 |
 |
|
Note - this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: Linda Miller
Email: LlindaC@aol.com
Age: 45
Occupation: Musician
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Sovereign
SailingDate: March 1, 2001
Itinerary: Port Canaveral, Nassau, CocoCay
Cabin: 3001/P
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 92
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 92
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 98
ShoreExcValue: 95
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 98
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 99
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 100
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 100
OverallPortsofCall: 98
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 100
CruiseActivities: 98
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 99
DeckSpace: 99
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 98
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 99
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 06 Mar 2001
Time: 17:27:52
Remote Name: spider-tp013.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:
Comments
This was my second cruise with RCCL. It was a splendid weekend escape from the cold, just too short.
We bought transfers at airport and boarded the bus immediately in Orlando.We arrived at the ship at
11:30 am and were allowed on.We stood in line for no more than 3 minutes. We sat in the bar for an
hour until the buffet opened. If you've cruised on the newer,more glamourous ships you may be a bit
disappointed at first. SOS shows her age a bit, but she is well-maintained and comfortable. Our cabin
steward was friendly and reliable.At no time did we feel crowded nor did we wait in line for anything. We
used the exercise facility which was adequate and even got a private ab class from the friendly
instructor. The food in the Windjammer was decent, not great, but the food in the dining room was
excellent with good variety. We had great service and were seated with a fun couple who were about
our age. On Nassau we took the Yellowbird party boat. The free rum punch varied from 100 proof to
no proof of alcohol. However, we had a good buzz upon completion and really enjoyed the band.We
were taken for an hour to a small island beach- a little crowded with limited swimming and no
snorkeling.We met others on other cruise lines, so it was a great time.We walked through the Straw
Market later and skipped the rest of Nassau. The Out Islands of Bahamas offer more beauty and
serenity, but we had great weather so we didn't complain. CocoCay was the highlight of the trip. Avoid
the first, crowded beach and head back on the other side of the isle for peace and quiet.There are
hammocks, volleyball, shopping,water sports,etc. I snorkeled on the reefs where I saw plenty of fish
and unspectacular coral.The tender was a bit rough, but ran every 15 minutes. We loved all the
entertainers and being a musician myself I admit to being picky. They had a great pianist in the bar
and a fun Calypso group on the deck. Dancing under the stars was a ball. Disembarkment was
exceptionally smooth and we found our luggage instantly.My fiance had been on Carnival this year and
was not impressed with their procedures. We had beautiful mid 80 weather in March and the water was
plenty warm. I would definitely do this cruise again and will cruise with RCCL again.
Name: Ann Babcock
Email: vivapuff@capital.net
Age: 34
Occupation: customer service manager
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Sovereign
SailingDate: 3/11
Itinerary: Nassau/Coco Cay
Cabin: 4519
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 75
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 70
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 80
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 90
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService:
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 80
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 80
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 16 Mar 2001
Time: 17:14:24
Remote Name: ip-209-23-10-252.modem.logical.net
Remote User:
Comments
Three female friends and I just returned from the 4-night Nassau/Cococay cruise. This was my first cruise, two
of the others have cruised several times. Overall, I had a great time, and would recommend this particular
cruise to first-time cruisers, younger cruisers and those on a budget, because of the short duration.
First, the positives. I enjoyed the dining room a great deal. Let's face it, dining is one of the main things
people look forward to on a cruise, and I wasn't disappointed. The food was uniformly well prepared, nothing
gourmet or too fancy, but excellent nonetheless. I had read reviews saying the portions were too small, but
did not find that to be the case. My friends and I ordered some dishes to share in addition to our individual
entrees, and I had two appetizers a couple of nights. I had a stuffed pork loin with a ginger sauce that was
very tender and a surprisingly large portion, with a crab and shrimp salad that was very delicate, the first
night. The second night, I had the filet mignon, which was cooked just right, again, a good size, with a nice
peppercorn sauce. The pasta dishes were also very tasty, so was the fish. I tried the strawberry bisque and
really enjoyed that also. The wait staff was very attentive and pleasant. Our waiter was Richard from India, his
assistant was Erik, a Chilean. I thought they did a fine job, and they work their behinds off, seriously, please
tip them well. They were very professional, did a good job considering English isn't their first language. One
night, three string musicians strolled around and took requests. I thought that was a nice touch. My more
seasoned cruising companions felt that the level of service on the longer cruises was a cut above this, but still
enjoyed themselves in the dining room. I never ate in the Windjammer, preferring the experience of being
waited on. I would not recommend the dining room for very young children, as it is a somewhat formal
experience, and kids don't have the patience for it. I was a little disappointed that many diners chose to wear
shorts and t-shirts to the dining room, since I made an effort to look nice every night. I recommend the main
(early) seating, to give you time to relax and see all the shows after. Breakfast was great also, again, you can
order as much as you like. The coffee leaves a little to be desired. I couldn't stay up for the midnight buffet,
sorry I missed that. I wish they had more than one. The chocolate buffet one night was a little disappointing,
not a lot of variety, and the lines were unbelievable.
Entertainment: the Not-So-Newlywed Game lived up to it's reputation. It was hysterical. The Quest was a blast.
There is a singer on board named Alfreda who was excellent, with a great soul style. The comedian we saw,
Carl Guerra, was realy funny. The calypso band by the pool was great, as was the stage band in the Follies
Lounge. The broadway roundup the dancers did one night was ok, but hardly a blockbuster.
Excursions: I opted to skip Nassau in favor of Paradise Island and the Atlantis resort. The harbour cruise
included in the package was a waste of time, very lame commentary by a jaded guide. I'm not a gambler, but
if you are, you'll love Atlantis. Everyone else will get a kick out of the place, it's huge, over-the-top excessive,
eye-popping. The aquarium in The Dig is unbelievable. They even had a giant manta ray. Lunch was
included in our package, a simple chicken sandwich deal, but good. We were not allowed to use the water
park, but had beach privileges in their cove, which turned out to be great, much less crowded than the pool
complex. The cove was beautiful, the water moderate, no waves, I swam way out. The sand was perfect. Two
of my friends were on the America's Cup yacht excursion, and we could see them racing just past the cove. It
was awesome. Coco Cay on the second day was likewise beautiful, once you get past the first, party beach.
The beach on the opposite side was long and calm. We rented mats and floated, when the tide went out, we
walked out for what seemed like hours combing for shells. A spotted ray circled my ankles at one point where
the water was only calf deep. We saw tons of conchs living in a weedy patch, it was so cool. The barbecue
was fine, nothing fancy, but tasted good on the beach. The coco loco drink was good, and water was
available at the bars. My friends did the banana boat ride, be forewarned, you'll get water full in the face, but
they thought it was a scream.
For the final day, we were at sea. Another note of warning here, if you want to spend time by the pool on this
day, get up early and stake out your chairs. They go fast, and people will be circling all day to swoop in. The
deck felt crowded early on. We were on the upper deck near the stairs and the bar, which was good
placement, fewer people milling around. The weather was great, mid 80s, hardly felt hot with the breeze.
There were some funny contests, plenty of bartenders going around. Water was hard to get though.
The negatives: the rooms are tiny. You know that going in, but still, remember, you will be climbing over your
roommate. We were upgraded, but I doubt it made much difference. Fortunately, we weren't spending any
time in the cabin.
The toilets were malfunctioning all over the ship. Some people didn't have water in their cabins, some cabin
and public toilets overflowed. In the public areas, many toilets were out of order, and lines formed, especially
around the pool. This happened throughout the week. Some people were irate. Our toilet functioned fine, but
there was a smell in areas of the ship. This needs to be addressed, some of the staff seemed indifferent to
this situation, which is inexcusable.
Our bus from the airport was crowded, smelly and hot. On the return trip, it was fine, because we booked a
tour to the Kennedy Space Center, and got on a separate bus. We also got to depart first thing in the
morning, ahead of all others except the handicapped, which was great. Customs was a joke. A porter stuffed
our forms into the inspector's hands and walked us right by her, never even stopped.
The ship was fully booked, and it felt it. You couldn't really get away except by walking the promenade deck.
Also, there were a ton of spring-breakers on board, and they monopolized some activities and the pool decks.
Lastly, the ship could use some refurbishing. The carpets have huge stains in some areas. Some furniture
was frayed. But everything was clean, and the stewards were excellent. Again, tip these guys, they really
depend on it.
Overall, these things were minor to me, and did not detract from my experience too much. This was a cheap
trip, keep that in mind and you will enjoy. I may have felt different if the toilet in my cabin was one of the ones
not working, though. I may try a longer cruise on one of the newer RCI ships in the future.
Name: Tony Choate
Email: tonynemnbama@aol.com
Age: 26
Occupation: Minister
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Sovereign
SailingDate: March 1, 2001
Itinerary: Bahamas
Cabin: 6037K
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 97
CabinComfort: 99
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 97
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 96
FoodMidnightBuffets: 98
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 70
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 95
GoodForFamilies: 98
LoungeService:
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 99
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 98
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 97
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 99
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 20 Mar 2001
Time: 00:20:11
Remote Name: spider-tr011.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:
Comments
This was our first cruise. We were going with another couple who had been on one before. It was a Carnival
cruise so they somewhat knew what to expect and were excited about cruising with Royal Caribbean. We were
leaving from Port Canaveral and live in Alabama, so decided to drive down. It was a fairly long trip but not
unbearable and the drive alone was full of memorable occurances. I will not bore you with these details since
you are reading this to recieve information about the cruise, not the drive.
We were pleasantly suprised in planning the trip to recieve what we felt was a very good rate. We ended up
going on the cruise for only $607.50 taxes, port charges, everything for the two of us. I felt this would be a
very good bargain and now that it is over, feel we got an outstanding deal. We stayed on the 6th deck, which
moved very little and was very quite. It was an interior stateroom which i was very pleased with because of
how dark it was. We did not know if it was 2:00 in the morning or 10:00 in the morning. I enjoyed the peace
and quiet.
ARRIVAL
We arrived around 12:00 and quickly realized we were not prepared as well as we should be when the men
taking our bags were very rushed and we hadn't even placed the tags on them yet. That was very hectic but
they were not pushy so we quickly tagged our bags and I parked the van. Parking was $21 for the weekend. I
had a copy of my birth certificate but it was very worn and old and actually not even a certified copy so I was
quite worried that they would give me a hard time about getting on the boat, but when i checked in they didn't
even look at my birth certificate, just my license. They were very organized getting us on the ship and we
were on board by 1:00 or so. We went right to our stateroom to put up our carryonbags and then when to the
windjammer to eat. They had a nice lunch buffet already out and it was rather good.
FOOD
I was thoroughly impressed with the food. I enjoy buffets and there were buffets almost anytime you wanted
them. One every breakfast, lunch and supper and also a midnight buffet on friday night. The dining room
food was great and we ate in the dining room every evening. The other meals we always at in the windjammer
cafe. The service in the dining room was great. Our waiter knew our name by the end of the first supper and
remembered it the rest of the cruise. We ate at a large table with three other couples we did not know. This
was enjoyable and I would recommend eating at the larger tables. It gives you opportunity to make new
friends. I'm a very picky eater but was able to find something at every supper that I enjoyed. I feel my wife and
I ate our money's worth in food alone on this cruise. Definitely do not go on a cruise if you plan to diet, it is
impossible!
ENTERTAINMENT
The entertainment was great. The first night was a broadway salute by some very talented singers and
performers. I was amazed at how well they did considering the boat was rocking pretty heavy Thursday night.
I could feel the boat rocking the most in the Lounge with all the entertainment. My wife took some
complimentary motion sickness pills and it is probably good she did. I did not take any and had no problems
but I can see where some people might have. Overall the entertainment was very very good. The not so
newleywed game was absolutely hilarious and the juggling comedian was also very funny and talented.
Several other shows and comedians performed and all we saw were well worth watching. They also have 2
cinemas but only one was showing anything. We watched The Kid which was very good and started to watch
the Perfect Storm but were too tired. Being a minister, i was glad to see that all the movies are edited so there
is no cussing or nudity.
PORTS
Cococay was great. The weather was perfect and it was beautiful. We waited till the line got low in order to
leave the ship so by the time we got on the island it was close to 12:00. The buffet on the island was good,
not great. Since we got on the island late, the hammocks were all taken. We were slightly irritated that even
the hammocks that had no one in them or nearby had someones towels or bags in the in order to save them.
Several hammocks were like this and I felt it was very rude for people to lay on a towel beside a hammock and
yet not allow someone else to use the hammock. My wife did eventually find a hammock and enjoyed a little
nap while i attempted to catch a crab in the ocean and gather conk shells. Nassau was not as pleasant
because it was so commercialized. I definitely enjoyed Atlantis and would recommend that. Tour it yourself
though, it is best to catch a bus to Atlantis and tour it yourself and then go to the beach by it. We went
parasailing there which was very fun. I believe my friend and I paid 40 each to parasail tandemly which was
very fun. Not scary, very peaceful. Besides Atlantis and the beach by it, I was not much impressed with
Nassua. We did not go on any shore excursions seeing they were so expensive but if that is your thing I
heard some were very fun.
ROOM
Our room was very tiny but cozy. Our room attendant kept the room very clean and gave us anything we
needed. Flushing the toilet is a scary thing because the suction is crazy. The shower had good pressure and
stayed warm. New movies like perfect storm, rememeber the titans and the kid played in the room 24 hours a
day. Drinks are in the room when you arive but they charge you if you drink them. The bed was very
comfortable. We did not bring an alarm clock and there was not one in the room so that was a bummer. We
also brought our pillows from home but there were like 6 or 8 in the room so that was unneccesary. Other
than sleeping, we spent basically no time in the room so I personally would not pay the extra for a huge room
just because your not in them much and without a window you can sleep after the sun comes up without
disturbance.
LEAVING
We were saddened by how quickly the cruise ended. You have to get out of your room fairly early on Sunday
morning so be prepared to start your day early. The buffet in the windjammer was not great, just
complimentary so we kinda wished we had gotten up a little earlier and eaten in the dining room. You are
allowed to leave when your color is called. We were yellow and were one of the last ones to leave. We were
off the boat at around 10 AM. Leaving was easy and we were on the road in no time.
My wife and I will definitely go on another cruise and would love to cruise on Royal Caribbean. The
Soveriengn was a beautiful boat with lots of things to do but I would like to try cruising on other boats just to
compare. They will have to be good to beat the experience we had on our first cruise. The boat was beautiful,
big and entertaining. I look forward to cruising again soon and recommend it to anyone. Whether your idea of
a fun vacation is great entertainment, beautiful locations, good food or good service, you will be delighted
with cruising on the Sovereingn. Anyone can enjoy the cruise and it would be a good trip for groups with
differing ideas of enjoyment. Take care and hope you have fun on your cruise.
Name: Gary
Email: gary.r.collis@lmco.com
Age: 51
Occupation: Contracts Manager
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Sovereign
SailingDate: 2-25-01
Itinerary: Nassau and Coco Cay
Cabin: 4591/Inside
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 80
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 80
FoodLidoDeck: 70
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 70
GoodForHoneymoon: 80
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 80
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 70
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 80
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 20 Mar 2001
Time: 13:13:24
Remote Name: proxy3a.lmco.com
Remote User:
Comments
This was a first cruise for my girlfriend and I. We come to Kissimmee each in February, and decided to take
Sovereign on my birthday this year. Good choice. I spent quite a bit of time on the Internet trying to get the
best deal, and in the end, I think I did. We purchased the four day cruise via Travelocity for a total of $580.00
for the two of us. For this price we did not get a pre-assigned cabin, so we had to wait until boarding to see
what RCI had in store for us. But you just can't beat that price for a cruise on what I consider to be a resort,
not just a ship (in fact, we got a better price for the 4 day cruise than Travelocity could get us for the 3 day
cruise - go figure). Parking was easy in a nice lot ($28 for the 4 days) right next to the terminal. Embarkation
was smooth and quick - less than 30 minutes from luggage drop-off to gangway. We immediately went to our
cabin, which was on the main (4th) deck, just behind the stairway by the elevators, which was perfect - no
next door neighbors on one side, and we found it to be VERY quiet.
The cabin was small, but nicely done and
in very good condition. We found it to be just perfect for two of us over four nights. The cabin attendant,
Eldon, came by immediately to introduce himself and ask how we wanted the bed made up (choice of 2 twins
or 1 queen bed). We didn't see much of him after that except to pass by in the passageway, but he somehow
kept our room spotless all the time we were there. We took a self-tour of the ship to get our bearings, and
were able get around pretty easily. The 'lobby' is something else - all brass and wood, about 4 decks high,
with glassed-in elevators. The elevators can be a problem to figure out - some go up only 7 floors, while the
elevators near our room went all the way to the pool deck, and another set goes all the way up to the 14th
deck. It took some time to get used to them - and they seemed to be full most of the time, so we walked a lot.
Don't believe anything you read about this ship being 'tired' or 'old' - We found it to be clean, very well
maintained with new carpets fabrics throughout the ship.
We never saw a rust spot, or anything dirty or out of
place. Just perfect. We watched departure of the ship from the Viking Crown Lounge, 14 decks high. It was
spectacular. What could be nicer than sitting in a very beautiful lounge with a cocktail, watching the people on
shore watching you go to sea. The crowd watching along the quay as the ship departs is amazing - hundreds
of people in campers and lawn chairs, just to see these three ships (Sovereign, Fantasy and Disney Wonder)
depart Port Canaveral. We had been assigned to late dining, and asked to be changed to early seating, but
the Purser didn't give me a warm feeling. However, about an hour later we got a notice under our stateroom
door that we had been changed to early dinner in Kismet Dining Room. When we went to dinner, we met our
waiter (Sahin), assistant waiter and head waiter, who all turned out to be great. Sahin learned our names right
away, and was always pleasant and attentive. You really can't ask for more than that. I don't usually eat
salads, and when I kept refusing the salads, he kept asking if I changed my mind. He REALLY wanted to go
out of his way to get me a salad. I told him I don't eat salads to leave room for more desert. Anyway, the menu
is very good, and we found the food to be excellent. Over the four days we had steak, scampi, prime rib,
turkey, pasta, chicken and fish. On formal night we ate at the Windjammer buffet restaurant, as we had
decided a month before sailing that we couldn't be bothered bringing any dressy clothes with us. The
Windjammer was OK, but everyone needs to remember that ANY buffet restaurant will be marginal. Have you
have been to a buffet restaurant where you walked out saying, 'that was great'? We ate breakfasts and
lunches in the Windjammer, and they were OK too. Can't comment on the midnight buffets - we know they
had a Caribbean buffet one night, because we watched them set it up and saw the BIG crowd; and they have
a chocolate midnight buffet too, but we found we were never hungry then, so we never bothered. We found
the ship's lounges to be top shelf, with pretty good entertainment, considering you are on a cruise ship. The
house rock and roll band is Romeo, which is a pretty good band, but they only play about 45 minutes, a few
times each night. They really should play more, as the disco music that's played during their (long) breaks is
pretty lame. But the crowd was into it, and there was a lot of dancing until the wee hours. The casino is pretty
good - there were two $5 blackjack tables and one or two $10 tables. There was also craps, roulette,
Caribbean poker and a bunch of slots. I won $100 playing blackjack over the 4 days, so I'm pretty happy. The
pool area is really nice, with lots of chairs, but too many people ignore the rules and leave towels and books
on the chairs early in the morning, then show up in the PM to sunbathe. There ought to be a better way. But
we were usually able to find two chairs in the sun in the afternoon.
Nassau is a dirty little town, with not a lot to
offer. We went on a snorkel/sail catamaran trip, which was really nice. Decent snorkeling, with good fish life,
but the coral is not in very good shape. Shopped a little in the Straw Market, and got a couple bargains as the
shopkeepers were closing for the day. Next day we were at Coco Cay, which is the highlight of the cruise. It
was easy to get on the tender for the ride to Coco - only took about 10 minutes to get there. The beach is
fantastic, with plenty of lounge chairs, despite the fact that there must be 2000 people on the beach by the
time the tenders have dumped off their passengers. The little bars they have around the island are nice, and
the food was probably the best we had on the trip. We especially enjoyed the chicken and ribs. They have
lots of shore activities on Coco Loco, but we spent our time just hanging out on the beach. Snorkel rentals go
for $26.00, which is outrageous. And floating mats rent for $10.00, which is also pretty steep, but we rented
one, and were glad we did. Spent a couple of hours total just towing my girlfriend around in the bay. Nice way
to spend a February afternoon. We didn't want to leave, but the ship departs at 5:00PM, and the last tender
leaves at 4:30. Everyone should drink at least one Coco Loco - it's worth the cost. The third day was spent at
sea, which was nice too. We both had sunburns, so we stayed in the shade in the pool area. Used the hot
tubs, etc. Drank a few Mango Tangos (just like a Creamsicle, but with rum). Had a real nice day. This was my
birthday, and although I don't celebrate them anymore (after the age of 12, who cares really?), RCI must
have known it was my birthday from my immigration data when I bought the tickets, and they had a cake for
me. They all sang, and it was kind of nice - I think that's the only time in my life I've had 100 people singing
happy birthday to me. The cake was really good, and I had pie ala mode too. I know, I'm a pig, but hey, it was
my birthday! We hated to see the last night come around. This was 'tip night', when you are expected to give
your head waiter, waiter and assistant waiter their tips. RCI leaves envelopes in your room, along with
guidelines. Some people don't like the guidelines, but I do. Tipping can be unnerving, if you don't have any
idea of what is normal. RCI suggests $3.50 per person per day for the waiter; $3.50 per person per day for
the cabin attendant; $2.00 per person per day for the assistant waiter; and a non-specific amount for your
head waiter (who frankly, doesn't do much). I rounded the tips up - gave $30.00 each to the waiter and
attendant and $20.00 to the assistant waiter. I don't know why, but I put $10.00 in the envelope for the head
waiter. He was friendly, if nothing else. Didn't tip any of the booze servers - they add 15% service charge to
all alcohol orders, which adds up to a significant amount of money over four days of partying. Did a couple of
shows the last night - good comedian, good music, and we danced until midnight. Stopped in the duty free
shop and bought cigarettes and vodka (got to feed those vices). Two liters of Absolute Blue for less than $20
- a great buy. Had to get up real early, as you have to be out of your cabin by 0800 for disembarkation.
There was no alarm clock in our inside cabin, so we had to use the phone wake up system. It doesn't give
much of a confirmation, so I was unsure that it would ring at 0645. So I set my digital watch alarm too (which is
so complicated, I wasn't sure it would go off either). So I really didn't sleep too well, worrying we would sleep
until noon. Both the phone and the digital watch alarm both went off within 10 seconds of each other at 0645.
Cabin attendant showed up at 7:45 to say goodbye (coincidentally, it was tip day for him). I gave him his tip
and he was on his way. Ate breakfast at the Windjammer at 0800 (continental breakfast only - nothing hot).
As long as we get coffee, we're happy, and the coffee was always good. We waited on the pool deck for our
color to be called. They suggest you wait in any of the public lounges, but the pool deck is much more
comfortable, especially when it's 70 sunny degrees outside. Anyway, we were in the second group of colors
called, and were through inspection, picked up our bags, and in our car in about 30 minutes. We were
impressed. Final impressions: Good food, excellent service, great ship, mediocre port of call in Nassau, with
an outstanding port of call on Coco Cay. RCI knows what it is doing, and we will use them again. Only
complaints are the bingo (it's a rip-off, believe me), the short sets by the house rock and roll band, the price
of a bottle of water (almost $3), the price of a coke ($2 I think), and $26 for a snorkel set rental on Coco Cay
(you should get to keep it for that price). Other than those minor complaints, we loved everything about this
cruise. Suggest travelers bring an alarm clock, their own water supply and a good appetite.
Name: Judy Wagner
Email: jwag@bamaonline.net
Age: 53
Occupation: Staff Assistant
NumberOfCruises: 20
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Sovereign
SailingDate: March 25, 2001
Itinerary: Nassau, CocoCay
Cabin: N 4560
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 80
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 80
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities:
Casino: 75
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 50
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 75
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 01 Apr 2001
Time: 14:26:11
Remote Name: dothmax1-p44.bamaonline.net
Remote User:
Comments
We had a group of 49 people, ages 17-65. Most had cruised before. I have taken 20 cruises; this was the
first on RCCL. With that said, this will also be my LAST on Royal Caribbean.
Check in was quick as was disembarking. I will admit RCCL has that down to a pleasurable science. The
food was typical cruise fare. Waiters and staff were great. It was disappointing that they did not put on the
shows in the dining room like other cruise lines do, though. Cabin steward was find, but no cutesy animals
from the towels, etc.
Bad: A disgustingly lingering horrible smell of sewage in the hallways and many of the cabins during the
ENTIRE CRUISE! When brought to the staff's attention, we were told: oh, well, the ship is going into
drydock in September! Wrong answer!!
One room in our group embarked to find about 3 in. of water in the room and were told they would put a
fan in the room and it would be fine...wrong answer again. After much complaining and the ship telling us
the ship was full and they couldn't move these people, they were finally moved and allowed to unpack their
clothes on the 2nd day of the 4 night cruise.
Room service: although I ordered room service one evening during the regular dinner hour and it was
very good, several in the group experienced no room service because 1)the wait staff was too busy
2)getting breakfast (or some other meal) ready and couldn't take room service calls or make deliveries or
3) were told to call back in 20 minutes. This from a ship who touts that they have 24 hour room service? I
don't think so!
Add these problems to the giant problem our group started out with: the fact that RCCL would not issue
airport/pier transfers because the group arrived in Orlando on Saturday before the cruise on Sunday, yet
the cruise line charged all of us for transfers, both before the cruise and again at the airport on sunday
and then didn't want to give us our credits for the original $32 paid for the transfers (their excuse for this
was that the onboard staff didn't know what Miami was thinking or the better one, that they weren't in
Orlando and couldn't tell us why we would have been charged there!)
The cruise wasn't a disaster. Most of the folks who had never been on a cruise before didn't have a clue
that all ships don't have this disgusting smell or that you spend hours at the purser's office trying to get
your account straight.
We cruise every years, sometimes 4 and 5 times a year but we will NEVER look to RCCL again. The only
good thing about this cruise is that I wasn't at work!
Want to book your cruise at a great rate?
Click here.
Questions or comments? Mail to webmaster@cruiseopinion.com.
Copyright ©1996-2001 CruiseOpinion.com. Last modified: April 01, 2001.