Symphony of the Seas 9-10 through 9-17

[Laurie997]

Ship at 6000 out of 6500 passengers. The only thing I can say is I cruise a lot and this by far has got to be the most non enjoyable cruise yet. Rude and I mean rude passengers. Trying to jam 6 people in an already full elevator. Intoxicated passengers in the dining room to people from the United States being a minority and not one seat to be found on sea days. We got to see Hiro which was amazing and co co cay being awesome as usual. 
I honestly have nothing else to say except WTG Royal for allowing everyone back. On top of it this morning starting to cough and feel like crap. BTW I hope to god that there is never a fire in the casino no one would make it out alive. 
Not trying to be a negative Nelly here just telling the truth. 

[badvector]

7 minutes ago, Laurie997 said:

Ship at 6000 out of 6500 passengers. The only thing I can say is I cruise a lot and this by far has got to be the most non enjoyable cruise yet. Rude and I mean rude passengers. Trying to jam 6 people in an already full elevator. Intoxicated passengers in the dining room to people from the United States being a minority and not one seat to be found on sea days. We got to see Hiro which was amazing and co co cay being awesome as usual. 
I honestly have nothing else to say except WTG Royal for allowing everyone back. On top of it this morning starting to cough and feel like crap. BTW I hope to god that there is never a fire in the casino no one would make it out alive. 
Not trying to be a negative Nelly here just telling the truth. 

 

Trying to break this down in my mind.

 

1 - The ship is at roughly 90% capacity.  Many have been sailing over 100%.

 

2 - Rude and I mean rude passengers. Just curious as to the difference between rude and I mean rude. Rude people are not just limited to cruise ships by the way.

 

3 -  People are cramming into elevators. Sounds like a normal cruise experience.

 

4 - Intoxicated passengers in the dining room. Are they limited to the dining room or can they wander about the rest of the ship? Do you prefer them to be intoxicated in a specific location?

 

5 - No seats on a sea day. Hmmm, see #3

 

6 - Overcrowded casino.  Did someone sit down at the machine you wanted to play? Again, see #3.

 

7 - People from the US are a minority on the ship.  Wow, just wow.  Saved this one for last and it actually didn't even feel right typing it out.  Can you please go into specific detail as to why this is a bad thing?  Am I to understand that you believe the ships should specifically cater to only US citizens?  You don't have a problem sailing to foreign ports of call where, gasp, US citizens are the minority, as long as you can return to the sanctity of a US only ship?  You do realize you were sailing on Royal Caribbean International don't you.  Honestly, I'm just shaking my head at this one.

 

WTG Royal for allowing everyone back and not limiting your capacity to whatever number this poster thinks it should be.  How dare you resume normal sailing numbers in order to survive the massive amount of debt you had to take on during the shut down.  

 

Not trying to be a Royal Caribbean cheerleader here.  Just giving my opinion.  (Because there is a difference between truth and opinion).

 

 

[firefly333]

55 minutes ago, Laurie997 said:

Ship at 6000 out of 6500 passengers. The only thing I can say is I cruise a lot and this by far has got to be the most non enjoyable cruise yet. Rude and I mean rude passengers. Trying to jam 6 people in an already full elevator. Intoxicated passengers in the dining room to people from the United States being a minority and not one seat to be found on sea days. We got to see Hiro which was amazing and co co cay being awesome as usual. 
I honestly have nothing else to say except WTG Royal for allowing everyone back. On top of it this morning starting to cough and feel like crap. BTW I hope to god that there is never a fire in the casino no one would make it out alive. 
Not trying to be a negative Nelly here just telling the truth. 

I'm on liberty and it's been a experience. I have a couple of women, beautiful mom and daughter at my table. They dont seem to know what 530 set dining means. They came on time, early yesterday with great effort about 45 minutes late and had the waiters fetching stuff back and forth. Night before they arrived during dessert for the rest.

 

I was at the table next to this one and 2nd  night waiter and asst never once made it back to my seat where I had meat not cooked enough. No one had time to check on me, we have too many demanding pax. The other couple loves them and wants to cruise with them again. They are gorgeous and lively. She says she is from africa and they come dressed gorgeous. I'm just not the type to order another plate of lobster when the dining room has cleared out. 

 

Rcl has their hands full on my cruise too. We are at 102% they said. Full. Back to the old days. 

 

Today is also a sea day for us. Last sea day they made announcements in the WJ during lunch to check starboard for seats. Wj doesnt have the seating for so many. We had a inspection sunday pushing everyone on top of each other for lunch in WJ. They announced for us not to sit and chit chat after we ate, give up our seats so others could sit. 

 

Hope you dont have covid. Sorry you dont feel well. I've read a lot who got off liberty tested positive too. 

[Biker19]

29 minutes ago, badvector said:

1 - The ship is at roughly 90% capacity.  Many have been sailing over 100%.

Assuming the 6000 mentioned figure is correct, she well over 100% capacity already (100% is around 5600)

[PhillyFan33579]

34 minutes ago, badvector said:

 

Trying to break this down in my mind.

 

1 - The ship is at roughly 90% capacity.  Many have been sailing over 100%.

 

2 - Rude and I mean rude passengers. Just curious as to the difference between rude and I mean rude. Rude people are not just limited to cruise ships by the way.

 

3 -  People are cramming into elevators. Sounds like a normal cruise experience.

 

4 - Intoxicated passengers in the dining room. Are they limited to the dining room or can they wander about the rest of the ship? Do you prefer them to be intoxicated in a specific location?

 

5 - No seats on a sea day. Hmmm, see #3

 

6 - Overcrowded casino.  Did someone sit down at the machine you wanted to play? Again, see #3.

 

7 - People from the US are a minority on the ship.  Wow, just wow.  Saved this one for last and it actually didn't even feel right typing it out.  Can you please go into specific detail as to why this is a bad thing?  Am I to understand that you believe the ships should specifically cater to only US citizens?  You don't have a problem sailing to foreign ports of call where, gasp, US citizens are the minority, as long as you can return to the sanctity of a US only ship?  You do realize you were sailing on Royal Caribbean International don't you.  Honestly, I'm just shaking my head at this one.

 

WTG Royal for allowing everyone back and not limiting your capacity to whatever number this poster thinks it should be.  How dare you resume normal sailing numbers in order to survive the massive amount of debt you had to take on during the shut down.  

 

Not trying to be a Royal Caribbean cheerleader here.  Just giving my opinion.  (Because there is a difference between truth and opinion).

 

 

Really good post! This is an over simplification, but there are basically two kinds of people in this world. Those who always see the positive in everything and those who always see the negative in everything. Pretty obvious what group the OP is in. 

[CanHardlyWait4NextYear]

35 minutes ago, badvector said:

 

Trying to break this down in my mind.

 

1 - The ship is at roughly 90% capacity.  Many have been sailing over 100%.

 

2 - Rude and I mean rude passengers. Just curious as to the difference between rude and I mean rude. Rude people are not just limited to cruise ships by the way.

 

3 -  People are cramming into elevators. Sounds like a normal cruise experience.

 

4 - Intoxicated passengers in the dining room. Are they limited to the dining room or can they wander about the rest of the ship? Do you prefer them to be intoxicated in a specific location?

 

5 - No seats on a sea day. Hmmm, see #3

 

6 - Overcrowded casino.  Did someone sit down at the machine you wanted to play? Again, see #3.

 

7 - People from the US are a minority on the ship.  Wow, just wow.  Saved this one for last and it actually didn't even feel right typing it out.  Can you please go into specific detail as to why this is a bad thing?  Am I to understand that you believe the ships should specifically cater to only US citizens?  You don't have a problem sailing to foreign ports of call where, gasp, US citizens are the minority, as long as you can return to the sanctity of a US only ship?  You do realize you were sailing on Royal Caribbean International don't you.  Honestly, I'm just shaking my head at this one.

 

WTG Royal for allowing everyone back and not limiting your capacity to whatever number this poster thinks it should be.  How dare you resume normal sailing numbers in order to survive the massive amount of debt you had to take on during the shut down.  

 

Not trying to be a Royal Caribbean cheerleader here.  Just giving my opinion.  (Because there is a difference between truth and opinion).

 

 

If that's not being a cheerleader, then I don't know what is. Lol. Money problems or not I think it's beyond fair to criticize Royal in general, but very rightly so in this current time. With so many staffing problems and new staff just getting to know the jobs, it's clear from endless postings Royal jumped the gun on going back to full capacity. These new employees just are not ready to handle it yet. I'm not so sure people are ready either. But that's a different issue. Why should anyone pay full price to be a test that new crew must try and pass. Clearly they aren't ready for numbers this large. 

[badvector]

16 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Assuming the 6000 mentioned figure is correct, she well over 100% capacity already (100% is around 5600)

 

Thanks Biker.  I was just going off of the 6000/6500 number. I wasn't sure what the ship's capacity was. Either way, cruising numbers are returning to pre-pandemic levels and some of the OP's complaints are reflective of conditions that existed prior to the pandemic as well.

 

4 minutes ago, CanHardlyWait4NextYear said:

If that's not being a cheerleader, then I don't know what is. Lol. Money problems or not I think it's beyond fair to criticize Royal in general, but very rightly so in this current time. With so many staffing problems and new staff just getting to know the jobs, it's clear from endless postings Royal jumped the gun on going back to full capacity. These new employees just are not ready to handle it yet. I'm not so sure people are ready either. But that's a different issue. Why should anyone pay full price to be a test that new crew must try and pass. Clearly they aren't ready for numbers this large. 

 

Please show me in the original post where they criticize Royal for staffing issues.  I have seen the problems from a lack of proper staffing as well as a lack of resources.  I'm not denying there are real issues caused on board but those problems aren't even mentioned.  I don't remember the last time I could sail so inexpensively either so I am okay with cutting them some slack right now.  Honestly, if you're a member of this online community you have had the opportunity to read reviews and postings regarding current sailing shortfalls just like you said.  If someone still decides to book a cruise and expect something different, that's on them.  It's probably going to take awhile for many of the lines to return to normal so I would suggest waiting until reports indicate conditions have improved.  

 

Go Team!😁

[CanHardlyWait4NextYear]

1 minute ago, badvector said:

 

Thanks Biker.  I was just going off of the 6000/6500 number. I wasn't sure what the ship's capacity was. Either way, cruising numbers are returning to pre-pandemic levels and some of the OP's complaints are reflective of conditions that existed prior to the pandemic as well.

 

 

Please show me in the original post where they criticize Royal for staffing issues.  I have seen the problems from a lack of proper staffing as well as a lack of resources.  I'm not denying there are real issues caused on board but those problems aren't even mentioned.  I don't remember the last time I could sail so inexpensively either so I am okay with cutting them some slack right now.  Honestly, if you're a member of this online community you have had the opportunity to read reviews and postings regarding current sailing shortfalls just like you said.  If someone still decides to book a cruise and expect something different, that's on them.  It's probably going to take awhile for many of the lines to return to normal so I would suggest waiting until reports indicate conditions have improved.  

 

Go Team!😁

Calm down. What is your problem.

[CanHardlyWait4NextYear]

2 minutes ago, badvector said:

 

Thanks Biker.  I was just going off of the 6000/6500 number. I wasn't sure what the ship's capacity was. Either way, cruising numbers are returning to pre-pandemic levels and some of the OP's complaints are reflective of conditions that existed prior to the pandemic as well.

 

 

Please show me in the original post where they criticize Royal for staffing issues.  I have seen the problems from a lack of proper staffing as well as a lack of resources.  I'm not denying there are real issues caused on board but those problems aren't even mentioned.  I don't remember the last time I could sail so inexpensively either so I am okay with cutting them some slack right now.  Honestly, if you're a member of this online community you have had the opportunity to read reviews and postings regarding current sailing shortfalls just like you said.  If someone still decides to book a cruise and expect something different, that's on them.  It's probably going to take awhile for many of the lines to return to normal so I would suggest waiting until reports indicate conditions have improved.  

 

Go Team!😁

If I pay top dollar I expect top service from people who were properly trained. That includes enough time to get the job done right, before being overloaded with to many customers. That's my opinion. Deal with it.

[badvector]

4 minutes ago, CanHardlyWait4NextYear said:

Calm down. What is your problem.

 

1 minute ago, CanHardlyWait4NextYear said:

If I pay top dollar I expect top service from people who were properly trained. That includes enough time to get the job done right, before being overloaded with to many customers. That's my opinion. Deal with it.

 

lol, no problems here.  Maybe you're reading too much into it.  Often, since tone cannot be completely determined from written communications, the reader will inflect their own personal tone.

 

I also didn't say you're not entitled to your opinion.  You absolutely are just as I am entitled to mine.  I already said, I have seen problems from staffing issues and I agree they do exist.  It still doesn't change the fact that those types of problems weren't part of the original complaint. 

 

If I read reviews that a restaurant has a 2 hour wait for seating and the food is subpar and I still go expecting to be seated immediately with a five star meal and it doesn't happen, is that on the restaurant or is it on me?  In my opinion, both parties have to share the responsibility.

 

Rah Rah Team!  😀📣

[Jimbo]

[CanHardlyWait4NextYear]

1 hour ago, badvector said:

 

 

lol, no problems here.  Maybe you're reading too much into it.  Often, since tone cannot be completely determined from written communications, the reader will inflect their own personal tone.

 

I also didn't say you're not entitled to your opinion.  You absolutely are just as I am entitled to mine.  I already said, I have seen problems from staffing issues and I agree they do exist.  It still doesn't change the fact that those types of problems weren't part of the original complaint. 

 

If I read reviews that a restaurant has a 2 hour wait for seating and the food is subpar and I still go expecting to be seated immediately with a five star meal and it doesn't happen, is that on the restaurant or is it on me?  In my opinion, both parties have to share the responsibility.

 

Rah Rah Team!  😀📣

I thought many problems were implied. And an add on to what many others have been complaining about lately. However, that aside.

 

I really have to disagree with both parties sharing the responsibility. If I pay full price for full quality, expertly trained staff, that's on the business, not me at all. It doesn't matter how forewarned a customer can be by coming here first, reading news articles, anything really. It's there responsibility to make sure training is done right. I just believe there is enough evidence from message board complaints alone that maybe they went full too fast. When the aqua show isn't ready, they pull it, and add more weeks of training. If the staff is as overwhelmed as many have said they seem to be, maybe they should have held back going 100% for just a few months more. For the sake of both the hard working customers who deserve the best as well as the confused and overwhelmed new staff. 

[Zetaphy]

4 hours ago, Laurie997 said:

people from the United States being a minority 

You silly Americans. Statements like this are why the rest of the world gets a chuckle out of you guys. 

[livingonthebeach]

10 minutes ago, Zetaphy said:

You silly Americans. Statements like this are why the rest of the world gets a chuckle out of you guys. 

 

We're not all the same -- just like Canadians are not all the same, eh?

[Cruising89143]

4 hours ago, Laurie997 said:

Ship at 6000 out of 6500 passengers. The only thing I can say is I cruise a lot and this by far has got to be the most non enjoyable cruise yet. Rude and I mean rude passengers. Trying to jam 6 people in an already full elevator. Intoxicated passengers in the dining room to people from the United States being a minority and not one seat to be found on sea days. We got to see Hiro which was amazing and co co cay being awesome as usual. 
I honestly have nothing else to say except WTG Royal for allowing everyone back. On top of it this morning starting to cough and feel like crap. BTW I hope to god that there is never a fire in the casino no one would make it out alive. 
Not trying to be a negative Nelly here just telling the truth. 

 

Guess what, we Americans (USA) are not the only human beings on this planet. I have no issue with you not enjoying the cruise. That’s your opinion but the above comment in bold says a lot to me. 

[Zetaphy]

For clarity - my statement was directed at that particular American, whom sounds to be poorly travelled and possibly in an ‘America Bubble’

 

I’ve met plenty who are well travelled and pleased to say are our ‘Brothers and Sisters to the south’

[Zetaphy]

7 minutes ago, livingonthebeach said:

eh?

Uh-huh! 
 

[Babyjax12]

Laurie977, I was on the same cruise and feel quite differently. Yes, it was crowded at times, especially Windjammer, but isn’t every ship buffet crowded? Yes, finding a pool chair was tricky, but I always found one within a short time. The shows were outstanding, the ship is gorgeous, the crew were friendly, efficient and respectful. The MDR food was great most nights (prime rib twice, lobster tails once, lots of shrimp, Etc). Zip line, mini golf, ice skating, Ultimate Abyss… I had a great time. Just sayin’…😉

[topnole]

On 9/17/2022 at 10:56 AM, Zetaphy said:

You silly Americans. Statements like this are why the rest of the world gets a chuckle out of you guys. 

Over generalize much?   

[topnole]

On 9/17/2022 at 11:11 AM, cruisingator2 said:

 

Guess what, we Americans (USA) are not the only human beings on this planet. I have no issue with you not enjoying the cruise. That’s your opinion but the above comment in bold says a lot to me. 

And it’s probably not even true.  Rare would be a cruise in the Caribbean without a majority of Americans.   That makes the statement even that much more ridiculous.