I enjoyed the cruise that we had, it was my first time which was a little daunting. There were some unexpected costs like the gratuities which would have been useful if I had known more details about them. I suppose though that I did not think to ask about them as I had never been on a cruise before. We did feel though that we were ripped off by the excursion that we had booked while on the ship. We had already done two excursions booked before the holiday and with an external provider - these were excellent. The one on the ship was described as a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik by coach. The "panoramic" element consisted of a 20-30 mile an hour loop where we were told we could not get out of our seats as it was safety hazard and our panoramic view was from the other side of the coach so photos were impossible. The best bit was when we went off and paid for our tickets to go on the wall and took our panoramic pictures from there - something some friend on the ship did after paying 13 euros for a taxi - a bit different to the over £60s that my daughter any myself paid!!!

Apart from that the ship was ok, we did enjoy it as it was the first cruise that we had been on but I do think that if we went on other cruises we probably would look back and think that it could have been better. The service was ok, and the food, but it did not stay in my mind as a memorable holiday at all

We will never travel with Royal Caribbean again. In my opinion, a number of the security staff which they used on this ship could have been recruited directly from the State Penitentiary!! They were rude and aggressive and as a passenger I felt like a common criminal. I don't think they'd ever heard of the words 'please' or 'thank you'!! Others may be happy to ignore the behaviour but I'm not accepting it.

Royal Caribbean in my view need to take a much closer look at whoever is responsible for the management of security (which I do feel is important for the safety of passengers in these times) and appoint someone capable of managing it but at the same time recognising that they are dealing with PAYING passengers and not common criminals.

The service from every other group of people on this ship was excellent but the experience of leaving or returning to it, is one which I shall not tolerate again.

Arrived at Manchester airport to be greeted by RC staff - excellent check-in before scheduled time of opening. Flew with Jet2.com, nice and easy flight to Venice and arrived on schedule.

check in on board just as efficient at 11am, didn't realise how close we were to Venice, it's virtually walking distance so we didn't go into Venice on first day which was a disappointment as we weren't going to get the opportunity at the end of the trip.

Food excellent, went into King & I every evening and used windjammer the rest of the time. The only disappointment was no speciality restaurant as it was our 25th wedding anniversary during the cruise and we would've liked to have a special meal - this isn't clear on the RC website! Formal nights can be fun but can be a lot less formal than you realise. Our table of 8 were all from the UK so was an excellent mix and we will have made some friends from being able to get on really well.

Cabin - we had a cabin with a window because we wanted to splash out because of it being our anniversary. Well worth the money because it was nice to see the sea and see the port every morning when we woke up. Our cabin attendant was excellent - on our anniversary we came back to our cabin to find a heart and swans in towels and he'd placed a photo frame which we'd brought with us in the heart :)

Didn't book any excursions until we were onboard and it wasn't a problem. We only booked the shuttle to Mykonos and Corfu and the Panoramic Athens. Panoramic Athens was a disappointment, not supposed to have any specific stops other than photos but we were dropped off at a remote beach and cafe for 30 mins, time we could well have spent at the Acropolis but we weren't given a choice and it's not mentioned in the itinery. Was meant to go to Olympia but was ill on the day so just wandered around Katakolon which is the most touristy town we'd seen on the entire trip. You can get taxis in the port to take you to Olympia which is likely to be the best value, we'd also heard someone had hired a taxi in Piraeus for 150 euros and it took them to ALL the sites around Athens and still got them back on board.

All the staff on board were excellent, can't fault any of them - if you say no when they ask if you need drinks they go away without any problems. no hassle. Tables in Windjammer were cleaned, at quieter times, as quickly as you finished with them. Didn't happen as quickly at busy times and a couple of times some were left longer than they ought to have been.

Entertainment - didn't really go to shows because we spent the evenings with another couple on our table. Foir a quiet place go to the Viking Bar, it's at the top of the ship with a great view of the sea.

Gratuities - it's easy to prepay them but then you end up paying for everyone including staff you have no contact with i.e. head waiter - we'd have rather given that to the room attendant but it's not easy to do.

Why wouldn't we sail again with them? Well a good company can be measured by how it handles a crises - RC "dumped" us at the airport on the Saturday when the volcanic ash erupted and refused to do anything to help us - as of today, 6 days later, we've heard nothing from them. They called our daughter yesterday morning to check if we'd got home because they claim they hadn't got a direct contact number with us but it's on the check-in form! We offered to extend our cruise but they said they would and then they wouldn't - they just wanted us off the ship as quickly as possible. Don't book the cruise with them directly because if you have a problem then they won't help. If you want to do the cruise then do it through another agency or split the flights so that you have direct relationship with the airline - ours has been booked as a group so we couldn't make any changes and the airline refused to do anything more for us. Very very angry with the way the company handled (not handled) the crises!

When we entered our cabin there was a foul smell & noticed the carpet was wet. The maid said there had been a leak but it had been fixed & the carpet was drying. She put in a dehumidifier & treated the carpet with freshener. The smell was gone by the "4th DAY". We have been on Thomson & Ocean Village cruises & never once felt bored or restricted by time schedules. On the Splendour of the Seas the Windjammer cafe (buffet style) was open from 7.00pm- 9.30pm in the evening after which there was junk food snacks of hot-dogs, beefburgers & pizza in a corner of the solarium. After 12am you could order food in your cabin (not my idea of fun).
The second evening we came out of the disco to see what else was happening around the ship.... everything was closed...... 12am & it was like a ghost ship. We saw one other passenger walking around as dazed as we were. Most daytime entertainment was money generating for RCL, Art auctions, photo shoots, Bingo $20 etc. Port info was limited for those not taking their excursions even when asked directly. Train & bus stations were missing from the maps provided. We asked how far Mykonos town was from the port & was told it would be better to take the shuttle at $10 dollars per person..... It was a 5min ride away.
I could go on & on..... This is the only holiday I have wished I had never done.....
& that was before the ash cloud. Before disembarking we were told there would be a rep at the airport to help with hotel arrangements..... there wasn't.... We were left stranded in Venice when earlier we were told that passengers who had booked thro' them would receive help.
We weren't alone, we met dozens of RCL passengers in Venice feeling the same. Eventually a group of 45 "Splendor" passengers hired a coach to Gatwick, thanks to two great guys who organised it. RCL have told us they wont meet the costs even tho' we booked thro' them. THIS WAS THE WORST HOLIDAY WE HAVE EVER BEEN ON. Before the volcanic eruption we were feeling disappointed, after being abandoned in Venice we felt let down & angry.

Ship was looking its age but clean.
Food in the King and I was quite good. In the self service Windjammer food was quite good and plentiful but the major problem at most times was getting a table and seat.
Dining Room Table was booked before we left but when we got on board we were not seated with the rest of our party and according to the maitre’d this because the travel agent had not told RCI. Wrong, especially in this case, as the travel agent is our daughter who was in our party and standing next to him.
This was not our first cruise with Royal Caribbean but it is almost certainly the last.
We were dumped in Venice and to cut a long story short, left to get ourselves home. No help or contact whatsoever from RCI, while we were there or since coming home. We had initially intended to stay one night in Venice and booked the hotel as part of our package with RCI. We ended up having to stay an extra three nights and would most likely still be there if we had not arranged alternative flight ourselves. We are very, very unhappy with the way RCI treated us and all the other passengers who were abandoned and left stranded with us.

My wife and I sailed on Splendour of the Seas from Venice, departing 10th April 2010. We had cruised already on Ocean Village 2 and Island Escape – we had no negatives at all about these cruises, they were brilliant. Hearing other people talk, and reading cruise reviews, it seemed that Royal Caribbean were a class act, providing an experience which was of higher quality all round than the other cruise lines we had used. Well, if Splendour of Seas is typical of the RC experience then they can keep it.
When we arrived at the ship, embarkation was easy and lunch in the Windjammer was OK. Then we found it would take the crew almost 6 hours to get the cases from the pier to the cabin, compared to less than two hours for Ocean Village and Island Escape. We sailed to the sound of the resident band, thinking its quality to be poor. We had prepaid gratuities so had ‘Mytime’ dining – this suited us because we were happy to eat at 9pm but it clearly did not work well for those wanting an early dining time. We went to the show that night – a juggler/comic, he was not great and we found cruise director ‘Bill’ to be seriously irritating. The entertainment was inferior to Ocean Village and Island Escape.
First stop was Split. Not a great deal to see – a Roman castle, Cathedral and a reasonable walk round the town, using the map supplied by the ship. Corfu was next – plenty to see within a reasonable walking distance of the shuttle stop – but why did RC charge $10 dollars each for the shuttle – sadly, this penny-pinching approach continued throughout the cruise. Why does RC put 15% surcharge on everything you buy and the prices are already high? The cheapest wine, for example, was £20 a bottle for something you’d pick up for a fiver in the UK.
The third stop was Piraeus, the port for Athens. We booked an excursion to the Acropolis. Like the other excursions, this was expensive and unimaginative. For £46 we got a coach trip to the Acropolis, a guided tour, a stop at a tacky souvenir shop and a small bottle of water! For the same price on Island Escape last year, we got a trip to Puccini’s house, a guided tour, a boat trip on the nearby lake, Vino Santo and almond biscuits and then a trip to Pisa.
Our next stop was Mykonos and that is an excellent port – small, friendly easy to access from the harbour mooring and great beaches – highly recommended. Our last stop was Katakalon the port for Olympia – the visit to Olympia and the Olympic Museum was well worth it –arguably more interesting than the Acropolis.
That day, we heard of the volcanic eruption –it was clear to us we would not be flying home two days later – no problem we thought as we had booked a package holiday through RC – a reputable operator we (mistakenly) thought. Everything written in other reviews of this cruise and RC’s treatment of its passengers is totally accurate. There was no information whatsoever about how RC would get us home until the day we were due to depart when a letter was wedged under the door of our cabin. The information was not clear – the letter said our flights would be automatically rebooked (they were not!) and seemed to indicate that our hotel accommodation would be booked. We went to Reception to check this out and were told that block bookings had been made. Throughout the emergency there was no sign of the captain or any senior officer – no meetings to allay our fears, even though the ship had two very large meeting areas. RC just wanted us off that ship asap and we were left stranded at Venice Airport. We were given a telephone number which did not work and when I phoned the London and Miami numbers they seemed oblivious to what our problem was – the RC approach to any problem seems to be ‘tough, that’s the way it is, what’s your problem!!’ The exceptions were our excellent cabin attendant and waiters.
We were directed to a hotel by RC’s local staff. No record was made of where we were sent but the rep made sure we knew that RC would not be paying the bill. The failure of BA and RC to work out what they would do with the several hundred British people who cam off Splendour of the Seas was scandalous.
Finally a few questions to pose RC: Why do RC put passengers off the ship before 9.00 even if they have booked them a flight at 4.50pm? Unless ,of course, you cough up enough 35 euros per person – this extra charge is sprung on you during the cruise. Why was the solarium indoor swimming pool ice-cold for six days and only hot on the last day? Why did a cabin attendant ask a friend of ours for a bigger tip – “What you’ve given me is not enough”, he said. Were they really the best entertainers RC could find?? Why was the safety drill such a shambles?
Now RC have written an apology letter offering $100 per person off a future cruise – not really tempting us the way we feel at present. It’s a public relations disaster for RC as a company. Book on Splendour of the Seas and you should expect to get a duff captain and a duff ship!

Booked a 30 wedding aniversary present, been on one other cruise, Thompson`s Celebration (butlins on sea) this ship Splendor of the seas was much larger. Getting to Venice no problems cabin inside ok, Food at King & I restaurant 6.30 sitting, excellent. Waiters Brazilian very good. Many people complaining about having to be on the 9.00 sitting! Head waiter came over occasionaly, earning this gratuities! Windjammer food plentyful and something for everyone seats limited at busy periods, staff very good. Entertainment at theatre, third rate! Thompson Celebration excellent. NOW THE BAD PART when the Volcano erupted Royal Caribbean marched us off the Gangplank and washed their hands of us! HAVE A NICE DAY!! The Aftersales service is appaling. Spent 4 days in Venice with no help at all. Had to arrange coach back home ourselves. Royal Caribbean, NEVER AGAIN Because of the complete lack of aftersales.

Just got back from a fabulous cruise leaving from venice and sailing to dubrovnik, turkey, santorini and corfu. this was our 3rd cruise, but 1st with RCI and would definately reccommend it to anyone.
Our cabin was very spacious, the bed was really comfortable and the house keeping staff were excellent.
The choice of food was unbelievable, we had lunch in the windjammer most days and our evening meal in the king and i. the staff were brilliant in both.
The entertainment was very entertaining! had a beatles tribute and an amazing motown singer and the onboard singers and dancers did a couple of shows too. there was always something going on that was suitable for everyone. we will definately be cruising with RCI again.

We sailed on 3rd Oct from Venice. Boarding was very smooth and easy. The ship was very clean. Food was adequate without being spectacular. The biggest problem with the Windjammer (and this is true on the Indepenence also)was never being able to find a seat. They need to be able to find a way to seat more people. Even at offpeak times it was almost impossible.
Ships staff were ok. Some better than others. Cabin stewards great. Bwaiters and bar staff ok, although some would forget your order either partly or altogether. Also, was charged for some drinks that I should not have been as we had a drinks package and had shown the cards. When I pointed it out I got an instant apology and was shown 'cancellation slips'. I asked for a copy of them but was told I couldnt have them. When I got my bill they hadnt been removed. Reception said they would sort it out but didnt so it appeared on my final bill. Small amounts but I wrote to RCI on my return to complain giving them 2 weeks to reply. I heard nothing. Not good. Thankfully it was not a more serious issue.
The itinery was great .. we were blessed with very nice weather. Tendering was pretty smooth although if you just missed a boat you could have a good long wait for the next one.
The single biggest let down was the entertainment. It was apalling. I have sailed on 12 cruises with 7 different companies and this was the worst by far. I can only assume they know the ship alone will sell the holiday and dont have a big budget for entertainment. The only good shows were acts flown in. The singers and dancers were third rate. Many people got up and walked out. Others fell asleep. If they were half as good as say Thomson that would have been acceptable but sadly were not.
Overall, I would not sail on that ship again but only because of the entertainment. As we had cruised with RCI before we went along to the Welcome back party. It seems they have recognised the entertainment issue and are flying in the actual cast from Hairspray for the Oasis. Thats all well and good for people lucky enough to go on that but what about the rest of the fleet. I pointed this out to RCI also and really hope they do something about it.

We sailed on 3rd Oct from Venice. Boarding was very smooth and easy. The ship was very clean. Food was adequate without being spectacular. The biggest problem with the Windjammer (and this is true on the Indepenence also)was never being able to find a seat. They need to be able to find a way to seat more people. Even at offpeak times it was almost impossible.
Ships staff were ok. Some better than others. Cabin stewards great. Bwaiters and bar staff ok, although some would forget your order either partly or altogether. Also, was charged for some drinks that I should not have been as we had a drinks package and had shown the cards. When I pointed it out I got an instant apology and was shown 'cancellation slips'. I asked for a copy of them but was told I couldnt have them. When I got my bill they hadnt been removed. Reception said they would sort it out but didnt so it appeared on my final bill. Small amounts but I wrote to RCI on my return to complain giving them 2 weeks to reply. I heard nothing. Not good. Thankfully it was not a more serious issue.
The itinery was great .. we were blessed with very nice weather. Tendering was pretty smooth although if you just missed a boat you could have a good long wait for the next one.
The single biggest let down was the entertainment. It was apalling. I have sailed on 12 cruises with 7 different companies and this was the worst by far. I can only assume they know the ship alone will sell the holiday and dont have a big budget for entertainment. The only good shows were acts flown in. The singers and dancers were third rate. Many people got up and walked out. Others fell asleep. If they were half as good as say Thomson that would have been acceptable but sadly were not.
Overall, I would not sail on that ship again but only because of the entertainment. As we had cruised with RCI before we went along to the Welcome back party. It seems they have recognised the entertainment issue and are flying in the actual cast from Hairspray for the Oasis. Thats all well and good for people lucky enough to go on that but what about the rest of the fleet. I pointed this out to RCI also and really hope they do something about it.