rccl-sovereign17

Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Rita Gallagher
Email: williamgallagher@earthlink.net
Age: 56
Occupation: Data Research manager
NumberOfCruises: 22
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Sovereign
SailingDate: October 19,2000
Itinerary: 3 day Nassau/Coco Cay
Cabin: 9502 D
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 80
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets: 85
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 99
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization:
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 30 Oct 2000
Time: 21:04:53
Remote Name: 1cust116.tnt3.braintree.ma.da.uu.net
Remote User:

Comments

This was our second cruise on board Sovereign, and it was even better than the first. We drove from
Vero Beach and arrived at the pier about 11:30, and being Diamond Members of RCI, checked in at a
special desk and were on board by 11:45. We had been upgraded from a category I cabin to category
D, and were pleasantly surprised by the size of this cabin. There was at least four feet of room
between the beds, and the bathroom had a bathtub!

Food in the Windjammer had improved from our last cruise in April on board the Splendour, and
selection seemed larger. The pastries were excellent, and the rest of the food was prepared well and
presented nicely. There was a roast beef, mashed potatoes, salad, in addition to the usual
hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. We ate breakfast one morning in the Windjammer, and there is a place to
get eggs and omelets made to order - just go as far forward as possible in the Windjammer. The first
station you come to has eggs, bacon, pancakes, pastries, cereal, etc., but the furthest station forward
is where you can get your eggs and omelets anyway you want them.

This cruise was our fourth attempt to get to Coco Cay, and we were finally successful. Coco Cay is the
highlight of the cruise. There are plenty of chairs, some hammocks (if you don't get there by 9:30 a.m.
try to find a hammock after 1:30 when a lot of people have gone back to the ship). Also, if you turn to
the right just after arriving, and walk to that side of the island,you will find less populated beaches.
Everyone seems to walk straight ahead after arriving, and the beach straight ahead if very busy.
However, that side is where the waves are, so if you rent the floating mats, you get a nice ride! I read
a review where the writer felt the barbecue on Coco Cay left a lot to be desired. Everyone at our
dinner table felt the ribs they served at the barbecue were the best they had every had. Coco Cay is
just such a nice day, just relax and enjoy.

We took the Yellowbird tour in Nassau. We had decided to remain on board, as we have been to
Nassau many times, and had spent time at Atlantis on our last visit, but at the last minute we opted for
the Yellow bird tour. This tour was $26 per person,the boat ride was similar to the Jolly Roger (lots of
dancing and free rum punch, just a good time), and the beach we went to was beautiful. The sand was
white and the water was warm. There were a couple of bars on the beach, so you could get a soda or
alcholic drink if desired. The ride back was an hour, also, and the rum punch was flowing, and the
limbo was the most popular dance on board. All in all, it was a great day, and none of the usual
nasties about Nassau were in evidence - no one bothered you on the beach, no one wanted to braid
your hair or sell you drugs - just a nice,relaxing day.

Our room stewardess (Kathy Ann) did a wonderful job, and our waiter(Jose) was outstanding. My
husband and I were the grandparents at our table, our other table mates being 3 couples in their 30's,
and we had a great time with them. This was the first cruise for 2 of the couples, and they had a
wonderful time experimenting with the different foods. All the food was wonderful. I think the cruise line
picked their 3 best menus for this cruise - one night Italian, one night French and the last night
International. We had shrimp scampi, filet mignon, prime rib, turkey, steak, salmon,escargot, shrimp
cocktail, chocolate souffle (this was all the food for the table, not just the food one person ordered)
and no one had a complaint about the food or the service. The food was very good, always served hot
and presented well.

The entertainment was good, typical cruise ship fare,but nevertheless entertaining. The cruise staff is
young and enthusiastic. The bar waiters were accomodating, especially in the Viking Crown Lounge. I
asked for a Banana Banshee, and after telling the waiter the ingredients, the bartender made it for
me, and even came out to check if it was OK.

Disembarkation was very easy. We were off the ship by 9:15, and there were no hassles at all. I guess
we are very lucky, as in reading reviews this is one area where there seem to be complaints, but if you
would just relax up on deck and read a book, your color will be called.Don't get uptight waiting to get
off, take it easy, you're on vacation.

All in all,our cruise was wonderful. We booked through the internet and we were very happy. We would
do it again in a heartbeat.

Name: Kyle Cole
Email: kyle@ktcis.com
Age: 38
Occupation: Computer Consultant
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Sovereign
SailingDate: 11/05/2000
Itinerary: Bahamas
Cabin: 4030 G
FoodDiningRoom: 92
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService: 50
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 80
FoodLidoDeck: 89
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 75
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall:
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 70
CruiseActivities: 75
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 85
EmbarkDisembark:
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace:
Stabilization: 75
ShopsOnBoard:
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 88
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 16 Nov 2000
Time: 20:20:12
Remote Name: 242823hfc169.tampabay.rr.com
Remote User:

Comments

This was our third cruise with the previous cruises being on Holland America's Nordam and Celebrity's
Century. I would say that this ship did not measure up to either the Century or Nordam.

At the onset I was a little disturbed by some of the defining factors such as the cabin size and cabin
noise, worn out furniture (rips and tears) in the dining rooms, no bathrobes, no lobster, an inattentive
assistant waiter, dismal midnight buffets, and other little quirks. However, when I think about it in terms of
value then I tend to be a little more understanding.

Our party was 3 people in one outside cabin. For the 4-night cruise we paid a total of $640 plus tips for
all three people. The cabin was extremely small, but workable. The food in the dining room was mostly
good with the exception of one of the soups and the Calzone my wife mistakenly ordered.

Dining room food was not as good as either of the previous cruises, but the Lido deck food was better
then Celebrity. The dining room was not as polished as one would expect; the furniture had tears in the
fabric and the vinyl arms were torn and frayed. Several of the dishes had black splotches on them (from
silverware I guess). On the first night when I looked around I noticed that the waiter’s jackets were ripped
with threads hanging loose. On the other nights (different outfits) they were normal. It just caught me off
guard compared to what I was expecting.

As I said the food was good, and our waiter was great; the assistant waiter was terrible. Lido food was
okay, not much variety though. Midnight buffets were substandard and 'Chocolate' night was the pits.

We live on the West Coast of Florida and have already been to the Bahamas so the excursions didn't do
anything for us; we knew that before we went (just wanted to relax for a few days). I'm sure they would be
nice for people looking forward to that type of thing.

It didn't seem like there were a lot of open deck activities, maybe I wasn't at the right place at the right
time. The night club entertainment was okay, about the same as the other ships, perhaps a little less
sophisticated; good variety however.

Well, that's about all I have to say. Port Canaveral was only a 2-hour drive from Largo (Tampa) and we
only paid $640 for three people, those factors alone make up for some of the little disappointments.
People at our table paid $1000 for two people in an outside cabin. If we had paid that I probably wouldn't
have felt as good about it. It was a nice get away, inexpensive, and close to home. It wasn't as nice as
Celebrity or Holland America, but aside from a few disappointments it wasn’t bad. We would be willing to
do Royal Caribbean again.

Name: Carrie Ingersoll
Email: carriei@bearrockfoods.com
Age: 27
Occupation: Restaurant Support Administrator
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Sovereign
SailingDate: December 7, 2000
Itinerary: Nassau and Coco Cay
Cabin: 9570/I
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 99
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets: 95
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 99
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon: 75
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 95
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 99
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 99
Casino: 99
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 14 Dec 2000
Time: 16:52:22
Remote Name: dsl-187-204-29.btitelecom.net
Remote User:

Comments

Upon arrival, my husband Rick and I were not sure what to expect. We had never cruised before, but it
was recommended to us by my mother and father-in-law. We arrived early enough to take a tour around
the ship. It was huge! The more we saw, the more excited we became. Eventually, we went to our room.
We were surprised at how small it really was. (We knew that it would be small, but it was really small!)
Even though it was small, it was comfortable and clean. Our cabin attendant was fabulous, and on our
last night there she brought us champagne and strawberries to celebrate our two year anniversary. The
bathroom was cramped, but the shower was nice sized. There were sodas in our room at all times, even
though you had to pay an arm and a leg for them. The television worked the whole time we were on the
cruise too, and since the weather was kind of bad, it came in handy for a couple of hours. Dinner that
night was more than fabulous! Our waitstaff was so wonderful, and the food was exquisite. We couldn't
have eaten another bite!

The day we arrived in Nassau was rainy. We decided to take a shore excursion to tour the city, and to
see the Pirates Museum. I have to say that the shore excursion we chose was not the best in the world.
Touring the city was wonderful, and obviously interesting since we had never been there before. We
stopped at a couple of Forts, and the tours were very brief and to the point. They were both extremely
boring. The Pirate Museum was interesting, but our tour guide yelled at the top of her lungs the whole
time. By the time we left the Museum, we wished we had just toured the city by ourselves. That night, the
food and service at dinner was excellent once again. I felt waited on hand and foot the whole time. It was
very relaxing and pleasant. The show was 'Rock on Broadway' and was performed by the staff. It was
awesome! The singers were great and the dancers looked like professionals.

The day we arrived in CocoCay was cloudy, but at least it did not rain. We ate the picnic food, which was
decent and nothing extraordinary. We sat on the beach for awhile and read. It was nice and peaceful,
and we also saw plenty of sea life. There were conch shells everywhere! (Of course the animal was
inside!) We saw two beautiful stingrays and plenty of fish. The island appeared fairly unspoiled, and we
finished our day in a hammock. This was the best day out of all of them. The midnight buffet that night
was delicious, and we danced on deck to the reggae band. I have never eaten so much in my entire life!
The show that night was great too. They had a South American cowboy (my husband is one half
Argentinian), and he was so funny and talented! We played games in the casino and lost some money,
but it was fun anyway. It was hard not to get addicted to the games after you won a couple of times.

Overall, our experience on Royal Carribean was pleasant, fun and relaxing. We went on the cruise to
relax and have fun, and that is exactly what we did. However, we would definately recommend going with
friends or family so that you all can enjoy it together. We felt that it was more group-oriented that
couple-oriented. Cruising has a real party atmosphere and feel. It was fabulous, and I will definately go
again!

Name: Cindy Consiglio
Email: Consig1@hotmail.com
Age: 29
Occupation: Registered Nurse
NumberOfCruises: 5
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Sovereign
SailingDate: 11/09/00
Itinerary: bahamas
Cabin: 3522
FoodDiningRoom: 89
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 89
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 70
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 80
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets: 95
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 50
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies: 98
LoungeService:
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors: 98
BeautySalonStaff: 80
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 99
BeautySalon: 70
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 80
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 89
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 21 Jan 2001
Time: 13:48:22
Remote Name: nwhn-sh16-port160.snet.net
Remote User:

Comments

This was our (my husband and myself) second cruise with RCCL. We chose the bahamas trip from Port
Canaveral mostly out of convience. Our original plans for orlando had fallen through so we decided to take a
cruise. For starters, if you are not familiar with the area I would strongly suggest booking transportation from
RCCL. As soon as you get off the plane there are representatives that greet you and get you to the bus for
the 90 minute ride to the port. I always recommend coming down a day early if from a cold region. However, if
you do drive it is very easy to get to the port. Parking is plentiful, and will cost about 9 dollars a day.
Embarkation took about 20 minutes and we were immediately able to access our room.

First time cruisers are more apt to enjoy this ship. As a seasoned cruiser(5 cruises) all of which had been on
newer ships, I found this ship to be lacking in some areas. The ship is now 13 years old and while RCCL has
done a good job of maintaining her, she just does not have the same amenties the newer ships have. First,
the cabins are extremly small, we (4 adults) shared an oceanview room. Unlike the newer ships we have been
on there is no couch, and no way to divide the cabin to give alittle personal space. There were two lower
buncks and two upper. If you can not climb onto the second bunk or you are closterphobic I would not
recommend sharing it with 3 other people. On Disneys ships there is a curtain that may be pulled for added
privacy between the bed and the other sleeping area. Another irritation is that there was no safe in the room
to house valuables. Usually we just throw our money and jewerly in and just take our cards without worry.
However I was told the upper floors (the Larger and Superior) cabins did have safes. Also missing was a
refridgetor. The room however was well laid out and would have been cozy and enjoyable for two. No
movement was really felt during the cruise and we never seemed to feel vibration or hear noise. There was a
good amount of storage space. Besides the closet, there were 2 big drawers and three smaller ones. There
were four of us and I am not a light packer, we still had enough room. There is extra storage space under the
beds.

Dinning on this ship was adequate. While the food in the main dinning was good, the windjammer was lacking.
Everyday in the windjammer, there seemed to be a limited selection and the desserts were awful. We did not
use room service on this trip. The Midnight Buffet held outside on deck in Nassau was the best we have ever
had, much better than having it in the dining area.What we did miss the most were alternative dinning
locations and dinning times. For example, on the newer ships (Grandeur and Disneys Magic and Wonder)
there is an outside place to get food in between the regular mealtime (usually burgers, hotdogs and pizza),
however, this ship did not have this feature and mealtimes were limited. Friends we actually knew from home
happened to be on this sailing and actually missed lunch due to an excursion and there was nothing until
4:30p which was just snacks in the windjammer and thier seating was at 8:30p. Yes, room service is available,
but one must remember to use it. Our servers seemed newer and not as friendly as we usually encounter.
Service from the waiter was prompt and efficient. The Assistant waiter we found to be lacking. One always had
to ask that the soda be refilled and it usually took a while. She actually snapped at one fellow dinner because
he actually asked for the same thing twice (it had been awhile since his first request had gone unfilled). Bar
service as always was excellant and we were offered drinks on deck but not hounded.

Another feature that I disliked about this ship was trying to navigate it. All the rooms of the ship are in 1/2 of
the ship everything else is in the other. So if you get off the wrong elevator you may still have to climb stars.
not all things were accessable from the same deck. The public bathrooms were clean however, they were
locked after a certain time at night and on debarkation day. This was especially irritating because only one
bathroom on the upper decks was available for use and there was quite a long line.

Many people do not like nassau, however I find it quite enjoyable. Once docked, you can walk off the ship and
right into town. Right off the dock is horse and carriage rides for about 25 dollars for 30 minutes. Also right off
the ship you can take a water taxi over to paradice island for 6 dollars round trip. On paradice island you will
find beautiful beaches and Atlantis resort. It is beautiful. We actually booked a vacation here after visiting it
form a prior cruise. However, they charge 25 dollars to view the landscape and beach. They have 11 pools,
the largest mariene habitat and beautiful waterfalls. Guests not staying at Atlantis are not allowed to use the
pools and there are no changing ares outside. I highly recommend a trip to blue lagoon Island. It is a 30
minute boat ride from the port. However any excursions should be booked through RCCL. The ship gets into
Nassau at 11:30am, too late to book your own excursion. However, most excursions are reasonably priced.
The ship is in Nassau until 2 am. Water activites during the day and either a trip to Atlantis or into the city at
night makes the most use of your time. Don't waste money on the Nassau tour, we found it boring, it also
shows you the poverty of the island. People are friendly and it is easy to go off on your own.

The private islands are always a favorite of ours. RCCLs Island is great. We had our best snorkling
experience here, swin out too the lifeguard on the left side, we were surrounded by fish, we also so stingrays,
and watch out beautiful jellyfish. A word of caution, DO NOT LEAVE PURSES OR VALAUBLES UNATTENDED,
the day we were visiting, a womans purse was stolen when she left it at her chair. Remember valuables can
be left with the pursers desk on the ship and your ship card will pay for items. Unless you enjoy waverunners
at 50 miles an hour trailing behind someone else do not bother. Make sure you bring lots of sunscreen and
an underwater camera with you as it costs 3 times as much on board.

Entertainment was excellant and all shows were enjoyed. We always enjoy the not so newlywed game. Seating
can be limited so get there a few minutes early. If you are a non smoker or smoke bothers you this may not be
the best ship for you. The cruisers on this trip seemed to be of a lower class than on the more expensive
cruise lines or seven day cruises. Every where we went people were smoking. Even inside, even right in front
of sighs that said no smoking. Nothing is more irritating to me than trying to relax in a chair on deck than for a
smoker to come up and sit beside me. I would have gladly sat in a non-smoking section if one had been
provided and people actually followed the rules. No one followed the no smoking policy in certain ares and NO
ONE enforced them. We were actually schudled to go on the Costa Atlantica this Janurary but cancelled it
because of all the reviews of smoking in unauthorized areas. I also found some of my fellow shipmates to be
rude, not something I normally find on a ship.

Did I enjoy this cruise? Yes. Would I pick this ship again? Probably not unless I was in Florida and just really
wanted to be on any ship. Disney continues to be my first choise from PT. Canavaral and I think I would try the
Carnival ship Fantacy. However, RCCL is a good line With usually great service! I think this ship is best suited
for someone who wants to try cruising. If you have to fly in to take this ship, I would recomend that you leave
out of miami. Prices are cheaper and there is a bigger selection of ships. If RCCL cleaned up the
non-smoking areas and offered better selection of meal hours it would be a far better cruise experience.
RCCL seems to do this with thier newer ships. We are currently booked in Janurary for the Voyager and do
not expect to be disappointed.

Name: Laura Miller
Email: millerkl@swbell.net
Age: 34
Occupation: Mommy
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Sovereign
SailingDate: 2/4/01 - 2/8/01
Itinerary: Port Canaveral - Nassau - CocoCay
Cabin: 5504 Cat. F Outside
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 80
GoodForFamilies: 99
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 100
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 100
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 100
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 94
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 15 Feb 2001
Time: 11:58:10
Remote Name: adsl-208-191-218-113.dsl.kscymo.swbell.net
Remote User:

Comments

We just got back a week ago from our first cruise and it was NOT a disappointment! Hubby (40) and
me (34) along with our two kids (7 & 9) had a great time. Highlights: Enormously long line at
embarkation moved amazingly fast! Only about 20 minutes total time to board. Friendly staff and crew
members helped with questions and made us feel like kings. Travelling with two small children, we were
very nervous on the first night of dinner, wondering who we would be sitting next to. Whoever arranges
table mates needs a major pat on the back - we were sitting with another family of four. It was perfect.
Our dinner wait staff (Mac, from India and Ramol, from the Philipines) were very patient with four kids
at their table. They remembered the kids names each night and made them feel very special to be in
the dinning room. The head waiter, Alan Biggs from England, even came by and cut up my daughter's
meal one night. These guys work their tails off - DO NOT stiff them on 'tip night'. You've heard it
before, but I'll say it again:

The rooms are small. But everything you need is there. The room attendant
(Antonio from Costa Rica)was great. Friendly and always near-by with a smile. Each night a new towel
design was sitting on the bed for the kids to laugh at. I'm not sure he ever slept - remember to tip, tip,
tip. They really know what service is. The shipboard entertainment was fun. A guy at the piano bar
sang each night and knew 1200 songs from memory. We kept him busy by shouting out title after title.
He was awesome, Barry somebody... I wish I could remember his name. We took part in the art auction
that runs every day - even bought a piece of artwork! That's the fun thing about travel, you get to do
things you don't normally do! The kids attended the Adventure Ocean Club (daycare). One word for
you interested parents out there: Heavenly! The kids staff is well trained, kooky, and educated. They
all have degrees, most in education. A couple had master's degrees. Our kids didn't want us to come
back to pick them up!

Our trip was a four day cruise from Port Canaveral. It was a bit chilly and windy
the first couple of days. Be sure to not only pack for the tropics, but pack an extra sweater or
sweatshirt also. We got to Nassau around 11:00 - just in time for the torrential downpour. The rain
didn't dampen our spirits though. Our family decided to stay on board and just relax. We had time to
check out the library with the kids, find the free cookies and hot tea service in one of the lounges, and
play a game of big-bonus-bingo. The next day was the private island, CocoCay Beach. Before we left
on our cruise, I read other cruise reviews about this island and how great it was. We were a little
disappointed with the beach/sand quality. It was pretty mucky in the sand - not really something we
wanted our kids to be playing in. But then we followed the beach around to a different cove and found
a better spot. All in all, it was a nice day, and HOT! The kids staff had organized an olympic game
event for the families and that was fun. Have at least one cocoloco drink. The last day was a day at
sea and it was my favorite. Our dinner friends went up on the pool deck around 7:00 am to reserve 4
beach chairs and we all just vegged out in the sun, while the kids played in the pool. Have at least one
Mango Tango drink on the pool deck! Our last evening, hubby and I went up to the 14th floor lounge
and sang karaoke for the first time! Have at least 4 vodka tonics before attempting this. :-) I guess the
major point I want to drive in is if you are travelling with kids - take this cruise. There is time to be alone
with your spouse, and time to be with the kids. The staff cater to the kids, even though there were only
about 30-40 other kids in this age range on ship. Now, here's the real reason I'm writing this review...
We don't have the mailing address of our table mates from New York. MaryBeth, Sebastian, Mia and
Sebastian Jr. If you are reading this, PLEASE send me an email! We'd love to hear from you! :-) Also,
anyone else who would like more information about travelling with the kids, email me. Laura
millerkl@swbell.net

Name: Bruce Paul
Email: webmaster@birdcat.com
Age: 46
Occupation: Technodweeb
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Sovereign
SailingDate: 2/11/01
Itinerary: Nassau - Coco Cay
Cabin: 8046/F
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 100
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets: 100
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 100
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 100
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff: 100
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff: 100
EntertainmentLounges: 100
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 100
EntertShowLounge: 100
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon: 100
EntertainmentPoolside: 100
CruiseActivities: 100
Casino: 100
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 100
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 100
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 21 Feb 2001
Time: 07:36:47
Remote Name: bowne17-5.bowne.com
Remote User:

Comments

Based on previous reviews I was somewhat hesitant about this cruise. Let me say how wrong I was to
be worried! This ship is beautiful, even if she is 13 years old! The staff set the bar for service at
exemplary and exceeded it every time! The food was wonderful (don't beleive those folks who blast the
welcome aboard buffet - we had mustard encrusted tilapia, shrimp salad, prime rib, etc...). The dining
room food was just as good as any restaurant I have ever eaten in (and I live in NY City). The
Windjammer buffet was great for breakfast and lunch (we did not eat dinner there so I couldn't speak
to that but I'm sure it's wonderful there as well). The midnight buffet dedicated to chocolated is a must!
There was an eight foot dragon made of chocolate, along with countless chocolate covered
strawberries the size of small oranges.

The stop in Nassau was great - my wife had her hair braided in a french braid with little braids on one
side. The people were friendly and when you declined their offers, they left you alone with a smile. We
did the Yellowbird tour - They don't tell you that they bring you to this wonderful little beach - so if you
do this tour, wear your bathing suits.

Coco Cay is a great place to relax. We did some snorkeling and spent the rest of the day lounging on
the beach, sipping Coco Loco's (you gotta get some of these! - They're delicious!). Make sure you get
there early to stake out you're beach chair and/or hammock - they go pretty quickly.

We spent Wednesday (Valentine's day) at sea and had a great time relaxing on board (my wife signed
up for the top-to-toe massage - two hours of pampering).

We did the Airboat/Aligator tasting tour when the ship docked. We were off the boat and through
customs by 8:00 AM. This tour lets you off at the Orlando Airport so it's very convenient. We had a
blast on the airboats and the alligator tasted like clams to me.

All in all - a truly great time. We're going to do this cruise again next year (and maybe every year). On
a scale of 1 to 10, it rates a 12!

I'll have pictures and a full review site up when the photos come back (the URL will be
http://www.birdcat.com/cruise.html - should be up by 3/1).

Name: MaryAnn Randone
Email: joey14@frontiernet.net
Age: 42
Occupation: Office Manager
NumberOfCruises: 9
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Sovereign
SailingDate: 02/15/2001
Itinerary: Bahamas
Cabin: 5101
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 85
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland: 90
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram: 75
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 05 Mar 2001
Time: 11:17:53
Remote Name: 209-130-142-210.nas3.mon.gblx.net
Remote User:

Comments

A late morning flight, which was delayed one hour, wasted most of our first day. We did not board the
ship until 3P.M. We were lucky to make it to the lunch buffet, which closed at 3:30.

It was a beautiful sunny day, but we couldn't enjoy the pool, since it was empty. On other cruises,
we've always been able to swim as soon as we board, so I was a little disappointed.

The ship is old but well maintained and very clean. The staff is friendly and very helpful.

Although this cruise was a good value, it certainly cannot be compared to a 7 day cruise in many ways.
The variety of food is limited, and there was only one midnight buffet, which was not the kind of buffet I
am used to, having cruised on Celebrity Cruise ships. I was very disappointed with the desserts in the
dining room, as well as at the buffets. Even the breakfast buffet, while adequate, was quite limited.

The entertainment in the show lounge was quite good. We enjoyed the tribute to Broadway and the
comedy show.

While docked in Nassau, we decided to visit Atlantis, which is located on Paradise Island. The hotel is
beautiful, as well as the beach which is for cruise guests only.

Coco-Cay was a disappointment. Luckily, we were the first tender to arrive at the island. Since, there
was only one small beach that allowed access to the water without having to wade through rocks, it
quickly became very crowded. My advice is to arrive early on the island, have lunch, and go back to
the ship early enough to enjoy an empty pool.

Disembarkation was by numbers and very orderly. While I did enjoy my mini-vacation, I would not
recommend a 3 or 4 day cruise, especially as a first cruise. It truly was not representative of the real
cruise experience.

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