Name: Helen Harris
Email: cruzfool@aol.com
Age: 37
Occupation: HR Specialist
NumberOfCruises: 10
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Vision
SailingDate: 6/6/98
Itinerary: Mediteranean A
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 75
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 75
CabinAmenities: 75
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 80
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 95
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 75
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 75
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities:
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 75
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 11 Jul 1998
Time: 11:58:06
Remote Name: 152.163.205.73
Remote User:

Comments

Review of RCI Vision of the Seas, June 6, 1998

By Helen Harris, age 37, traveling with Husband Jeff, age 38. 10th Cruise, 1st time with RCI, first time cruising in Europe, but born in England and
traveled extensively in Europe as a young adult prior to moving to USA 14 years ago.

Overall summary Absolutely first class ship, especially in her pristine condition. Definitely lived up to her name as a Vision of the Seas, due to the
light honey toned woods, leathers, fabrics, and art sculptures, along with the huge windows all over the ship. We first set eyes on her from the
top of Montjuic in the port of Barcelona , berthed alongside the Grand Princess. I could hardly stand the thought of waiting to get on board once
Iıd caught that first glimpse! We rated the whole experience as A+, and cannot really think of anything negative about our entire 7 days of
shipboard life. Please read on as I relive it all !

Flights and Pre-Cruise We booked our own flight to/from Houston to Barcelona, as we wanted the most direct routes available, and also wanted
to go a day early and come back via London. We therefore arrived in Barcelona on Friday evening, and spent an enjoyable evening at a
charming hotel close to the major attractions and all day Saturday relaxing getting over our jet lag. We took the bus from the airport (475 pts
p.p.) and then a taxi from Placa Catalunya to our hotel (500 pts). A taxi all the way there would have been about 3,500.We decided to go this
route as we would save 1200 pts, and it was very easy to do. I highly recommend going a day early to avoid the very real possibility of flight
delays, and baggage not arriving in time for the ships departure, as happened to some people on our voyage. On Saturday after breakfast, we
took the bus turistico tour of Barcelona and thoroughly enjoyed being able to get on and off at different attraction at our leisure. We went back
to our hotel to pick up our luggage and then went to the port via taxi (1,200 pts).

Embarkation/Debarkation Handled smoothly and non eventfully by English speaking people. As we arrived at about 3:45 we avoided the long
lines. There was a huge group of people from Hunter Douglas (the window blind company) on board, and Iım sure it was crazy when they all
arrived together. We tried unsuccessfully to get our supercharge accounts activated during the first evening, bad timing on our part meant we
missed the window of opportunity. However, a quick visit to the pursers desk the next morning got that taken care of. When we got to our cabin
there was a piece of paper for us to leave for our cabin steward regarding our departure plans. We filled it out, and on Friday night they left us
debarkation procedure information and color coded luggage tags. You had the choice to attend the debarkation lecture, or watch it shown on
the cabin TV Having debarked many times before, we just followed the instructions given to us. It was handled very efficiently, with the bottom line
being that almost everyone ended up at Barcelona airport with more than ample time to spend waiting for airlines to check everyone in, in
normal Spanish fashion - slowly !. We took a cab to the airport. The fare should be about 3,000 with extra amounts added for luggage and the
airport supplement. We argued with our driver who wanted to charge us 5,000. We ended it all by telling him weıd give him 3,700 and no more.
Not a very nice way to end our time in Barcelona, but typical of the cab drivers I understand - set the price before you go !!

Cabin Our cabin was on 7103 on deck 7, inside. It was the most soundproof room Iıve ever had on a ship. It was like being in a cocoon when the
lights were out. Luckily the T.V. gave weather, time, and other info, otherwise we would never have known what time it was outside! The 7th deck
proved to be an excellent location being in the middle of the action so to speak. Down 2 floors to eat dinner, watch the shows etc., or up 2 floors
to the pool and casual cafe, etc. The midships location also came in handy during the stormy rough day we experienced at the end of the cruise.
We had more drawer space then Iıve ever seen on a ship, ample hanging space, an adequate bathroom, and average sized room overall. We
had a safe, TV, no radio and sadly, no hairdryer, although this did provide for some amusement among our dinner companions as I proudly told
everyone I had a hairdryer in my room. It turned out that my hairdryer was actually the telephone. Located as it was by the vanity area, It looked
just like a hairdryer - really !! Our cabin steward kept our in-cabin stash of beer and wine iced down. A new thing for me was they had sodas in
your cabin along with water - consumption was charged to your supercharge account.

Service Our cabin steward, waiter, and assistant waiter were all first class. This was the first time that weıd seen lots of female cabin stewards,
and mainly female assistant waiters. We had a table for 10 at dinner, and the oval shape of the table made for excellent conversation flow. We
lucked out with dinner companions and thoroughly enjoyed their company each evening. Our waiter and his assistant did an excellent job,
despite the fact that the other table they were waiting on came in late to dinner every night. I know this caused them a great deal of
inconvenience, however, their hands were tied by the head waiter allowing this to happen. I was told that they had been allowed to come in late
because they could not be accommodated at the later sitting. Poor things. Service in the casual dining room was also good, along with drink
service in the champagne terrace area. During the shows in the main lounge, it was really nice to not be constantly bothered with waiters calling
³service² all the time. The pool area was also adequately served yet not ³in your face² all the time.

Food The food in the dining room was outstanding. We ate so well every night, it would be impossible to say which part was the best. The
selection was good, and very elegantly presented. None of the dishes were spicy or hot, but more classic styles. The deserts were the best Iıve
had on any cruise, especially the fact that they had something with chocolate every night. We only made one midnight buffet, and that was great.
I tried some of the deserts and they were superb. We ate breakfast every day in the Windjammer, and it was also good. The coffee was my only
disappointment as it was made very weak every day (such a minor thing really ). You could order designer coffees at the champagne terrace but
I never did try any. Pizza was served everyday in the Solarium, although we didnıt try any due to us having early sitting.

Public Areas The ship was absolutely beautiful, and being new we found everything to be so bright and fresh. The leather seats in the some
Enchanted Evening, and Masquerade Theater still smelt like a new car. The entire ship was full of gorgeous artwork, sculptures, and other
wonderful illusions to ponder. We loved every inch of it. We toured the artwork, which has placards displayed about the pieces together with
information about the artists and some with pictures of how the pieces came to be. The marvelous Centrum is adorned with some of the most
spectacular pieces, including and intriguing waterfall and suspended metal and glass sculpture. As I mentioned before, windows were
everywhere. Unfortunately, our only day at sea was very rough, so the windows didnıt do some people much good !! The library is very well
stocked, and other public areas were all beautifully laid out.

Activities/Entertainment The was the first cruise that neither my husband nor I participated in any of the daytime activities, due to the fact that we
were of the ship everyday by 8:30 or so, and never returned until just before sailing time. We were on this sailing to experience the ports, and
so thatıs what consumed our time. We actually felt rushed by the fact that there was no time to relax and enjoy the ship, especially because we
had main sitting, which meant getting ready for dinner as soon as we returned from port. Normally we have late sitting and get to lay out by the
pool etc. However, early sitting did mean we didnıt have that stuffed feeling later on !! We sampled some form of entertainment every evening
and found it to be a bit tame, compared to other cruises. The champagne terrace trio were excellent, as were the other musicians. The variety
type shows in the main lounge were OK, but due in part to the international audience, there was no comedy. We passed on the Broadway
Reviews, but saw the illusionist, juggler, and other acts. The casino did not appear all that busy in the early evenings and we never went later on.
Something that weıve found lately is that thereıs a dead period during the evening, a time when thereıs nothing going on. On this sailing it was
between 9 - 10 p.m. No big deal, except that you kind of rely on activity to keep you awake, and justify staying up. We usually spent this time
reading up on the next days port and just people watching.

Ports/Shore Excursions, etc. Our real reason for being here - the ports. For me, a flashback to younger days, my first holiday abroad as a
teenager to Palma Mallorca, and later, living in beautiful, breathtaking Sardinia. Just 2 of the places we visited. However, Iıll address them in
order for simplicity. We docked at all ports. At each port, the ship ran regular bus service into the nearest town for a very the bus proved to be
without fail, the best way of getting to/from town. Plus, as with all tours, you have the luxury of knowing the ship isnıt leaving without you !
Excellent information was given prior to arrival both via the in-cabin T.V.s, and a handy little reference guide called the port explorer. Maximize
your time in port by reading about the places youıll visit. Try and decide on a plan before you arrive, and if you wish to maximize your time, I
thoroughly recommend the ships shore excursions. I say this with you knowing that on our previous 9 cruises, weıve only ever taken 1 shore
excursion. We are not an organized tour kind of couple. Europe however, is different. Even though I speak passable, French, Italian, and
Spanish, the Culture, Language, and currency differences can make a big impact on how much you enjoy your vacation. In Cassis, a small,
quaint fishing village, we saw Americans go into the small shops, and without even asking first if the people spoke English, ask how much things
cost, and if the shop took dollars -Donıt let this be you. At least take a phrase book with you, and have some local currency available. Palma
Mallorca - -We took the morning Beach Transfer for 3 1/2 hours for $15 p.p. We had a narrated drive to a nice beach with facilities, and we had
a lazy couple of hours under the Mallorcan sun. After going back to the ship for a quick bite, we took the shipıs bus into Palma. Wandered
around the old town, and Cathedral, had a drink and then took the bus back to the ship. Being a Sunday, their were a few shops open, and
there was a small local market in the Cathedral grounds. It was a pleasant and relaxing day. Marseilles - - We booked the Cassis tour for the
a.m., 4 hours for $48 p.p., and made the leisurely, narrated drive around the cliffs to the sleepy French fishing village. Unfortunately, we only
had an hour in Cassis to look around which was quite a rush as it would have been nice to sit and people watch etc. However, World Cup fever
had struck my husband and we checked out every shop for goodies. The tour was due to conclude back at the ship, but several of us asked to
leave in the Vieux Port area, which saved us both time and money. We had a blast shopping in Marseilles, we found the prices to be very
reasonable and on par with the USA, and the fashions etc. were so up to date. Money exchange was readily available. If youıre into credit card
shopping like we are, make sure the magnetic strip on your card still works. We wore ours out and most places could not make the transactions
manually !! Luckily we had plenty of dollars and francs with us, and found a great store called Galleries Lafayette, that allowed us to make all our
purchases and then charged them all manually - needless to say it was worth there while to make that call!! Livorno - - Ah Italy !! Weıd arrived
finally, and I couldnıt wait to roam the streets of Florence. Weıd picked the Taste of Florence tour, 9 hrs, $88 p.p., as we wanted both a guided
tour and time on our own. Iıve read several reviews where people say you can get a taxi into Florence for $250 and have more time, etc. etc.
However, For our first time, and based on the fact that there were only 2 of us, we opted for the half/half thing. We loved it. It is a 1 1/2 hour
drive into Florence from Livorno, you pass Pisa but this tour did not visit (saving for next time !!). We had an excellent escort who took us into
the center of town where our local guide met us. we then proceeded on a walking tour for about 1 1/2 hours to some of the local sights, then we
were on our own for the next couple of hours. We had a great time here, exploring on foot, and stopping here and there for stuff (World cup
stuff for my husband !). We napped on the way back, and made it just in time for dinner - phew, didnıt want to miss a meal. Naples - -We opted
for the full day 10 hr $154 p.p tour of the Campanian coast and Capri. This was a big splurge for us, but we thoroughly enjoyed it all and it was
well worth it. The distance we covered and the sights we saw could not have been covered on your own in 10 hours. A chartered jetfoil was
waiting at the dock as we disembarked and it whisked us over to the adorable island of Capri. we had a couple of hours there both guided and
on our own. We lucked out again with our tour guide vito, who had the whole days schedule down to a fine art. no laggards on bus number 1
!!After our time in Capri, we took another ferry to sorrento, where buses waited to take us to a beautiful restaurant for lunch. The other tours
were also there, as you can imagine it was huge, but adequate food was served. then, it was off on a short bus ride to Pompeii. Even though I
thought I knew what to expect, Pompeii was a thrill. The intense walking tour is not for the faint hearted, but this ancient city was a remarkable
sight. We ended the day with a quick stop at a cameo factory, and then back to the ship by around 7 oıclock. Weıd planned on eating at the
windjammer to our tardy arrival, but as we came through the port building, some of our table mates waived to us to come into the restaurant,
which we did ! Olbia - - Many people have never heard of Sardinia, and I really donıt think that RCI did the island justice in most of itıs
information. It is beautiful island, and even if you only go on the drive through the Costa Smerelda, I think you should. We opted to do our own
thing here, and found a car rental agency in the port building. We were going to take the bus into town and head for the Avis or Hertz location,
but the port explorer said there was an info booth inside the terminal building. due to the very large number of ferries that come in and out of
Olbia, it had even had a couple of pretty cool souvenir type shops selling native Sardinian crafts. We rented a Fiat Panda, all inclusive price of
90,000L (about $60). You cannot get lost by following the signs out of the port and across to the coast road. We stopped in Puerto Cervo, Baia
Sardinia, and several other little places that took our fancy. We had a glorious day, even stopping by at a realty office to check on land/condo
prices for a potential retirement property!

I brought home as much literature as I could carry and will be happy to respond to particular questions. Hereıs hoping that you have as good of
a time as we did ! Bon Voyage - Cruzfool aka Helen

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