ibis16

computer dad- you are always welcome to sit with us mere mortals in the balcony seats and have a beer.... I always take issue with the private clubs and drinks aboard the ship, not that they get it, but they expect it.

Bernie sanders for president.

my objective and subjective thoughts re the 12/9/15 cruise.

the mdr service was of high quality, the food was very good but it is to each persons taste, I went to izumi for lunch and chops for dinner and found both to be worth the money. the windjammer I found to be subpar but that is my subjective. the park café was great between meals.

the cd was very dry and more of a master of ceremonies my taste leans more upbeat, tt the activity director needs to learn how to effective run activities and needs seasoning or replacement, but claps to big money, the bingo guy, a future cd or whatever he wants.

the nighly entertainment, it is subjective, but the first night comedian was terrible, the rcc singers and dancers were uneven, the some singers were weak. the centruim entertainment was of high quality.

now here are some things that rcc needs to do.

1. I have walking for distance difficulty and I spoke with rcc and its accessible unit prior and was assured of a certain level of service which was not present on the ship, along with other matters I spoke with rcc before leaving. in summary I found a lack of coordination between the rcc land staff and the on ship experience, which needs tightened up.

2. once you leave the ship, at some ports, there was a long distance to the 3rd part shore providers, in some ports, but some ports were excellent. rcc the other cruise lines and the local govt. should place benches on the piers and encourage golf carts or mini transit on the pier to the 3rd party transit centers. the cost would be minimal and could be recouped by fees or advertising. I passed this on to rcc, I am cynical and believe they threw my idea away.

3. an observation without a good solution, I was in unit 8061, large interior, with the beds together, on one side of the bed there is a walkway area, the other side is tight and ends against a fixed piece of furniture were the tv is located, causing that side to walk over the bed, a design flaw, but rcc can't fix.

the staff on the ship were all friendly and accommodating, except my room attendant who was just going through the motion and the woman in charge of group sales, who I asked for mobility assistance and provided me a curt remarks on two occasions.

4. it seemed to me that there were a lot of people with mobility issues and that at Baltimore both on/off rcc seemed terribily understaffed with a body just to grab a wheelchair which were available and push the people off. but to rcc there seemed to be ample people carrying ice and liquor to restock the bars.

would I go on another cruise, yes. with rcc, yes. but unlike other correspondants, I am not loyal to royal and have other non-cruise ideas .

if this trip had a theme it would be that rcc is the Chevrolet of cruise lines, that the total experience was good and serviceability but certain events, contacts, or procedures just miss the mark and prevent rcc from going into the excellent class. now before all you, loyal to royal cheerleaders respond, that's just my opinion.

but as to my four stated remarks, I believe them to be objective and helpful.

remember there were 2000 passengers on the cruise with 3000 opinions.

talk about thin skinned... perhaps a cruise and a dip in the pool will cool you out... don't act dumb you certainly know that able bodied people are using spots for you... as for pregnant spots they are marked as such... and if handicapped are filled, I make it a practice not to park in the pregnancy sports... I note nothing re rci policy as to verification of handicapped status before booking...so just chill out... you certainly knew my reference as I am sure that you have observed this event...

I get an uneasy feeling that truly handicapped persons are not always using these special rooms and that they should be wheelchair bound only first. as for me, I have walking limitations but just use a cane, my sister has ms and is wheelchair bound. I would never take a handicap room and just took a near the elevator room. as for an able body person taking a room this should be looked into and if true the people should be thrown off the ship. when giving out the room, wheelchair/scooters should come first, then others wait till just a few weeks prior to sailing for assignment. on land I have personally witnesses people jump out of their cars while they place handicapped stickers in the window, I would love to take a brick and remodel their vehicle. as for pricing if interior lower deck rooms are filled and a balcony handicapped room is available, that person should get the room at equal or reduced price to the interior room, if a reservation is made more than 90 days before sailing. I could go on and on re this subject but I think you get how I feel.