciate that RC offers some gluten free options. But, it would be appreciated even more if RC would offer gluten free desserts that aren’t jello or pudding/custard. The only alternative was the pineapple upside down cake, which was offered only a few times in the Windjammer. There are dozens of gluten free breads, muffins, cakes, cupcakes, donuts, etc. offered in grocery stores. It shouldn’t be that hard for RC to get a special deal to carry some of those products on their ships. Or, to offer more than salad and mashed potatoes as the gluten free items in the Windjammer.

The Mamma Mia and Aqua shows were fun. The Ice show has been better on other ships. Read more