Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Cal L. Garo
Email: Lacorag@aol.com
Age: 44
Occupation: Architecture
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: 11-28-99
Itinerary: Mexican Riviera
Cabin: 3532 - 4
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 88
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 25
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck: 87
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets: 20
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 20
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 97
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff: 95
EntertainmentLounges: 89
WheelchairAccess: 98
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 94
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 98
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 89
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 07 Dec 1999
Time: 16:49:33
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Remote User:

Comments

My wife and I went on a cruise earlier this year, on Carnival, it was the Destiny, for our 18th anniversary, and we
liked it so much, that we decided to take our three teenagers on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera on Royal
Caribbean. We sailed the Rhapsody of the Seas, and the ship was magnificent! She was very clean from head to
toe, and tip to stern. Our cabin was very beautiful and clean as well. We embarked in Los Angeles in San Pedro,
as the embarkation process went fairly smoothly. We had some lines to wait in, but that's to be expected. It wasn't
bad at all. When we embarked, we were surprised by the beauty of the ship. A lot of Detail was put into the design
of the ship. We did our muster station drill, and then pulled away from the dock right on schedule. We enjoyed our
cabin, as it was very neat and tidy, and Duncan, our cabin steward was very nice and pleasant. He was always
around for questions and assistance. I liked the idea of having a refrigerator and safe in the cabin, which the
Destiny did not have those items. The dining room was very elegant, and Andie, our waiter, and Ketut, our
assistant waiter made the dining room experience very pleasant, and I give them the highest rating you can get, as
far as service is concerned. The food was a different story.

We were disenchanted with the food selection and
quality, although some nights it was quite delicious. We requested the main seating this time, as we wanted to take
in the midnight buffet every night, but to our dismay, there was not a midnight buffet except the dessert buffet later
in the cruise. Oh, they had a snack buffet occasionally, but not like on the Destiny, which was overflowing with all
sorts of food. We were very disappointed in the windjammer cafe as the selection seemed to be the same every
day, whether it was breakfast, or lunch, and not much of a selection at all. Don't even ask how the room service
was. It took an hour and a half to get an order one morning, and another couple told us that they didn't get their
order at all! My teenagers were kept extremely busy, which was great, and didn't come to the cabin until 2:30 or
3:00 in the morning every day. They had a blast. The only thing though, they would miss breakfast because they
closed everything around 10:00 a.m., and they had to wait for lunch, because they woulnd't get up until about that
time because the staff kept them busy till late. Our oldest son, who just turned 18 the friday before we sailed, had
beginners luck in the casino. He had won a total of $ 850.00 on the slots and had a great time. My wife and I, on
the other hand, were not so lucky. Oh well.

There were a lot of people winning on that ship. There was a lady that
hit a $ 9000.00 jackpot the first day. And there was this guy that hit the jackpot at bingo for about $ 8,500.00.
There was this other lady that hit about six or seven different jackpots for a total of about $ 4,800.00. There were
a lot of people winning. Just not us. Cabo San Lucas was my favorite stop as we went on the snorkle and sail fiesta
tour. I'd say that was the best tour. It was a good time. We sailed on a trimaran to a spot, and then we snorkled
around for awhile, then sailed the coast while free rum punch, beer, margaritas, pina coladas, slammers etc, were
the order for the rest of the tour. Fantastic!. Mazatlan was nice, but we did'nt do a tour here, as we went shopping
instead. We also enjoyed the beach. And now Puerto Vallarta. This is where things got messed up. We had
booked an excursion through the internet, for SEA MI AMOR cruises way in advance to Swim with the Dolphins.
We booked this tour in September, because it was very limited on space, and we had recieved a confirmation via
e-mail that we had a reservation on the thursday the ship arrived in port and that they would meet us at the pier.
When we got off the ship, there was not a representative to be found, so we had to walk to the reservation booth a
block away only to find out that we didn't have a reservation for thursday, but for friday, because she checked with
the supposed harbor master and they said the ship was due in on friday. I don't think so. The ship always comes in
on thursday. Then she backtracked and said that the boat that was supposed to take us to the dolphins was
broken, and that they couldn't even go out on wednesday or thursday and maybe even friday. The point that
irritated me the most, is that if she had to change the reservation, because of whatever reason, she should have
contacted us via e-mail so we could have done another tour. Instead, my daughters heart was crushed, and it was
too late to book another excursion. That day was a wasted day! I want to clarify that this tour is not offered by
Royal Caribbean and that they are in no way responsible!. This was set up through a private party via the internet.
I will never use that company again!. Our day was ruined because of the stupidity of one person. The ship pulled
out around 4:00 p.m. and headed back to L. A. in which we enjoyed 2 days having fun on the ship. When we
arrived in San Pedro, the disembarkation process was a breeze. Much better than on the Destiny. They kept you
busy all the way until you were called off the ship by colored tags. Very organized!. All in all, we had a glorious
time. Our teenagers can't wait to go again, and we will definately sail Royal Caribbean again. We wish to thank
Royal Caribbean for having us aboard, and look forward to the next time.

Name: Cindy Light
Email: ninlight@aol.com
Age: 39
Occupation: HR Advisor
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: November 7, 1999
Itinerary: 10 Day Mexican Riviera
Cabin: 8066
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 92
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 70
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 95
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 98
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 100
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 100
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard:
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 13 Dec 1999
Time: 23:46:05
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Remote User:

Comments

The Rhapsody of the Seas is an incredible ship and certainly provided a beautiful backdrop for our
vacation to Mexico. John and I went with our friends Carolyn, Larry and their seven-year-old son Jacob and
all five of us were delighted with this vacation that exceeded our expectations.

After several months of planning, we finally drove to San Pedro for embarkation, which was very smooth.
We waited in line for about forty-five minutes, and enjoyed meeting our future cruise friends in the process.
When you check-in, you will receive your super-charge card, which also serves as your room key, and
you'll never need to reach into your purse or wallet again! We boarded Rhapsody and immediately and
easily found our cabin.

Our cabin was absolutely perfect. It was on the 8th floor and had a balcony, with floor-to-ceiling windows
providing a stunning view 24/7. Our cabin attendant, Otto, introduced himself and departed quickly and
graciously, which also describes his work the remainder of the trip. We spent the rest of the afternoon
exploring the Rhapsody. Our seven-year-old companion finally conceded that we were indeed on a ship
when we took him to the top deck...up until that point he thought we had walked into a hotel. Some of our
favorite areas on the Rhapsody included the Edelweiss dining room, the Explorers Court on the 8th floor,
the Library on the 8th Floor, the Card Room, and the gorgeous Broadway Melodies Theatre.

The food on the Rhapsody was delicious and plentiful. We enjoyed the food and service in the Edelweiss
dining room more than the Windjammer buffet, but in a pinch the Windjammer was fine. We also ordered
room service several times and found the service and food to be fine. The midnight buffet was prepared
once during our cruise and it was gorgeous to look at, but we didn't partake - much too full from our five
course dinner that evening. Special mention must be made of our waiter, Yavuz from Turkey, who made
our meals memorable with his incredible attentiveness and sincere conversation.

The ports of call were all lovely, and the shore excursions always exceeded our expectations. In Mazatlan
we took the Colonial Mazatlan and Paplanta Fliers excursion and it was one of our favorites. This tour
takes you by bus away from the tourist areas of Mazatlan and out into the lives of working Mexicans. We
saw an adobe brick maker, a tile presser, a bakery (where we were treated to a warm, sweet bun from a
wood-fired oven), a furniture maker, and then on to Concordia, where we visited an old church. We then
headed back to Mazatlan for a folkloric show that is hard to describe, but one act involved four men
strapping themselves to a pinwheel and spinning around and around. Bright colors and happy music made
the show a winner.

In Puerto Vallarta we opted for a beach break excursion and it was refreshing and invigorating. We were
taken by bus to a gorgeous resort where we were offered all of the amenities of the hotel, and a real
Mexican lunch as well. The hotel pool was fun and lively and the beach was perfect - soft sand, warm
water, moderate waves, no seaweed or rocks - perfect. We borrowed bogey boards from the hotel and
spent most of the afternoon riding waves.

A highlight for our seven-year old friend was the Cliff Divers show in Acapulco. In fact, he rated that outing
as the best of the trip. It certainly brought back memories for the rest of us from watching ABC's Wide
World of Sports, where the cliff divers were featured each year.

The activities on board ship were always plentiful, with never enough time to attend them all. Don't miss the
adult scavenger hunt; it's definitely a winner. The farewell show in the Broadway Melodies theatre also
stands out.

Club Ocean was fantastic. Our seven-year-old friend was entertained with the activities provided and the
staff were very kid-friendly. This cruise was a 10 day cruise in November, so there weren't as many
children as we'd have liked onboard, however, he did find friends and plenty to do at Club Ocean.

The spa facilities and staff were superb, and the prices moderate. Keep an eye out for spa specials on the
days the ship is in port.

At the end of our trip, we all reminisced about our vacation and what our favorites were. All four adults
agreed that the balcony in the room offered so much that its worth the extra cost. We were able to step out
onto the balcony each morning in our pajamas and watch the ship pull into the various ports of call. A
special favorite that soon became a ritual was to have drinks out on the balcony as the ship pulled away
from the ports. We even ordered room service and ate breakfast outside without having to get up and
ready, a real treat. One night, at about 3:30am, on our way from Puerto Vallarta to Acapulco, we were
awakened by a lightening storm out on the Pacific. We went out to the balcony and watched lighting strikes
for quite awhile - a show that rivals any fireworks presentation we've seen before.

As you can tell from our review, we loved The Rhapsody of the Seas and will cruise on RCCL again soon.

Name: Frank Ferland
Email: fjferland@aol.com
Age: 61
Occupation: Retired
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: 9/4/99
Itinerary: Inside Passage Alaska
Cabin: 7606
FoodDiningRoom: 96
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 97
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 70
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 75
TenderService: 50
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 70
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 70
EntertShowLounge: 60
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 80
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 87
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 93
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 15 Dec 1999
Time: 14:24:38
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Remote User:

Comments

The Inside Passage cruise was part of an extensive trip to the Pacific Northwest utilizing the trans Canadian
Via Rail to Vancouver followed by the 7 day cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Rhaposdy of the Seas. We
booked the cruise portion through a local travel agency and with the help of a previous traveler from the
cruise opinion page we were well prepared for whatever happened.

Upon arrival in Vancouver we stayed at the Pan Pacific hotel located above the cruise terminal area. It
provided quite easy access to the terminal, making departure very convienient. We checked with shore
cruise personnel in the morning and were told we could board between noon and 1pm, our plan being to
scope out the ship, it's amenities etc., prior to departure. With that we were issued boarding passes and
checked aboard with only a 15 minute wait as the airline groups had not arrived. We quickly located our
connecting rooms, 7606 and 7608 and began making our tour. With very few passangers aboard, we were
fortunate to be able to take quality photo's without others in the way. Our rooms proved to be quite nice
and along with the veranda, provided a significant enhancement to the trip. I strongly recommend the
addition of a veranda for this particular cruise as it afforded beautiful views and an added dimension to the
wonderful Alaskan and Canadian sceanery.

We took advantage of a noon buffet, already set up for those who boarded early. The food was quite good
considering the ship had just arrived back in port and debarked its passangers that same morning. We
were instructed to attend an emergency drill of the ship, with life vests on which I thought was quite
appropriate. I had heard from other travelers that other cruise lines did not require attendance or hold this
type drill.

We had selected the early seating and were pleased throughout the voyage with both the quality of food
and service provided. Admittedly, I was expecting a very standard fair but was quite surprised with the
overall presentation, quality and service. The Matre'd, although present at the original seating, was not to
be found during the rest of the voyage and therefore was not provided a gratuity. We generally ate
breakfast in the Windjammer buffet in the forward section of the ship and were pleased with the standard
offerings as well as the selective special orders provided. Lunch was generally passed over in favor of
eating heartily at dinner.

Our ports of call included Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Haines. All were more or less touristy type but
pleasant and interesting. I got the impression that quite a few of the speciality shops simply relocated from
the Caribbean for the summer Alaskan cruise season. The towns for the most part were fine with exception
of Haines which Royal Caribbean should eliminate from their schedule as it contained virtually nothing in
the way of shops or excursions. Excursions booked aboard ship were priced considerably higher than if
you made your own arrangements when on shore. We had no problem arranging excursions, even those
considered booked up by ship personnel. One particular down problem was in Ketchikan where other
cruise lines have priority on dock space even though we arrived before them. This resulted in considerable
delay getting ashore along with quite an adventurous ride aboard the tenders. Ours required four tries
before being able to land the tender nearly backing us into a very large and quite unfriendly propellor from
a docked cruise ship. I noted that other tenders were having similar problems both landing on shore and
returning to the ship.

Ship comfort and accommodations were excellent. We were impressed with the size and quietness of our
rooms. We could hear no noise whatsoever once the doors were closed. Other areas of ship such as the
library, universal and theater rooms were impressive as well as the round lounge midships providing 260
degrees of viewing. The captain provided ample time to view the glaciers, pivoting the ship in place for all
to see. Stability of such a large ship was amazing given its 27 foot draft and 100 foot plus height above the
water line. We encounterd 15 to 20 foot seas on the return outside portion of the cruise, lasting only 10
hours and the ship simply moved through them with but very minor rolling. The room steward provided
excellent room service and was hardly noticiable throughout the voyage but our rooms were always made
up and prepared upon returning from both breakfast or dinner.

Show style entertainment aboard ship was provided in a large theater with excellent seating and plenty of
leg and elbow room. The shows were timed to coincide with both dinner seatings. Other than a wonderful
performance by Jim Nabors for one evening only, the shows were less than professional and not really
worth the time. This is not to malign the cast and those participating who attempted to do their best but I
suspect the shows were just worn, tired and not very crative.

Debarkation went smoothly with one exception. We had requested an early debarkation, white with blue
stripe, for catching a privately booked flight but were given ones with purple, designating last to leave.
Fortunately our cab driver was speedy and we made the flight with a few minutes to spare. I would
recommend those not satisfied with the debarkation passes received go immediately to the pursors desk to
change them. In summary, Royal Caribbean did an excellent job and the Rhapsody of the Seas is certainly
one which I would recommend to anyone.

Name: Larry M. Baker
Email: LMB3@HOTMAIL.COM
Age: 52
Occupation: Attorney
NumberOfCruises: 15 
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: DEcember 19,1999
Itinerary: Mexican Riviera
Cabin: Category C
FoodDiningRoom: 80
CruiseDirector: 80
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 80
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 80
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 
ShoreExcValue: 
GoodForHoneymoon: 
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland: 
GoodForFamilies: 
LoungeService: 
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors: 
BeautySalonStaff: 
EntertainmentLounges: 
WheelchairAccess: 
ExerciseFacilities: 
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram: 
MedicalFacilities: 
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 29 Jan 2000
Time: 09:04:43
Remote Name: 75-246.thevine.net
Remote User: 

Comments

My wife, 21 year old daughter and myself took the Christmas cruise aboard Rhapsody. Last year we
took the Elation to the same itinerary. I posted a review on that one,too. Comparisons are inevitable.

Boarding was a snap. We are Crown and Anchor Diamond members. The line provides a special
check-in booth at San Pedro for members. From the time we reached the desk to the the time we
were on our way up to the ship was 5, yes 5, minutes. 

Our cabin was a Bridge Deck category C with veranda. It was very spacious. Compared to the
category 12 we enjoyed on Elation, the cabin was somewhat smaller. It was, however, more
convenient in that it's placement on deck 11 made it a short climb to the pool deck, where much of
the activity takes place. On Elation, similar cabins are on deck 6, requiring an elevator ride to most
of the attractions. 

We chose Rhapsody this time over Elation in order to take advantage of aditional port time in Cabo
San Lucas. (7 1/2 hours vs 5) On reflection, from the standpoint of itinerary, I prefer Elation, which
gives the first wo days at sea, in contrast to Rhapsody, which provides the final two at sea. 

I must say that the ship was magnificent. I found her to be spotless. The decor is much toned down
from Elation, which is in fact toned down from the rest of the Carnival Fleet. 

Entertainment was first rate. On one night we had Peter Noone (Hermit of Herman's Hermits). On
another night we had Charo. She held an autograph session the following morning. 

Service in the dining room was exellent. Room service was very slow. Much better on Elation. The
lido, the Windjammer, is very nice, but the food needs improvement. In the dining room the food
ranged from OK to outstanding-especially the Italian dishes. 

The line serves pizza and burgers aft in the solarium. A beautiful setting. However, the food suffers
in comparison to that aboard Elation. 

Ports: At first sight the ports, except for Cabo, are unappealing. Unlike many Caribbean ports the
good stuff doesn't just jump out at you. You must look for it. In Cabo, we tendered and then boarded
a small boat out to Los Arcos. Did the same thing last year. The glass bottom boats give a
marvelous view of the undersea life, and the rock formations are simply beautiful. 

In Mazatlan, I played golf again at Estrella del Mar. It's a golfer's heaven. Marina Vallarta, the course
in Puerta Vallarta suffers only because it's on the same trip as Estrella. 

The rest of my family took in the Paradise Beach Hotel in Puerta Vallarta, and loved it. (Quite a
comment from my wife, who says she hates Mexico). In Mazatlan, they ventured to Senor Frogs for
the usual t shirts, etc. They took an open air type of cab, which they said was a lot of fun. 

A comment on the climate: In contrast to the Caribbean this time of year, the days are a bit
cooler-high 70s. The nights are cooler, too. On the upside, I would say that the days are more
comfortable on the Mexican Riviera, being far less humid. The Caribbean nights excel. 

Disembarkation is never fun. Nor is it fast. That held true for this voyage. 

So, what to take, Rhapsody or Elation? It's really a coin flip. I would board either again in a
heartbeat. My wife prefers Rhapsody for its sheer beauty, and most likely the friendliest crew we
ever encountered. My daught has no favorite. Nor do I. Both are fantastic vessels. We, here on the
west coast, are lucky to have the option. 

If you have any questions about either ship I'd be happy to reply.



Name: Keith Hendershot
Email: Keithh000@hotmail.com

Name: Hal Koenig
Email: HalandMary@aol.com
Age: 76
Occupation: Retired
NumberOfCruises: 13
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Rhapsody
SailingDate: Feb. 6, 2000
Itinerary: Mexican Riviera
Cabin: 7136 - Outside Deluxe
FoodDiningRoom: 80
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 
ShoreExcValue: 
GoodForHoneymoon: yes
CasinoStaff: 
PrivateIsland: 
GoodForFamilies: yes
LoungeService: 
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors: yes
BeautySalonStaff: 
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess: 
ExerciseFacilities: 100
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 
AirSeaProgram: 
MedicalFacilities: 
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 16 Feb 2000
Time: 16:32:12
Remote Name: spider-wa031.proxy.aol.com
Remote User: 

Comments

Embarkation in San Pedro for the Mexican Rivera cruise was fast and efficient. It took only minutes
to get a room key card and shipboard credit clearance. 

First impression is tremendous. Ship was less than 3 years old and beautifully done, especially the
multi-deck atrium. Public rooms are gorgeous, including the 2-tier dining room, the theater show
room, the huge "Shall We Dance" lounge, even the library, card room, and computer center (for
sending e-mails at 50 cents a minute). Lots of art work. 

We were fortunatre to book an outside staterrom with a verandah, and there was more than
adequate closet and drawer space. One slight drawback was a small shower with a curtain --- don't
drop your soap! We peeked into some of the standard outside cabins that had windows, and they
seemed livable. 

Dining room food was a little bit of a letdown. The presentation was nicely done, but the quality
could have been better, especially the beef dishes. Perhaps it can be summed up with the comment
that the lobster was Florida, not Maine. An alternative was the Windjammer Cafe buffet, but even
here the quality was lacking. If you like rice, they have an overabundance. Best feature of the
Windjammer is its decor and view - it's located at the front of the ship with glass all around. 

There were all age groups on this sailing, and quite a number of families even tho it was not school
vacation time. It was interesting that one of the broadway shows presented contemporary music
from "Hair", "Grease", "Rent", etc., instead of the old standards like "My Fair Lady". 

The shows were good and energetic. Guest entertainers were excellent with the emphasis on
comedians, including a pair of jugglers. Thought they might make it to the end without anything
off-color, but the staff had to do something a little risque on the final night. 

The ship does not have a theatre, but first-run movies are shown on the room TVs. There were no
organized bridge games. 

The musicians were top-notch, from the show orchestra on through a string trio and the very
danceable Guy Fox trio. 

We did not take any shore excursions. What we did was take an interesting walk around Cabo San
Lucas from the beach to town, take taxi rides in Mazatlan (didn't particularly care for the place), and
take the local bus to Puerto Vallarta's quaint shopping center in addition to walking around several
resorts that were near the pier. 

All in all, our 13th cruise was exceptional and we would certainly take Royal Caribbean again. 

Hal Koenig

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