rccl-vision8

Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Fred Crouch
Email: fcrouch@whitegoss.com
Age: 40
Occupation: attorney
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Vision
SailingDate: July 30, 2000
Itinerary: Alaska - Inside Passage
Cabin: 7056 B (outside with balcony - not a suite)
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector:
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 92
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService:
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 04 Oct 2000
Time: 18:15:58
Remote Name: rmi-net-206-65-98-98.dial.kc.rmi.net
Remote User:

Comments

This cruise was for my mom's 80th birthday - our family group consisted of 21 people ranging in age from
80 to 8 weeks. For the record, a cruise was a great way to vacation with an infant. There were also 4 kids
ages 2-9; and some early 20s, early 30s and then the 40 and above adults. (one reason we chose RCL -
Princess line didn't allow children under 1; the Celebrity ship cruising the one week all 21 of us could go
was booked up - more than a year in advance by a single company -I think it was Amway - when we made
reservations in Dec of 1999 it was already booked full! - so RCL was more or less a second/third choice -
but really, I think a better choice after all for the group we had and the variety of ages - the other lines
might be a little fancier/dressier/better food - at least by reputation - and although my wife and I and my
sisters/brothers-in-law would have enjoyed that - not everyone in our group would have and RCL was a
nice middle of the road choice. But still clean, pretty ship; same shore excursions as everyone else; and
good food considering they are feeding 2300 passengers plus the crew everyday.

Also, becuase RCL a bit less expensive, we could all afford rooms with a balcony when we got the group
rate/early reservation discounts.

We all flew into Vancouver the day before the ship left; we saved considerably by handling our own airline
tickets even after we factored in the cost of the hotel room. Had we flown in on Sunday (ship departure
day) we still would have made it in on time based on our Saturday arrivals. There were approximately 30
people who had Royal Caribbean air/cruise packages who still missed the departure - and our first port of
call was not until Wednesday - so these people did not join the cruise until then. Given the distance to
Vancouver, (we had people flying from northern California, Nebraska, Missouri and Michigan) I would
recommend going in a day (or two) early - there's lots to do there and I wish we had been able to arrive a
couple of days early. We also did not want to do the air/cruise package because many people are flown
into Seattle and take a bus to Vancouver - we did not want to deal with that (some friends of ours had
done this and did not like it). We worked with a cruise-only travel agency and though we were of sufficient
size to qualify as a group, we did not get much in the way of extra help from the travel agency - I could
have done everything myself if I had been able to deal direct with RCL.

Even if you aren't on an air/cruise package, there is no difference in the way RCL treats you. We were
able to pre-book shore excursions before we left, though some in our group still did not get their first
choices -everyone who wanted a helicopter trip got one, however, and those are traditionally in short
supply. I would recommned planning shore excursions in advance (but more on that below).

Embarkation and debarkation were both very well organized especially given the numbers of people
involved, customs, etc. It was very nice to be able to go through US customs at the Vancouver Airport on
return flight day (our travel agency was not able to tell me in advance how this worked - one person at the
agency told me we went through US customs at the ship dock and checked our bags for the airport at the
dock - we left and arrived from Ballintyne Pier - so maybe that is how it works at the other pier, Canada
Place. Our travel agency also told us we left from Canada Place and only because I checked with RCL did
I get the correct information - it wasn't in any of the paperwork we got from the cruise line - perhaps it
changes depending on which ships depart when).

Our room was very nice and RCL supplied the crib (coast guard requirement). We had a balcony - which
was worth the expense for Alaska - esp. with our infant as we could leave her in room; sit outside and still
watch her (as if an 8 week old is going to go any where - but we did not have to get out the stroller bundle
her up, etc., etc. and go up on deck). The captain always made sure both sides of the ship could see
everything (Hubbard Glacier, for example) so there was no need to go on deck if you didn't want to and
had a balcony. The balcony was also nice for the senior citizens in our group who didn't want to deal with
crowded decks (though the decks weren't really that crowded). I find it odd there are no room hair dryers,
but that's no big deal. The other cruise lines seem to have them. I liked having a slightly bigger room with
a sitting area (though some of that was taken over by the crib).

As my wife and I were not going on a lot of shore excursions - weren't sure how the baby would be on the
cruise - we purchased one of the amenity packages - it was OK - the nightly appetizers and sweets were
pretty average and unchanging. The champagne was good but I should have brought my own. And on
the topic of alcohol. We were allowed to bring our own wine to dinner and were charged a very
reasonable corkage fee. We only did this a couple of nights - and we brought some special bottles of
wine - one everning the wine steward asked if he could try our chardonnay! - so I would heartily
recommend doing this - but again, not every night. And I will bring my own good champagne next time -
and tip the room steward a little extra for a wine bucket and ice.

We tipped the steward on day one as we figured we'd be extra work with the baby and all. PLus we tipped
him extra at the end and gave him a small gift (an inexpensive watch we picked up in ship gift shop) I think
many of the crew send the money home or save it - so the little gift seemed to be greatly appreciated
more so than the money! We liked him and he did a very good job. The room service people were quick
too - we had coffee and tea delivered every morning early and they were on time every day - and some of
the sun rises were spectacular - one so spectacular I called all the other family members and woke them
up to them to go out on their balconies.

We ate almost all meals in dining room - we are not a fan of buffets. Food was good but not gourmet;
clearly used high quality ingredients - my nephews went salmon fishing and caught their limit so the
kitchen grilled the fresh salmon for us. Everyone should feel free to order extras and try whatever is on
menu. Service was quite good - but I expected that. Don't like the "please give us good ratings" push on
the last night but wasn't overly offended. Variety of choices was good but I would recommend sticking to
the simpler dishes - i.e., steak, lobster tail, grilled fish - and then there is usually a decent sauce to add if
you like that. And never hesitate to ask for something off the menu - my mom had a little stomach trouble
one day and simply asked for broth, jello, that type of stuff and she received it promptly and without any
problem.

We had great weather - one morning of cloud and rain and the entire remainder of the cruise was sunny
and warm - our last port, Ketchikan, it was over 80 degrees. I would not count on this in Alaska. The crew
even marvelled out the good weather.

Shore excursions - we rented a car - in Skagway and in Kethchikan and really enjoyed this - we drove the
same route as the white pass railroad but got to go into Canada - to the Yukon Territory - magnificent
scenery - and even a small desert - and still had time for lunch and shopping in Skagway. We're pretty
independent travellers though (and where would the baby's car seat go in the train?) The family members
who took the trained enjoyed it as well. Don't bother shopping in Skagway - better stores in Juneau and
Ketchikan. I would recommend an excursion that leaves from Skagway and gets you to Haines - then pick
up ship in Haines. We couldn't go on these as they allowed only passengers over 7. Haines might have
been fine to walk around for awhile but the other land tours weren't very popular - we did bald eagle
preserve coach trip and were quite disappointed - again, all the trips on the water were better received
and our group had a variety of experiences. Those who did helicopters - Juneau - loved it.

We didn't go to any of the theatre shows - we'd rather have a drink in the lounge or on our room balcony
and listen to the music on the room TV. The family members (the older ones) who went to the shows
enjoyed them; I liked the piano bar singer. Some of the younger adult enjoyed the "game shows". Just
walking around ship was enjoyable; my wife actually won money in a ship casino; and as it was August,
there were some good sales in the ship shops.

Juneau wildlife cruise was excellent - they guarantee three species of wildlife - we saw many more -
including lots of whales and bald eagles (which we had seen none of in the bald eagle preservce trip in
Haines). Would like to have had a little more time in Juneau - the downtown seemed like lots of fun.

Ketchikan - again rented a car - the car agency brought car to ship and we could leave it parked just
outside ship when done - made it easy to get around and see more than if we took a coach tour I think -
and we had plenty of written info to tell us what we were seeing. I think there are a very limited number of
cars for rent - so you need to book in advance especially during the high season.

I might have considered a misty fjords seaplane trip if I could have convinced my wife to try it - even
though the ship then cruises through them for a little bit.

We would do a cruise again - it was really the perfect type of family trip - something to do for all ages -
can split up during day but all got together for at least one meal a day. The kids really enjoyed the
children's activities. The ship would not allow a crew member to babysit for our baby (required the baby to
be either 6 months or 1 year, I forget) but my nieces hired a babysitter on evening and enjoyed that and it
was not much more than they would have paid at home - again, the babysitters are in short supply so you
had to book early. Planning ahead in everything seemed to be key. I'd do Alaska again by try some of the
more adventurous (and usually more expensive) excursions. The weather is always a gamble so you'd
have to be prepared to accept wandering around souvenir shops or ship board activities or entertaining
oneself (reading, playing cards) if the weather turned on you. I'd be happy to answer any questions
people might have.

Name: Ken Hamlin
Email: ken@n-jcenter.com
Age: 57
Occupation: Executive Trucking
NumberOfCruises: 5
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Vision
SailingDate: 10/21/00
Itinerary: San Diego to Ft. Lauderdale via Panama Canal
Cabin: 8082/C
FoodDiningRoom: 94
CruiseDirector: 92
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck: 82
DiningRoomService: 94
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 96
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 96
DeckService: 88
ShoreExcValue: 94
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 96
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 96
TenderService: 98
GoodForSeniors: 96
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess: 98
ExerciseFacilities: 96
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 96
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 88
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 96
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 96
EmbarkDisembark: 84
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 96
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 88
SpaceRatio: 96
OverallCruiseValue: 92
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 19 Nov 2000
Time: 07:46:06
Remote Name: 216-97-206-032.ppp.mpinet.net
Remote User:

Comments

My girl friend and I used frequent flyer mileage to travel from Daytona Beach, FL to San Diego, CA. Our
itinerary was San Diego, CA to Ft. Lauderdale, FL via the Panama Canal. First suggestion, get the flying
out of the way first. When we reached Ft. Lauderdale we were almost home and had been in our own
time zone for the last three days of the trip.

One of the thing I have noticed reading these reviews is that the more cruises a person has been on, the
more critical the ratings. We do get experience cruising. In August of 1998 I reviewed our Alaska cruise
on the Dawn Princess. One of my goals on this cruise was to compare the overall cruise value and
experience on Royal Caribbean verse Princess. Both ships were new, state of the art, masterpieces of
about the same weight and class. We were, however, one stateroom category up on the Vision of the
Seas.

Embarkation in San Diego was not good. Our itinerary from Cruise.com said we were sailing at 10:00 p.m.
and could not board ship until 4:00 p.m. We arrived at 4:00 p.m. sharp and just about everyone else was
already there and waiting. We were assigned colors, and when the ship finally started to board we
seemed to wait forever for our color to be called. Give Princess the gold star in the boarding category.

Our bags, with the exception of my large suitcase, did not arrive until 8:00 p.m. I called the purser’s desk
and was told all the bags were not delivered. At midnight I still did not have my bag so I went to bed. At
6:30 a.m. I still did not have my bag so I went down to the purser’s desk. Officer told me all bags had now
been delivered and I would have to fill out a lost bag claim form. This I did. I asked him what I would do for
two days for clothes. He said they would rent me a tux and he gave me two free tee shirts and a credit for
the ships laundry to get my one pair of pants and shirt cleaned. I thought this is just great. I will have to
spend all day in the first port trying to buy shoes, clothes etc. I went back to my cabin in a sour mood only
to find the bag had been delivered. My mood changed positive immediately. Second suggestion. Split
your things between your bags. Do not do what I do, to wit put all my shoes in one bag, all my shirts in the
one bag etc. Give the baggage handling gold star to Princess, although they were not too much better as
I remember. Maybe getting bags for 2000 people delivered in a short time is a pretty big task for anyone,
so let’s cut them some slack.

The Vision of the Seas is a true masterpiece. The art, the décor of the public rooms, the elevators, dining
room, spas, lounges, everything is beautiful, well designed and thought out. So was the Dawn Princess. I
might, however, say I thought the Dawn Princess had slightly more class—maybe even a little more formal
than the Vision. Does that make it bad? No. If you are lucky enough to sail on either ship, go for it. I would
go back on either ship in a heart beat. The Vision certainly has better and faster elevators than the Dawn
Princess.

First port of call was the absolutely beautiful city of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. We signed up for the Land’s
End Boat and Scenic Drive tour. Tour lasted two hours and was just right. We had them drop us off
downtown, where we did a little shopping. I would like to go back to Cabo for a week or two to just fish and
snorkel. By the way, we had to use the ship’s tenders at Cabo. This was an easy, safe and fun
experience. Royal Caribbean has tender service down pat.

Second port was Acapulco, Mexico. We signed up for the City Tour and Cliff Divers. Turned out just like I
had seen on films and TV all my life. City tour was very nice. Royal Caribbean picked an extremely good
bus company with excellent English speaking guides. The very best part of Acapulco was our 11:00 p.m.
departure with the entire city’s lights visible on a beautiful, clear night.

Third port was Puntarenas, Costa Rica. We took the Costa Rica Highlights tour, which lasted nine hours.
We were taken by air-conditioned bus to Jan Jose, the capitol. They fed us a great lunch at the
Intercontinental Hotel in San Jose. We also stopped at a working coffee plantation where we bought a
supply of some really good coffee. This was a long day, but we really felt we saw a lot of this very
beautiful and friendly country.

Now, we are ready for what we really wanted to see--the Panama Canal. Suggestion number three, go to
Amazon.com or your bookstore and get David McCullough’s book The Path between the Seas. This book
can really get you ready for what you are about to see. Only problem for me was that I was only a quarter
of the way through the book when we went through the canal.

We had a Category C stateroom with a balcony and this was ideal for the canal. You need to be able to
look straight down to appreciate the locks etc. of the canal. The crossing took about eight hours and we
probably spent six of them in our cabin. The cabin TV had a narrative as we crossed. It did rain a lot
during our crossing, so we appreciated the covering over our balcony. We were not disappointed in the
canal. It made me proud to be an American. I cannot believe Jimmy Carter gave this away. Sorry, that was
probably not politically correct.

Next port was Cartagena, Columbia. We took a city highlights tour which lasted about four hours. This is
not a real popular cruise ship stop, but it should be. Very pretty, large city, which is loaded with history.

Final port was Oranjestad, Aruba. This was more typical of a cruise stop. We decided to snorkel. We
signed up for a tour, which took us to De Palm Island where they fitted you with the equipment and let you
go. It was a very hot day and the snorkeling was outstanding. We went back to the ship, cleaned up and
still had about three hours to shop before the ship departed. I though shopping in Aruba was ever bit as
good as in St. Thomas. This is really a nice, clean island that I would like to return to some day.

Now, two full days at sea on our way back to Ft. Lauderdale.

This was a fourteen-night cruise. Our longest cruise to this point was seven days. In fact, I think everyone
on the ship was taking his or her first fourteen-night cruise. Is it too long? Depends if you like cruising. If
you like cruising as we do, it was wonderful. Seven days is just too short, however, if you are taking your
first cruise, you had better stick with seven days until you can judge what cruising does for you. We both
agreed we could have gone on for another two weeks—no problem. I was surprised to learn that fourteen
people on our cruise were staying on the ship for a return to San Diego.

Disembarkation from Ft. Lauderdale was very easy.

Now, a little summary on Royal Caribbean verse Princess. We took the best and newest at the time both
lines offer. Royal Caribbean gets a plus for their (1) on board entertainment (2) elevators (3) friendliness
of crew and (4) optional tour value (5) public room comfort and decor. Princess gets a plus for (1)
embarkation process, (2) food (especially in the food court) (3) coffee (the coffee on the Vision’s lido
deck was terrible), and (4) over all class. The name of this Web site is Cruise Opinion, right?

Carol and I both often comment on how fortunate we have been to do the traveling we have and traveling
on either Royal Caribbean or Princess is very, very nice. What is next? We would like to sail the
Mediterranean, so keep your reviews coming so we can made a good decision on our next cruise.

Name: Judy Saunders
Email: jas@albedo.net
Age: 54
Occupation: Administrative
NumberOfCruises: 10
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Vision
SailingDate: January 19, 2001
Itinerary: Circle the Caribbean
Cabin: 4565
FoodDiningRoom: 96
CruiseDirector: 60
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 75
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 93
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 92
FoodVariety: 92
DeckService: 75
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 80
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Feb 2001
Time: 10:49:15
Remote Name: ppp132.albedo.net
Remote User:

Comments

Travelling with two couples who were first time cruisers was a very interesting experience as their
observations and comments were without given without the prejudice of previous experiences. They were
astounded by the beauty of the ship, the excellence of the food and service in the dining room. One couple
joined us every evening in the lounge for the entertainment provided and thoroughly enjoyed it as did we. The
other couple spent most evenings in the Casino which they also enjoyed. I (as a 10x's repeat cruiser 5 x's on
RCI) was disappointed that there were no longer any late night comedians. I also found the service to be
somewhat lacking in the Windjammer Cafe (tables left dirty for far longer than necessary and as often as not,
we had to wait for our coffee with breakfast or serve ourselves). Also, I found the same thing by the pool and
in the Solarium. The bar service was slow and we usually wound up having to get our own drinks. This was
suprising to me as it was never necessary in the past. Cost cutting I suppose, but to me an unfortunate
change. I would also like to say, that having read many reviews on this ship, we found the food in all the dining
areas was excellent (exceptional in the dining room). Even the pizza in the Solarium was as good as any we
have had anywhere.

Our day in Grand Caymen had to be cancelled as the Port Authority there closed the port due to bad
weather, disappointing, but necessary for the safety of all. The other ports in Jamaica, Aruba and Curacao
were very interesting, the tours offered were highly enjoyable to anyone who hadn't been there before.
Unfortunately, the shops were closed in Aruba the day we were there.

As far as my husband and I are concerned, RCI offers the best value in cruising for money spent. The two
other couples are both planning their next RCI cruise and so are we!

Name: James Brinson
Email: J_Brins@Hotmail.com
Age: 56
Occupation: Retired
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Vision
SailingDate: June 11, 2000
Itinerary: Alaska-Inside Passage
Cabin: 3621/Q
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 90
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 20 Mar 2001
Time: 20:22:01
Remote Name: host-216-78-38-29.ath.bellsouth.net
Remote User:

Comments

Embarkation was very smooth. The lines were long but moved swiftly. There were plenty of booths set up to
accommodate everyone and staff was very helpful. There was even a person going through the line to
ensure passengers had all boarding papers. I thought customs would be long but it was a breeze. We zipped
right through. The receiving staff as we boarded were great and informative. We boarded around 3:45p.m.
and went directly to our stateroom. This stateroom was larger than I expected and larger than our first cruise.
It was very comfortable, although we didn't spend a lot of time in the room. We found out that we had missed
lunch, so we decided to explore some before dinner time in which we had the late sitting. The ship was
gorgeous and easy to get around on. We decided to return to our stateroom to check on our luggage since it
had not arrived before we left and relax before we prepared to go to dinner with friends.

Dinner was great as well as the service of our waiter and assistant waiter. I knew this would be a great cruise.
We explored the ship some more after dinner before retiring for the evening.

Dinner was great and the service was great each night. We had breakfast and lunch in the Windjammer which
was open practically all of the time so there was never a need to hurry. The ports of call were nice and
pleasant even though I could have stayed on the ship the entire seven days.

The relaxing and sitting area was great with a great view of the ocean. Passengers seemed be in a good
mood all of the time. The captain's ball was very good. The shows were very good also, especially the Vision
of the Seas dancers.

All in all this was a great cruise vacation and we plan to go on this exact cruise in the future. This year we will
be going to the Western Caribbean on Voyager of the Seas.

Disembarkation was a breeze, no lines.

After the cruise, we spent two days on Vancouver Island at the Cason House Bed & Breakfast. This was a
terrific vacation all around.

James & Esther Brinson

Name: Libby Child
Email: lchild@steelcase.com
Age: 50
Occupation: Human Resource Manager
NumberOfCruises: 23
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Vision
SailingDate: 3/23/01
Itinerary: 10 Night S. Caribbean
Cabin: 7656
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 100
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 100
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 17 Apr 2001
Time: 13:23:40
Remote Name: 198.105.65.197
Remote User:

Comments

RCCL Vision of the Seas March 23, 2001 10 night S. Caribbean

I believe most people have a ‘vision’ of what a perfect vacation should be, and our recent cruise on The
Vision of the Seas met and exceeded what we had been dreaming about since our last cruise. This was our
23rd cruise, 8th on RCCL and I believe each one gets better.

The two dreaded events that occur with any cruise are the embarkation and disembarkation process. Both
went very smoothly on this sailing. Thought there was a bit of a line to ‘check in’, it moved very quickly, and
we were in our cabin, WITH OUR LUGGAGE, in less than ½ hour. We were off the ship at the end of the
cruise, with our luggage and in to a cab in less than 15 minutes after the ‘first call’ for disembarkation came.
And for the first time, instead of looking for our luggage in a sea of thousands of bags, there was a new
conveyor belt system, and we had our 4 bags in minutes.

Our itinerary was just what we were looking for – relaxing, plenty of sunshine (when you live in Michigan
and have long, cold, snowy winters – this is a special commodity), time for beach activities, some touring
and some shopping. This cruise offered the best in all categories. We spent one day at sea out of Miami,
very relaxing, and gave us time to get to know the ship. There were stops in Cozumel (we chose the beach
and some shopping), Grand Cayman (the beach and some shopping), and then Montego Bay. We ended
up taking a tour of part of the island and ended up at a private resort that allowed cruise passengers to use
their beach facilities. I’d highly recommend a stop at the Rose Hall Beach Club and Resort for those that
don’t usually enjoy stopping in Jamaica.

After the exhausting schedule of sunning, shopping and touring, we had a relaxing day at sea before we
arrived in Aruba and the next day, Curacao. We chose some touring and beach time in Aruba, and
shopping and walking the city streets in Curacao – both enjoyable activities. For anyone who loves
beaches – I believe some of the finest are found on Grand Cayman and Aruba.

We had two wonderful days at sea back to Miami … and entering the real world (no chocolates on our
pillows at night, having to make our own beds and do our own cooking). But what a lovely way to end a
cruise – being able to pick and chose between many onboard activities, and do the awful chore of packing
very leisurely.

The officers, staff and crew were friendly, customer-service oriented, and went out of their way to make our
cruise a pleasurable experience. We have found that with each RCCL cruise that the food is showing much
improvement, so it’s obvious they taken past comments about ‘average’ food to heart, and are doing
something about it. Within a day or two of being on board, we had a good feeling as we walked about the
ship, called by name by most everyone on the staff we had encountered. Our waiter and headwaiter were
top notch, and we wanted to bring our cabin stewardess home with us.

In conclusion, I believe what made this cruise a true ‘vision come true’ is that RCCL had the concept of
excellent customer service, attentiveness and courtesy prevalent throughout our cruise experience. They
certainly understand that their best asset is the respect and loyalty of their passengers – and treated
everyone) (and us accordingly. I believe their goal is to assure a vacation on their ship(s) is like no other
on earth – and for us, the goal was exceeded.

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