This was the 5th cruise for my husband and I, the 3rd for our 10 year old. We had been counting down the days to this trip, and were beyond excited to go on this trip. Our kiddo had a great time and loved the kids adventure club. My husband and I were really disappointed in this cruise, and will probably look for a different cruise line, even if it means paying more by flying into a different city (we can drive to Galveston, which saves flight money). We’ve only sailed Carnival and Royal Caribbean up to this point. We had been under the impression that Royal Caribbean was a step up from Carnival, but after this cruise we rate them equal. I will try to focus this review on tips for the reader, who we assume has already booked this trip or is debating whether to or not.

First problems were with embarkment. We had sailed with Royal Caribbean once before, and were members of the Crown & Anchor loyalty club. I had forgotten to read up on the perks of being a “Gold” member prior to our trip and no one told us that we should have had priority check in. It wasn’t mentioned on our check-in papers or by any of the staff at any of the lines. So our embarkment took 2 hours when it should have been faster. Tip: if you’ve sailed even once before on Royal Caribbean, you have priority check in! Check your level and membership benefits before the trip. Print out a copy and take it with you.

When we finally stepped on the ship, there was no one there to greet us or even say Welcome Aboard! It was odd and anti-climactic. Everyone was just trying to figure out where to go. Staff were planted around at their “upsell” locations and didn’t offer directions unless asked. They mainly seemed interested in upselling their spa or fancy restaurant. This became a reoccurring theme for all week – upselling everywhere. Most of the daily activities included an extra charge, or were “free” but ended up being sales pitches for something. The majority of the activities were lame. Footprint Analysis, Learn How to Gamble, Art Auctions, Learn about Diamonds, Napkin Folding, Acupuncture Seminars: no thanks. The pools were always packed and chairs were covered with towels “holding” someone’s spot. We would have enjoyed the Music Trivias, but they were always held in the Schooner Bar which was next to the casino and always smelled of smoke. Some of the other activities that looked interesting were held in small venues that filled up 30 minutes beforehand. Tip: if you want to see an event listed in the “On Air” venue, arrive early as it only holds about 40 people. We missed out on the Family Game Show and the Majority Rules Game Show because we couldn’t get a seat (along with several hundred other people). Read more