Although the ship was beautiful and very clean and the crew could not have been more attentive and friendly, there were too many negatives with RCI.
Embarkation wasn't too bad although Pier 29 really needs to be updated. We found it a bit strange that the luggage is taken by attendants outside as you pull up with your car. The weather was good but what happens when it rains? Would my luggage get wet? My husband had to drop us off with the luggage and then proceed to the parking garage with our rental which is not near terminal 29. He returned via shuttle about 15 minutes later. we went into the terminal and stood on a line for about 20 minutes or so until we were checked in.
The ship is very nicely decorated and not at all offensive like the three Carnival ships we had previously been on. The colors are very appealing. The layout is good and access to the Windjammer right off of the main pool deck is very convenient. Unfortunately, the selection in the Windjammer was the same for breakfast and lunch for the entire cruise. They have several stations on either sides of the restaurant but most of the space is taken up by condiments for burgers and toppings for salads. We expected a better selection and daily variety like we had found on Carnival - Asian stir fry, Mexican, Tai and Indian stations, pasta bar etc. For such a large ship with so much real estate dedicated to the food, the selection was really poor. Although the food was never in short supply, it was either cold (pancakes, french toast, waffles)or too salty to eat. I ate peanut butter on a toasted bagel and oatmeal everyday. My children ate cereal. For lunch, it's the same thing. Too much area dedicated to hamburgers, hot dogs and toppings. Same thing every day. The staff in the Windjammer was super friendly and helpful but it does not make up for the lack of variety or the taste. Carnival has them beat hands down.