GRANT2702

Surprised you didn't see Drew Devine at the first night's show. He usually introduces the performer.

 

Thanks for the report.

He may have Bob, I just don't recall who it was at the time. I didn't know who the CD was until I saw him on TV the next day, I guess that's when I was paying attention.

Family of 16 on NYE cruise to Cozumel, Roatan, and Costa Maya. We live about 3 hours from Galveston and drove in on Sunday a.m. Arrived at terminal at 11:15, dropped off family and luggage and parked at EZ Cruise across street for $50.00 for the week. Walk is about 5 minutes back to the terminal. We boarded and were on the ship before noon, smooth and easy. All bags were at room about 1300, with exception of one that arrived around 1700. Room steward was Ros (male) very nice and did his job. The other half of the family had Wendell, highly recommended on here, now I know why. The guy never stops working and is always smiling and pleasant to all guests. I don't think I walked down that hallway more than 10 times on the entire trip w/o seeing him working, impressive.

ROOM;

Deluxe balcony rooms for all of us. Our room had a problem with the AC. The first two nights due to cool weather was not a problem, the third night it was very hot. We had to call maintenance and they came down and said it was b/c we opened the balcony door too much. Well all of the family had balconies and had their doors open more than ours w/o a problem. The 4th night it was so bad we all had to sleep with nearly nothing on on top of the covers. Called guest services and they sent maintenance. Again said nothing was wrong, however the tech worked on the unit outside of our cabin for a hour or so and the problem was resolved. Cabin is a little tight with the sleeper sofa out but plenty of room for the four of us. Shower was sufficient for us but I can see bigger people having a problem.

FOOD;

Windjammer on embarkation day had plenty of selections, nothing outstanding, but OK. The paella was pretty good though, didn't try any of the Indian dishes. Hamburgers and hot dogs were bland and the pizza, well if you want to call it that, was just awful. I have been on RCI three previous times and don't recall the pizza being that terrible. I haven't eaten a frozen pizza as poor as Sorrento's pizza on RCI. Even the kids had enough of it after the second day. Their last trip was on Carnival and they loved the pizza. There really is no excuse for RCI to serve this stuff. The MDR, our server was Marilynn, and she was outstanding. We ate there every night and almost every lunch and breakfast. The food was consistent, cooked to order, and always came out hot. I had lamb three times and it was great each time. Also had salmon, cod, and two other whitefish, all cooked perfectly and tasted great. I even tried my son's steak, and I'm a snob about steak, it too was cooked perfectly and surprisingly the cut was not bad. Lobster was served only on night one, first formal night, and only a couple bothered to get it. Typical warm water lobster, not bad but nothing special. I didn't try bread the entire cruise. Not many of us did and the ones that did didn't seem to eat an entire roll, didn't look to appealing. I not big on desserts and didn't have any either, rather eat another entree so I can't comment there. The family ate them each night and enjoyed them. Didn't hear any complaints about dessert. The younger kids had ice cream and said it tasted like Borden's not Blue Bell, true ice cream connoisseurs ! We also ate most breakfasts in the MDR. The food was cooked to order and better quality than the buffet. Especially the the bacon, very crispy, and they offered turkey sausage which they did not in the Windjammer. Service was great each time. We also ate lunch in the MDR on sea days. Again, great service and things cooked to order. The pumpkin soup was outstanding, I was not expecting that, don't miss it if you get the chance. When we did Windjammer for breakfast they had large variety and it did well enough for a quick bite. It does get a bit crowded but the staff cleaned up quickly and came around w/ drinks the entire time.

PORTS;

Cozumel, we have been numerous times and the majority chose Mr. Sancho's. We have been before and it is OK but I would have chosen Paradise Beach, Chankanaab, or Nachi Cocom. Anyway, Sancho's service is always good and everyone had a good time. If you do end up there be sure to order the whole fried red snapper. Two of those and you'll get your monies worth out of the deal. Sit in Edwin or Jose's section they are the best and have been w/ them for a while.

Roatan; we did they snorkel and kayak the kay tour thru RCI (we got discounted offer days before trip). 30 minute bus ride thru the island to the other side and a 5 minute water taxi to Big French Key. After snorkeling for 40 minutes or so it was time for a 40 minute kayak ride around the island. Beach break followed for an hour or so. We ate at the restaurant there that has a buffet and a la carte. Not a big menu but everyone was satisfied and the staff care for you. The fish fingers, WOW, fresh battered red snapper, not your typical fish stick. The other son had the chicken nachos and loved them said they were the best he has ever eaten. The buffet has traditional rice cooked in coconut milk, black bean, cole slaw, grilled fish, and fried plantains for $15. We had a good time and returned to the port after another 30 minute ride back. The port area of course is expensive for food/H20/tshirts, but what do you expect.

Costa Maya; first time to this port and I have to say it is my favorite of the Western route w/ the exception of Grand Cayman. The port area is built up nicely. Of course the family didn't read CC and know how to navigate to get out of the port area to the taxi stand. Instead of taking the advice here they got caught by the excursion vendors in the port!!!!!! They wanted to go ziplining and to the beach. Well they played games and got taken for about $69 per person for the day for ziplining and AI beach break. Some went to the water park / zip line park and other went directly to the beach. The guys selling the beach break did not tell the truth about the beach they were going to. I'll be damned if they didn't take them to Blue Kay for an AI for $58. Well I wasn't having any of it so one of my sons and I walked out of the port past the taxi stand and within 5 minutes were to the water park / zip line park. We got a deal nearly half the price the other did. When we left we walked back to the taxi stand and asked where were they taking them for the beach break and one of the driver's said to Blue Kay. I asked him how much he said $4 PP, told him CC said it was $2PP, he said OK Amigos and took us there. I gave him $10, he said he will be back to pick us up just tell him the time. I told him 1530 and he was waiting for us. We got in for $5 a piece and bought a couple drinks and a bite to eat a la carte. Great beach and staff. The family that had AI said the alcoholic drinks were 10 X as good as Mr. Sancho's. Everyone agreed that Costa Maya is so laid back and friendly and can't wait to come back to this port. We had N winds and water was BLUE as could be and no seaweed or murky waters on this day, postcard material X 10.

Cafe Promenade; the coffee shop was great for those w/ DX drink package and the servers there were always nice. The pastries and cookies were so / so. Sorrento's sandwiches, well they weren't as bad as the pizza but they weren't any better than sandwiches from a gas station refrigerator. If you are hungry on this ship you better hope the dining room or Windjammer is open, otherwise hello $7 for room service.

Drink Package; wife and I had DX, bought on special 9 months prior. Our other in laws both had wives that didn't drink alcohol. They were not happy about the rule to purchase for all 21 and over in room. Well RCI was losing money from sharing, so they decided to bring their own in rum runners and purchased nothing from RCI. They 'refueled' at each port and shared their own drink package.

Most bar staff were nice about the package only a couple were kind of put off a bit and gave you that look. I do agree that if "you give a tip they don't give you a slip". We did tip a couple of our favorites along the way however.

SHOWS; I'm not one into being entertained by acrobatics and dancing so I only attended the comedy ones the fist two nights. The "Paris....l" something guy from Denver was really good. The two brothers the next night started off slow but finished off in style and were very good. That was the extent of my show review. I love music but there were no bands to see. The one we did go to was supposed to be country, they were AWFUL. Enough, I'll take a DJ. Never watched anyone in Schooner so I can't comment. We did do trivia many times there and won three of them.

Shops; OK but nothing you can't buy on land for the same price or a dime cheaper. One of the sellers had GShock watches that my son looked at. He picked it up and tag said $100. I told that guy they sell for $65 on Ebay. He said "GO BUY IT ON EBAY". Well another women was looking at one at the same time and he started trying to sell her. Since he was so cordial I pulled up the same watch on Ebay and what do you know, $62 buy it now ! I showed the woman and she asked him for 25% off, he said she would have to pay for shipping, told him no that was free too. She then offered to buy it for $85 and he said no. She walked away. Lesson, you aren't getting any deal on these boats you can't beat online. Same with the art, but everyone is free to do as they please.

UPSELL; we saw very little of this. There was a little set up at the entrance to the Windjammer but they were very pleasant and not pushy. A couple times they did walk around the Windjammer and asked people here and there but they were not pushy and very cordial. I was expecting Labadee, I got Grand Cayman. The upsell was not present on this sailing for us anyway.

CD; His name was Drew Devine. I don't think I ever saw the guy but on the TV ? I don't know if he really existed, and that doesn't matter to me one way or the other.

OUTDOOR AREAS; pools, we didn't use them and they were an ghost town the entire trip due to the cold and windy conditions on all of the sea days. I am a sun and fun guy and didn't get to enjoy it one bit due to the conditions. The slides were open on Cozumel day and the kids said they were OK but the Tidal Wave was great. It was only open a couple times due to high wind. They have all done rock wall before and weren't interested. Same w/ flow rider, it was cold most of the time and no one went outside much.

SHIP; looks its age of 10 yrs. Could use a different motif in the hallway areas too much like Miami Vice. Next to the Carnival Dream and the NCL Getaway it really seems old. I know try one of the new ships.

CASINO; not much of a gambler but since we we were inside so much we ventured into there often. I even won $95.00 total on .25 slots over the week !!!!

DISEMBARKATION; we chose self assist and took our bags down to 4th floor MDR at about 0735. We were off the boat and back to our vehicle before 0800. OUTSTANDING !!!

Overall; The staff was great and the MDR was a positive. The other food venues, other than specialties which we didn't use, were not too great. Sorrento's is awful and if you want something to eat when MDR and Windjammer are closed you'll have to pay $7 for room service. The ports were great, really loved Costa Maya and will return again. I would not cruise again in the winter from Galveston or NOLA. It was just too cold outside to enjoy it and pretty much 3 1/2 sea days were wasted. The kids were bored and ready to return home. For the price RCI charges I would go w/ Carnival on this port of embarkation the next time, and not in the winter.

I bring 2 cases of water and 2 12 packs of soda and have never been given a thought. I've been thru this port 5 times. I don't want to get flamed but in the younger days we brought on cases of beer in our carry on luggage and the scanners laughed every time. They didn't work for Royal and were just looking weapons / drugs etc.., real contraband.

We are schedule for 31 DEC for 7 days and cruise planner still shows Roatan, Cozumel, and Costa Maya. I really like Key West but the Bahamas, yuck.

I agree %100 with your post. Now for my two cents. Although, I think RCI has a very, very slight edge, I also think in the last 10 years it has declined more than any other line. I also think Carnival has improved the most. I feel the dining options (for free) blow away RCI and I feel it is a far greater value.

Spot on, I couldn't agree more. We too are booked on RCI LIberty of the Seas for our next cruise, just so the RCI "snobs" don't think this is biased.

Would love new ports too. Maybe give her a three itinerary sailing schedule, instead of the current two. Couldn't Liberty make it to Cuba & back in a week?

 

 

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We did Rhapsody to Key West, GC, and Cozumel on a 7 day a few years ago from Galveston, so yes it can be done. I'm with you, a change every 3 months would be nice. I thought Key West was going to be a waste, I was wrong and would love to go again !

I will be in Normal next month when Portillo's is supposed to open.:)

Now that's a hot dog !

Sounds really good. I dislike that NY style soggy crust (can you call it crust?) that you have to fold to eat.

Impartial here, as I'm from South Louisiana. I have been to both Chicago and NY. There is NO WAY deep dish pizza compares to NY style. Soggy crust, don't know where you ate there Bob, but you have to eat Chicago pizza with a fork. I would eat NY style pizza everyday if I could. We ate at all the "tourist traps" in both places (CHI; Malnati's/Ginos East/Giordano's/Pizzano's/Grinders - NY; Grimaldis/ Totono's/ John's/Ray's, Lombardi's was too crowded everytime, and a couple more) NY by a mile !!! Don't get me wrong, the deep dish was good but it wasn't 'Pizza', it was more like an Italian 'entree'. With that being said, the pizza on RCI is on par with Little Caesars, maybe ? But to each his own. I enjoy your expertise on this site, keep it coming Bob !

:)

where you can get pizza that sucks at 3am............BTW Carnival's pizza is much better.

Yes, our kids only ate the pizza a couple times, said they rather Totino's. They were spoiled on the CCL pizza the previous two cruises. They had a great time though and to them the pizza was the only disappointment.

Why on Earth would someone think they were allowed to share a drink package? People who do that are going to really stick it to their fellow passengers.

I'll defend the newbie. Over 10 cruises over the last 20 years for me. 20 years ago the drink prices were 'reasonable'. 5 years later they were ridiculous, enter the rum runner and "smuggler" game. We did it b/c you were getting bled to death by the prices on almost all lines. The inclusive drink packages came along and we went with them b/c it was nice just getting what you want when you want w/o having to worry about your tab going crazy over the 7 nights. After the packages became popular the lines started making all passengers 21 and over in the same cabin purchase it. Well they encouraged sharing for those who only want a drink or two over the seven day period. The prices they charge today are causing the "sharing" problem and it's their own fault. If they go to the policy of all 21 and over have to have the package on RCI fleet wide, well get ready for the threads to flame on the "smugglers" b/c that's what will happen in response. I don't feel sorry for these cruise lines they are making their money. But beware on this board they'll defend the favorite line to no end. I also love RCI's policy of charging all cabin guests pre-paid gratuity of $13+ / day, then passing out envelopes. I would like to know what percentage they really give to the actual staff that served the customers, b/c those stewards, waiters, and most bar tenders, do an outstanding job and deserve all of it. As far as the cruise lines and their $12 "drink of the day", what a joke, they created the mess b/c they don't offer an affordable alternative.

Usually around holiday weekends. Look for another one the weekend before July 4th. I purchased one on discount on Memorial Day weekend.

Trying to decide if I want to purchase the soda package for my teen. How much is a soda on it's own? Trying to decide if the almost 9 bucks a day is worth it. It's vacation so want him to have some perks too.

Yes, if he drinks 2 soft drinks / day you will get your monies worth. It, and the deluxe drink package, are well worth it. I agree with other posters though, some bartenders treat package owners rudely. They expect $.75 for each 10 oz soft drink or $2 for every mixed drink they serve.

"Why...."

I thought this was going to be a thread on Nancy Kerrigan ?

:)

"I am trying to work out whether it is worth buying a drinks package for our forthcoming Rhapsody cruise"

If you enjoy a few drinks a day, not to mention a couple bottles of water, a couple soft drinks, a wine with dinner, it's a no brainer get the deluxe package. You won't have to sign tickets and count everything you purchase. You also won't have to only drink the awful coffee served you can get the specialty coffees.

I'm still confused about the beverage package. How many $12 drinks do you get per day?

If you enjoy yourself, no not an alcoholic, you will easily get your monies worth out of the deluxe package. I don't know if you drink soda, but $4/can, bottled water $3/bottle, drink of the day $10-$12 a piece, wine by the glass for dinner, drink at the show, on balcony, specialty coffee, smoothie, etc...., I highly recommend it and we have always made out ahead. Even with sea days you will still make out ahead and be glad you did it. Yes all the drinks of the day are within the price guideline of the drink package.

Enjoy !

" If you get caught"

 

You won't, use rum runners even if it breaks vodka will do no damage to your clothing. Better yet put it in your carry on, the port authority could not care less about alcohol they're looking for weapons / drugs.

 

"and chances are that you will"

 

If you put a large glass bottle or several 2 liters full you might, chances are slim

 

 

"you will lose the container and the vodka"

 

no big loss

 

"Much more than the price of an occasional vodka"

 

no not even close

 

"Sorry, but if you can afford to cruise you can afford the vodka"

 

nice to have drinks in your room and on balcony w/o having to run up stairs every 30 minutes

 

 

Would you take to a bar at home?

 

?

 

 

"No sympathy if you get caught"

 

nothing is going to happen if they do find it

 

"in fact I think it's great when smugglers get caught"

 

it's not drugs we're talking about here, geez

 

I have used rum runners many a time on several lines and never an issue. I do buy the drink package for convenience though but it is expensive.

We bought the deluxe on our last cruise on Liberty (6th cruise first time w/ package) and it was WELL worth it. Even on port days we grabbed bottled water to go, wife had specialty coffees in a.m., 2 glasses of wine for dinner, a couple drinks each on balcony after dinner, and two soft drinks a piece during that day. Check out the discount days (like today) and buy it, you'll not worry a bit even if you just break even.