7/30 Sailing Review of Sovereign of the Seas

[Joseppeson]

Our sailing dates aboard Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas was 7/30 to 8/03. I hope all who read this review find it interesting and informative! First, I want to point out that reading reviews and the threads here was quite helpful to me as this was my very first cruise. The positives well outnumber the very few negatives. As far as I'm concerned the negative ones are just from people who really need to get a life and just can't ever be pleased!!! I will give each part of this review a rating...5 is best 1 is poor...

 

Embarkation at Port Canaveral (5)- Very swift and with ease. Despite our itinerary stating not to arrive prior to 1pm, we arrived at 1130. What 1pm simply refers to, is when they allow you to enter your cabin! I read reviews of people getting there early to board. Parking is very easy. Drop your luggage off first and at the far end outside. We were ready to get in line at 1140. Got almost to security scanners and there was a fire alarm at 1150. Everyone who was in line and those who were past security and at the desk for checking in to board the ship were quickly asked to leave the building and we were like OMG, it is going to be a SOB getting back in line with 1000 people doing it all over again! After being outside a little over over a half hour, we were then allowed to get in line to board at 1235. It was so swift and well organized we entered the ship by 1255 and in our room at 105!!! Be sure to get the drink of the day as you board. It comes with a base of the plastic cup that flashes...$7.95 with 15% gratuity auto-added.

 

Cabin #9566 Oceanview stateroom slightly obstructed (5+++) - First, I HARDLY call it obstructed (very minimal). Upon opening the door to our cabin we were simply amazed at just how welcoming, roomy and clean it was (a most perfect way to begin your cruise). At 157 square feet, it sure was plenty roomy. After unpacking there is room under the bed for your suitcases. There are 4 small drawers at a desk for storage. A large enuff closet for hanging clothes with 2 shelves and a safe for valuables inside. Bathroom was larger than expected and well comfortable for 2 people to shower together! Smoking IS permitted in your cabin, just ask for an ashtray.

 

Stateroom Attendant (Daniel) (5+++) - Ultra friendly and paid attention to all details. Cleaned or spruced up our cabin at LEAST twice daily and we are not even messy! Always had a smile and always greeted us by our first names when he would see us. Please tip your stateroom att. extra at the end of the cruise (they work hard and long hours). I'll talk tipping later...

 

Staff (5+++) Very friendly and always smiled and greeted us throughout the ship.

 

Bartenders and beverages (5+++) - Always friendly and remembered our names and drinks of choice...it helps to tip them an extra dollar beyond the 15% which is automatically added to your Seapass account! We seemed to think the additional drinks were stronger than the first or were we just having a great time and feeling no pain???!!!

 

Dining options... Rating and reviewing this in 3 parts

Main Dining room (Served) (2) This was surely our least and most undesireable... We chose to have the the 2nd seating at 830. You are designated a certain dining room (Illusions on 3rd floor or Mirage on 4th Floor for both Formal and casual dining). Keep in mind my wife and I have each been in the restaurant business 25 years and in being so it makes you somewhat particular. Our first night we looked at the menu which is posted and changes nightly. We found it to be not so appealing to our tastes and leaned too much towards international flare, but still decided we would go to the Formal Captain's Gala Dinner anyhow, which is held on the 2nd night of the cruise. That formal night, we sat at 840 and were started out with cold bread...not a biggie, yet noticable. Our waiter, Mario, while pleasant yet never stated his name handed the menus to us. never took a beverage order and when he came back only took our dinner selections. We told him we wanted a glass of wine. 10 minutes later someone took our beverage order and 15 minutes after that we got it and shortly our escargot arrived. Certainly a POOR start to what should have been a nice evening! My escargot was awesome and properly prepared. My wife's was terrible...overcooked and absolutely dried up with no butter! I requested our waiter bring her another one, which he did. I had the duck, good but dry and my wife had the filet mignon. The menu did not state sliced and it was cut the wrong and opposite way and not in a filet style as she expected it. However, we both ordered the Grand Marnier Souffle and it was to DIE FOR!!. Overall, we were unhappy and we would not return. Instead we ate the remainder of our cruise at the Windjammer Buffet, open seating.

 

Windjammer buffet- (3++) Breakfast a 5, Lunch a 4 and dinner a strong 3. Many to choose from and from many stations. We were surprised it lacked seafood in general. We don't consider "fish" seafood. We like crabcakes, peel and eat shrimp, crablegs etc etc etc, none of which were available. We did eat plenty and had no problem with choices until the last night of the cruise. We found the last night to be less appealing to our tastes and were sort of glad it was the last night of dining! Overall, though, I do rate this a 3+. Service was great, but we found it strange that no one was leaving anyone a tip??? They are really just bussers there who are quick and courteous. I just hope they are paid a higher wage!!!

 

Sorrentos Pizza and Johnny Rockets (4)- Good pizza and totally free of charge and open til about 3am! JR has a charge of $3.95 PP which includes gratuity (we always left extra) and shakes and malts are an additional cost and delicious!! Note that inside these areas, there is a beverage station that is absolutely free and has water, lemonade (YUMMY) coffee and iced tea.

 

Pool Area- (5) 2 salt water pools, 1 for adults and the other for children. Also 2 jacuzzis!!! Plenty of loungers too! First level is poolside, one half smoking the other non-smoking. 2nd level overlooks the pool and is the same way for smokers and non-smokers. There is also a 3rd level off to the rear. there are 3 bars to get your drinks from.

 

Bartenders- (5+++) Always friendly and smiled. We always tipped $1.00 extra per drink. They remembered our names and choice of beverage and we swore the additional drinks were better than the first!!! Were we just having a great time or were we getting wasted???!!!! You know there is a saying.... If you are on a cruise and you are not wasted, then the day is!!! Haha!!! No seriously we were not wasted, but we sure were feeling good and having a great time!!! This here is very important to remember....At the pool there is a beverage station OPEN 24 HOURS with water, lemonade iced tea and coffee!!!! No need to waste your money on the beverage deal with coke and sodas... lemonade, water and iced tea are better for you anyway and they are free!! We were always awake for 5am and got our coffee and went to the 2nd floor and watched the sunrises every morning and might I add that the coffee is outstanding!!! You'll notice in the Dining section of your cruise compass (activities and information of the day delivered to your room by your ststeroom attendant everyday) stated pool area beverages and continental breakfast at 6am. Beverages are 24 hours...only danish is there starting at 6am.

 

CocoCay, the out-island (5) - We had a great time. We did the snorkeling, but the water was somewhat murky and seemed to lack the colorful fish. Bring cash if you want to shop. Otherwise, food is free and all beverages are charged to your Seapass Account. PLENTYYYYYY of loungers everywhere on the beach!

 

The Ship (4++) - Although considered to be an older and one of the smaller ships now, her maiden voyage was in 1988. From 88-90 she was the largest cruise ship. She was refurbished from top to bottom in 2004. She really is a grand ship and has such a special wonderful charm we would most certainly sail with her again!!!

 

Casino- no rating... Somewhat small and never crowded. We had fun despite thru the first 3 nights losing $800!!! We do have a story to tell here, though. Oh about 10pm I wanted pizza so she went to Sorrentos and brought 3 slices for me. Then she said she was going to get something to eat and I told her to stay out of the casino. Knowing the casino was her primary and probably only desire, she came back to the room and showed me a winning ticket for $116. I asked her how much she withdrew and she said $400. I said big deal and she said...oh honey, that's not all... she promptly showed me 16-$100 bills!!! So at that point I said let's hit the casino!!! Well we walked away after playing the $5 machines and were still up $300, so yeah...I'll give it a 5!!! They make strong drinks there too!

 

Tipping.... All beverages ordered have a 15% gratuity automatically added to your Seapass Account. We always tipped $1 extra per drink. There is a recommended tipping chart for dining room waiters and stateroom attendant. Tipping amount suggested is per person. Stateroom attendant for 4 nights is $14 PP, we tipped him $50 each...he was just awesome. Needless to say we tipped NOTHING to the Main Dining room after our experience.

 

Cashless ship- NOT SO!!!! casino-wise anyway. Bring cash for the casino and of course for shopping off the the ship if you wish not to use credit cards when off-ship. In the casino there are ATM's and you can also get cash from the casino cashier. The slots spit out a ticket if you have anything left and you can take it to a machine in the casino, insert your ticket and it will give you cash. Everything else onboard the ship is NON-CASH ONLY and is always charged to your Seapass Account which is billed to your credit card at the end of the cruise. Statement delivered to your cabin the last morning prior to departure and is accurately accounted for!

 

In conclusion, we honestly rate our first cruise experience aboard Royal Caribbean and Sovereign of the Seas a 5! Despite our dining room experience and that for the most part we found the food to be rated at average to better than average, we REALLY did have a grand time and completely enjoyed the ship and what it offered. The ship is nice! The staff was absolutely wonderful and most importantly, we could not have asked for a better vacation! We truly believe that almost all who sail with her, will find her to be a charming ship!!

 

Please ask any questions and we will be glad to answer them!

[Gator0178]

Thanks for the review. We have sailed her 3 times and sail on her again in Sept. :D

[lunyma]

Thanks for the great review. Your menu selections on *formal night* appear to contradict the menu posted for that night by someone else. Either way... I haven't been on SOS in 5 years, so I am greatly anticipating a wonderful cruise in a couple weeks. It is, after all, what you make of it. Go with a good attitude, and you'll have a good time! I have been on 8 cruises with RCCL and the food is definitely not why I go, but I always have a good time. This is a relaxation break for us, between driving DS down to school in Sarasota and driving back home to Chicagoland. I appreciate your genuine feedback, and am looking forward to doing a whole helluva lot of nothing (besides gambling, and eating somewhat ok food :). BTDT, and happy to do it again! Any comments on the entertainment???

[raerae]

We too were on this sailing and loved it. Haven't found a ship I didn't like. :D

I do have to say though that we left on Friday without our large suitcase as it went missing. Filed a report and discovered from the lady that took the report that a whole slew of Beige 1 pieces went missing. Still waiting to hear from them to see if it was found. They said they will ship it Fed Ex. I hope so since it was filled with clothes and we leave in 5 weeks for Hawaii. I will need to shop for some more summer clothes for Hawaii if we don't get it back.

We absolutely loved the adult pool and I do have to say that the pool attendants were constantly patroling and chasing little ones that found their way into the adult pool.

Cindy ;)

[firefly333]

Be sure to get the drink of the day as you board. It comes with a base of the plastic cup that flashes...$7.95 with 15% gratuity auto-added.

 

Cabin #9566 Oceanview stateroom slightly obstructed (5+++) -

but we found it strange that no one was leaving anyone a tip??? They are really just bussers there who are quick and courteous. I just hope they are paid a higher wage!!!

 

We paid $9.95 for one of those drinks with flashing lights plus the 15% added tip. You got a deal there!!

 

The tips you leave I thought were pooled and the folks in the windjammer are included. Some work in both areas, the windjammer and the dining room.

 

We too were a little dissapointed in the dining room food and the lack of sea food, which is my favorite. I can always find something to eat, but it wasnt my taste as much as some other cruises. I would (and am) going back on RCI and doing this particular cruise.

 

Oh yea, we will be almost directly below you on deck 8, yippee. I found a pic of the view which I didnt consider the obstruction to be bothersome either. Im not buying the view forever, so a little bit of a obstruction, who cares.

 

thanks for your review.

[Joseppeson]

Well, to be honest, I have no idea wether tips are pooled and I also find RC site very uniformative as compared with threads and posts on this site. We went on our cruise more educated and excited from the reviews we read. I think my wife and I were mislead by friends who were on other cruises/other ships who have told us food was awesome. We, too, didn't go for the food but as restaurant biz people we expected more than what it was. Our time aboard the ship was very memorable and we had a blast.

[sea-cruise]

as restaurant biz people we expected more than what it was. quote]

 

I understand what you are saying. DH's parents owned a restaurant and bar as well. Perhaps your friends last sailed quite a while ago. The food use to be on par with what you will now find at Portofino or Chops specialty restaurants. The prices of cruising were much higher back then, so we were all paying for it. :)

We're really getting some great deals from the cruiselines, even though the price of food and fuel has gone up so high. Glad you had a blast on your cruise!! :D

[lunyma]

The tips you leave I thought were pooled and the folks in the windjammer are included. Some work in both areas, the windjammer and the dining room

 

 

The waiters in the dining room are also the people that *serve* you at the Windjammer. So yes... They get paid the same wages and all share in the tip pool...

[HHFamily]

Oh wow, definately different. Our formal night dinner main entrees were Lamb Shank, Tiger Shrimp, Rigatoni, Chicken Marsala, or Vegetarian Chili. The shrimp was excellent, DH said the lamb was greasy (yuck!) I wasn't horribly dissapointed with the food this stir, but I wasn't impressed either. I hope Enchantment will be better. Night 3 of our cruise had the items you mentioned. Wonder if we had a supply issue on our trip, or something that made them get reversed.

[Shanafan]

Thanks for the great review. Looking forward to our sailing on her in just over a week. Any particularly good bars/bartenders to look for?

[lunyma]

Oh wow, definately different. Our formal night dinner main entrees were Lamb Shank, Tiger Shrimp, Rigatoni, Chicken Marsala, or Vegetarian Chili. The shrimp was excellent, DH said the lamb was greasy (yuck!) I wasn't horribly dissapointed with the food this stir, but I wasn't impressed either. I hope Enchantment will be better. Night 3 of our cruise had the items you mentioned. Wonder if we had a supply issue on our trip, or something that made them get reversed.

 

That's where I'm confused. The menus posted show the above on night 2 (formal night), whereas I always thought that formal night would include the escargot, lobster bisque, and filet. Doesn't matter that much to me, but I'd be curious to see what THIS week's cruise will do, since I am not going to the dining room on formal night. I'd really hate to miss the escargot and lobster bisque!

[winncove]

We'll be in a "peon" OV on deck 8 in 5 wks., first time on the smaller Sov. I keep reading July reviews that say no safe, no frig & horrible bedding. Didn't all RCCL ships get new bedding this yr? I was told by CSR the obstruction was the bottom of the lifeboats but read on main board it's the tops. Any idea which is correct? Just so DH can see the water! LOL. I questioned the menu that clashed here also. Looks more like the alternative menu on the 1st post. Since there's no specialty restaurants, I guess it doesn't matter! Appetizers, soups & sometimes desserts are my main meal anyway!

 

Looking forward anxiously for Sept. [Hi Gator!]

 

I'm sorry you were too new to CC to know the waitstaff gets pooled tips & do work both places. You're right, that should be explained @ RCCL & again in the Compass. They work too hard to not get their tips, esp. since it's most of their income.

 

Whatever comes w/the cruise is fine w/me. I know it's not the Mariner we love and this is a filler for R&R! Thx for the review!

[EggDropErin]

Thank you for your review. Glad to see you had a good time.

[HHFamily]

That's where I'm confused. The menus posted show the above on night 2 (formal night), whereas I always thought that formal night would include the escargot, lobster bisque, and filet. Doesn't matter that much to me, but I'd be curious to see what THIS week's cruise will do, since I am not going to the dining room on formal night. I'd really hate to miss the escargot and lobster bisque!

The Lobster Bisque is NOT to be missed, it was my favorite food item during the entire trip. I'd never had it before, and fell in love instantly. Had it at dinner, then later that night had it as a late night snack via room service. If you don't get it in the dining room the night they serve it get some from room service but it is way too good to miss.

[lunyma]

The Lobster Bisque is NOT to be missed, it was my favorite food item during the entire trip. I'd never had it before, and fell in love instantly. Had it at dinner, then later that night had it as a late night snack via room service. If you don't get it in the dining room the night they serve it get some from room service but it is way too good to miss.

 

Great idea! I never thought of that. If it's not in the Windjammer that night, then I can just order a bowl up to my room! I wonder if they'd send me up some escargot as well... hmmmm... I could do that before we go eat!

[wolfcathorse]

We were told on Vision that those that work in the WJ are the assistant waiters doing their free week. The waiters take turns working the open seating at breakfast and lunch in the DR. Once every 5 weeks, an assistant waiter is assigned to work WJ, no tips, no tipping pool. Our assistant waiter was working Vision with his wife. RCI does try to keep couples off the same free week, so we didn't meet her as she was working her Free Week while her husband was serving us. The next voyage after ours, it was going to be his turn for Free Week and she would return to the DR. So I leave a buck on the table in WJ or I take it and personally hand it to them at their work station in WJ.

[dashadow]

Thanks for the review, we are now painstakingly deciding between the sensation for a quick 3 day versus this ship for a quick 3 day. Your review made the soveriegn sound pretty good. We have cruised carnival for 2 priors including one on the sensation and loved them but want to experience Royal Caribbean as we hear good things about them also. I am happy to hear the pizza is available until late and there is access to tea, but how about ice cream for the kids, are there machines out or is it just the pay as you go ice cream. Also does did the dining menu include options like steak if you didnt like any of the main choices. Looks like you lose a few things but make them up in other areas with RCI. Most intrigueing (sp) to me is the opportunity to stop at cococay. Glad you enjoyed your cruise. I know well enjoy ours as well.

[Joseppeson]

Yes, there is ice cream located on the second level infront of the pool bar and as far as I can recall, it was available until the bar closed. In regards to steak, I recall very little about there being any accept on the Formal evening.

[Bribrittmom]

We were just on the Majesty and yes there is a steak available every night on the alternative menu as well as chicken,and salmon.

[Coolmama_1]

Thanks for the review. We are considering this ship in the future. Great information.

[moesyk4]

We were on the Sovreign last May and absolutely loved it. I don't think (honestly) it reflects back bad on the ship that there wasn't much seafood. As was mentioned earlier, the cost of cruising has increased very little and they have had to cut costs. Personally I would take a cruise I can afford with good food over a cruise I can't afford with fantastic food any day.

Plus, Sovreign is a 3 and 4 day cruise ship where people often get great prices for a wonderful cruise experience. I don't think a ship could afford crab legs on the buffet for 2,000 people and still charge $250 a person for a cabin!

Thanks for the great review and I hope people enjoy this ship in the future!

[grest]

We'll be in a "peon" OV on deck 8 in 5 wks., first time on the smaller Sov. I keep reading July reviews that say no safe, no frig & horrible bedding. Didn't all RCCL ships get new bedding this yr? I was told by CSR the obstruction was the bottom of the lifeboats but read on main board it's the tops. Any idea which is correct? Just so DH can see the water! LOL. I questioned the menu that clashed here also. Looks more like the alternative menu on the 1st post. Since there's no specialty restaurants, I guess it doesn't matter! Appetizers, soups & sometimes desserts are my main meal anyway!

 

Looking forward anxiously for Sept. [Hi Gator!]

 

I'm sorry you were too new to CC to know the waitstaff gets pooled tips & do work both places. You're right, that should be explained @ RCCL & again in the Compass. They work too hard to not get their tips, esp. since it's most of their income.

 

Whatever comes w/the cruise is fine w/me. I know it's not the Mariner we love and this is a filler for R&R! Thx for the review!

 

Hi...we were on the SOS in July on deck 8, cabin 8040, OV. The location was excellent, and the obstruction was minimal, to our happy surprise! We were located two cabins down from access to the deck, so the row of lifeboats started with the next cabin or two, where they saw the bottom of the boats...your DH will definitely see the water. Enjoy!

[piercetc4]

thanks for the review- is the bedding the new comfy stuff?

hi del and gator- see you in 4-5 weeks!! woo hooo! can't wait-

[dontpanik]

Thank you for the review. My DH and I are taking the ship in early December along with several other cabins of family members.

 

I had one little question, how was the Viing Crown Lounge? My DH and I don't drink, but I thought sitting up there with a few non-alcoholic drinks overlooking the seas at night would be beautiful and romantic. Is it quiet or noisy and crowded?

[kc320]

Thank you for the review. My DH and I are taking the ship in early December along with several other cabins of family members.

 

I had one little question, how was the Viing Crown Lounge? My DH and I don't drink, but I thought sitting up there with a few non-alcoholic drinks overlooking the seas at night would be beautiful and romantic. Is it quiet or noisy and crowded?

 

On most of the ships I've been on the Viking Crown was one of the quietest spots on the ship......it may be more active later in the evening but up until around 10 pm it's always been quiet.... during the day I've gone up there many times to just read & watch the water & been the only one there.....