Chonseylee

26 and loved every day!  36 days to go till my next one.

26 and loved every day!  36 days to go till my next one.

My family & I just returned from sailing Odyssey for the Holiday. We had an excellent cruise, everything was perfection. The Music Hall is an amazing venue (especially on Odyssey). We were there every single night enjoying the karaoke, bands exc. The upstairs area is prime time with plenty of seats, pool tables and a full bar. I’ve been before on other ships but for some reason (maybe the layout), I enjoyed this venue on Odyssey more than the others. For anyone getting ready to sail her, you are in for a treat! 

We received an email this week that cruises for August and September will no longer be stopping at Labadee or San Juan.  I can understand Labadee as there is so much turmoil in Haiti but wondering if anyone can share the reason behind skipping San Juan.  I'm sure RCI did not make the decision lightly am not complaining....just curious.

I find it more about atmosphere -- the food at the MDR is usually good and the service is great but  it can feel a little busy and loud at times- depends a lot on where you are seated. A dinner at one of the other specialty restaurants is more date-like. When I cruise with my sister we always end the cruise with lunch at Chops.  It's a relaxing last sea day.

I went by myself on Symphony and had a great time. There were some groups & couples but also a couple singles.

I went by myself on Symphony and had a great time. There were some groups & couples but also a couple singles.

I did the galley/brunch on the AOS and Serenade and had a great time both times. Maybe because it was a smaller ship, the tour was at least 1/2 hour- we stopped and talked to the different stations, asking questions etc. I agree that the brunch itself was not extraordinary- it was good. Had a few mimosas and met wonderful, interesting people. I think the staff/guide can  really make a difference- if they're into it and upbeat the experience can be worthwhile.

You can go to Guest Services with the "owner" of the credits and they sign a form giving you X amount of OBC.  There's usually a long line at Guest Services the first day so you may want to wait.

First I'm sorry you had a poor experience.  I would agree with an earlier comment that a 3 or 4 day cruise can be a different experience than a 7 day cruise.  Also we have found the date of the cruise can make a difference.  Going at Spring break vs a time when more kids are in school comes to mind.  I'm not saying one over the other is good or bad but individual cruises can take on a personality so to speak.  Maybe this will help if you plan another cruise.
I'm in the service industry so maybe I view the "sales" deals a little different.  I think wait staff are professionals that are working hard to be promoted from say Windjammer thru MDR to a specialty restaurant.  I know we have had waiters that were with us in the MDR who later were with us in a specialty.  Anyway I think in addition to working hard at my venue I also have to cover shortages such as busy days in the MDR, and I have to make sales pitches to guest throughout the ship.  So with that in mind I try to smile and engage them with a little friendly conversation.  I can end it any time with a statement that I'm not interested.  On our last cruise we were approached by a waiter with the sales pitch for a dining package.  During the cruise we decided to splurge on a dinner at a specialty restaurant and sure enough the guy turned out to be our waiter.  Not only did he recognize us but he made sure everything was fabulous.
We've never received a response on the company survey either.  My guess is RCL has a variety of sources it uses to gauge how effective they are being.  I think they are very good at recognizing trends based on the ships and services they bring to the market.  
Finally I would offer that certainly cruising has changed in the last 10 years.  All entertainment is constantly looking at their product.  I think back to the all you can eat buffet that you used to see in Vegas. Those have largely been replaced as consumers have spoken with the pocket book saying they is what I like now.  We cruise because the whole package seems to be a good value for us.  Meals are not 5 star but are usually very good.  Our room moves us each  evening to a new location so I don't have to repack.  We get to see great locations while being pampered by some very hardworking folks.  Ok enough of my owns sales pitch.  I hope you try another cruise again and you have the time of your life.

Yes, Harmony of the Seas. It's the first one I've ever seen on a ship. Oasis is getting one in it's Amp this fall. I'll be on her in Dec. and definitely want to give it a try. It's $20 but, to me, it was worth it.

I'm getting excited. On the 12/1 sailing. Glad they are adding an escape room- tried the one on HOS and it was a blast!
Can't wait to see what the cover band will be like. 

It may not have all of the bells and whistles but I found Brilliance to be the prettiest ship I've been on and that includes the oasis class. There are windows everywhere letting in the sun and the Solarium is just beautiful. Because it's smaller you can easily find your way around and you get to know the staff and fellow cruisers. You'll have a great time if you go with a relaxed attitude. We're on Harmony next month as we wanted to see the bigger shows but I would defiantly sail Brilliance again.

Another good place to meet people is at the MDR breakfast. You're seated at large random  tables and can meet many new people. Don't be shy about asking if anybody is planning the same activity or excursion. I've meet & had great times with people who were strangers hours before.

Very much agree with others on flying down the day/night before if possible. The only other thing I can recommend is perhaps a specialty restaurant (Chops) for lunch on your final "at sea" day. It's really reasonable ($22 or less per person) and a very pleasant 2 hour hour lunch. Wonderful atmosphere & wonderful food & a great way to wind down. My sister & I have made it a ritual since discovering it.