Doyle1042

Don,

Thanks so much for your thoughts on Independence. I am cruising on her next October and am hoping that all the "bugs" are worked out by then.

Unfortunately, the problems seem to be endemic to RCCL. Was just on the Explorer of the Seas from 9-2-15 to 9-18-15 - Since it is a recent re-fit, I had high expectations...was somewhat disappointed with problems very similar to what you found on Independence.

The overall attitude of the crew has changed over the years. They just don't seem to care anymore. I, also, assume that this has to do with the change in how gratuities are paid. Our cabin steward was a jewel. Very few other employees came up to her standard. We ate in the main dining room twice only - the service was appalling and the food not any better than the Windjammer. Servers in the buffet would take your drink order, then never return with the drinks. One afternoon, a group of about 15 of us went to The Tavern for a get together. We sat there for about an hour...no waiters even approached us, we fetched our own drinks. I spoke to many of my British friends on board and they said that the Brits just accept bad service as a matter of course. We all felt that the crew on Explorer has gotten used to low expectations. And anyway, why bust your hump if you aren't going to earn any more?

Don't yearn for the Freestyle Coke machines. They only work about 40% of the time. They are apparently tied into the WIFI - it only works about 40% of the time also. LOL. However, since we paid $480.00 for unlimited WIFI on 2 devices over 16 days, getting 40% of what we paid for made for some very unhappy bunnies.

I'll give RCCl one more shot in October 2016. May have to adjust over to Celebrity after that.

Happy cruising,

This might be the best thread I have ever read on Cruise Critic!

Here here!! Like a captivating movie. You are fascinated and need to keep watching, but never want it to end.

I am boarding Explorer on Sept 2nd and now feel like she is an old friend, not a stranger. Thanks so much for the time and effort taken.

Cheryl

Your companion is not entitled to use the Diamond Lounge.

 

Each evening you will have 3 drink vouchers loaded on your SeaPass card. You can use these in any bar, for the same kinds of drinks they would serve in the DL, and can only be used during the evening cocktail period, usually 5pm to 8:30pm. Any vouchers not used expire at the end of the cocktail period.

Thanks so much for the info. Since I am not much of a drinker, I assume will will use most of my vouchers for Carolyne's beer. She will be so happy!!

Sailing on the Explorer on September 2nd. This will be our first cruise as Diamond Members. Could someone please explain about the "preloaded" drinks? Is this a Diamond member perk?

Also, my cruise companion is not a Diamond member. Will she be able to accompany me to the Diamond Lounge?

Thanks,

Cheryl

We are going to be on Explorer Sept 2nd and (as we are movie junkies) are considering bringing a small DVD player. The question is: can the new televisions be hooked up to the player? Are there ports for regular audio and video lines?

Thanks,

Cheryl