Some background on us, 25+ RCI cruises plus 10 on other lines. Cruising every January since 1983. Also Cruised on this boat when it was the Nordic Empress. Top three reasons we cruise: Service, Food, Ports. This trip, first 2 of 3 were failures. As experienced cruisers, we didn’t let this hamper our trip. We adapted and still had fun. (Disclosure, married 40 years and in our late 50s).

Service: adequate to poor. Crew seemed to be focused on everything around them, not on guests. Talking with each other while guests were looking for assistance. Saw many Windjammer guests waiting for something, seeing the crew behind the line and trying to get their attention.

Food: poor to inedible. This was very sad, as we could not give any location anything above a 1 star. First night, Chops, $80 additional charge, drinks $14 each. Over cooked steaks, poor timing, no drink refills, dining room empty, (only 2 tables at 8:00 PM, that should have told us something). 2nd night, Main Dining Room. Only couple at table of 10. Other tables around us also empty. Sirloin under cooked. Salmon undercooked. Both returned. Recooks now well done and dried out. We both looked and each other, got up and walked out. Final nights, Windjammer. We understand this is cafeteria style food, but they have taken on a new low with quality and selection. Too much to add here, but you get the point. Only cruise in over 30 years I lost weight and was always hungry. Read more