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Name: Eileen Healy
Email: eandjracquet@webtv.net
Age: 38
Occupation: school administrator
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-SongOfAmerica
SailingDate: 07/26/98
Itinerary: Bermuda
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 99
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 99
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 95
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 99
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 99
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities:
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 75
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 99
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Aug 1998
Time: 11:09:01
Remote Name: 192.216.128.28
Remote User:
Comments
I had no intention of booking an RCL cruise because I had heard
how small the cabins were in comparison to other cruise
lines.But, I got a great deal on
a cruise out of the Port of NY which was very convenient for me
and I had spoke to two people who had done this cruise on this
ship so I was somewhat
reassured. Also, my husband and I are not people who are
interested in group activities nor do we gamble so we had some
reservations about a cruise
vacation in general.
Embarkation went well. The receptionist was reserved and not
chatty like I observed the others to be but efficient. As we
boarded the ship they took our
picture as they did often during the cruise in an attempt to sell
you merchandise.
I was pleasently suprised with the size of the cabin. I had been
told when I booked the trip that all outside cabins that had the
two twins that could
convert to a queen had been sold out. I think this was a good
thing for me because in our cabin (outside level 3) one of the
beds was a Murphy bed that
folded into the wall, making the cabin relatively spacious during
the day. The bathroom had a separate shower stall and the cabin
had a television with
CNN and pay per view level movies running all the time. I would
suggest trying to book an outside cabin if possible because it is
nice having a window and
the inside cabins seemed much less spacious.The room steward was
wonderful and we always had plenty of ice, shampoo, conditioner.
One suggestion,
when you get on board you may be thirsty and they have bottled
water in your room for sale. Take a water bottle with you and go
to the Verandah Cafe
or gym and get water rather than paying for the bottled water in
your room.Also, the room does not have a hair dryer so bring your
own.
The ship was clean and beautiful, with alot of brass and wood.
Also, I was anticipating a terrible gym based on a prior reveiw.
The cardio machoines were
up to date (4 Tectrix stairclimbers, 3 recumbent lifecyles, 3
Quinton treadmills) and while the treadmills were often busy, one
could always get a bike or a
stairclimber. The resistance equipment was old bout adequate. The
only suggestion I could make was they need a second bench and
should post that the
doumbell weight is in kilograms, not pounds.
The food was plentiful and good. Some dishes were exceptional.
The head waiter, waiter, assistant waiter and wine steward were
extremely attentive and
wonderful. We had room service every morning for breakfast and
while the food was average, it did arrive hot and quickly. We had
room service once for
dinner and we were served the soame food as in the dining room.
The wine steward even delivered our champagne. OIf yoou do drink
I would
reccommend the wine and dine package for $89.00 plus 15%
gratuity. We had Korbel champagne every night so it was actually
less expensive than
most restaurants.One feature this ship has is the Viking Crown
Lounge, which is the equivalent of deck 15 and gives wonderful
panoramic views. It is a
must see.
We had the second seating for dinner, which we requested. The two
pools and deck areas are crowded oin the middle of the day but
around 4 o'clock
the passengers who have the main seating for dinner usually leave
the pool area and a this time my husband and I virtually had the
pools to ourselves.
In addition, there are always uncrowded deck chairs on the
promenade deck if you tire of the crowds.
Both days at sea were rather roough. Be prepared for te ship to
rock. Coming home the sea was particularly rough because we were
at the edge of a
tropical depression. Keep in mind this is a moving ship and you
should be okay.
We booked two shore excursions. The Bell Dive was the one we were
really looking foward to. We met at the shore excursion desk and
waited 45
minutes before they told us it was cancelled (because of rough
seas). Of course they refunded our money and gave us half off on
the second excursion.
The Cruise Director also sent me a personal letter of apology and
an RCL fanny pack. I still gave the shore excursion desk a poor
rating on the evaluation
card. The swim and snorkel was okay but I would suggest renting
snorkeling equipment and snorkeling at the Beach in Tobacco Bay
in Saint George and
from Hamilton taking the ferry to Dockside and snorkeling in
their snorkel park rather than paying for the excursion. Remember
to use a flotation vest,
makes keeping the water out of your snorkel much easier.
Bermuda was wonderful and beautiful. We went to Horseshoe Bay
Beach and it had the greatest, most wonderful sand. A definite
must see.Although we
didn't, I would strongly suggest renting a scooter. A couple at
our table rented a scooter and saw alot more than we did.
I am sorry the Song of America is being sold. I woould definitely
do this cruise again on this ship. If anyone wants further
information,please feel free to
email me.
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