Empress of the Seas

[Ocean Boy]

We are also on the July 23rd Cruise, my wife and I were completely sold on RCCL after taking the Liberty last year. We were diehard Carnival people but they have gone downhill as of late. Now I am freaking out that booking on this ship might have been a complete mistake!!!!! The reviews are awful, you can't find any info on the ship online and this board has just bashed the Empress terrible. I thought RCCL was a class act and could not wait to get back on but now I'm definitely second guessing. Is there anyone who has current info on the condition of the ship?

 

I don't know about the different class ships on other lines but the different classes of RCI ships can provide very different types of cruise experiences due to the amenity differences between the classes. Empress even on a good day, and the good days seems to be hard to find, will be nothing like Liberty was. We only book, Voyager, Freedom, and Oasis class ships as we very much enjoy the amenities that those ships have to offer. We occasional book Radiance class ships for the itinerary. We don't do Sovereign class ships. Empress would be out of the question except for MAYBE a sailing to Cuba and I'd have to give that very serious thought.... and by a drink package to keep myself occupied.

[FLAROCKS]

I completely get the reference about what to expect from different classes of ships. I have done six Carnival cruises and they were all different and good in their own way. Never once did I worry about getting a good meal, air conditioning, or a flushing toilet........ These things are not acceptable just because I'm taking a small ship. Call me crazy but I want the toilet to flush, the boat to be clean and a good meal a couple times a day. For 2000+ I don't think that is too demanding. The reviews I have read are abysmal! And the conversations on many forums have been just downright hateful towards RCCL. I don't expect the same experience as the Liberty. It will be a low key quite relaxing vacation.....but hopefully not on what some have referred to as a garbage scow. There should be some level of humility amongst the crew on this ship, some will to do the right thing. I have been reading the reviews on this board since the 28th of last month and many of you, including people in this thread, have described a nightmare for all future cruisers to see. Some are first timers and are probably already tainted in to believing their vacation may be lost. My point is I know a lot of experienced cruisers expecting a lot from Empress were seriously 'disappointed' by RCCL, and I get it, but for those of us who have yet to endure the nightmare....are there any redeeming things to point out or commend. For a lot of us it is slowly ruining a vacation we haven't take yet. I know a lot of reviews may be pompous whining and you can't believe everything you read but what goods if any have come out of all the criticism? Are things getting better on board? Are things getting fixed? Can I get a drink or a meal if I want one? It's not a perfect situation, I get it....but I find it hard to swallow that everyone who has been on board so far has suffered torture beyond tolerance.

[ZoeyVictoria]

It's not a perfect situation, I get it....but I find it hard to swallow that everyone who has been on board so far has suffered torture beyond tolerance.

 

I was on the May 28 sailing and have been quite vocal about the things that were unacceptable on this ship. My main issue is that I would not have chosen an inaugural cruise but I was not allowed to cancel or change the date of my sailing. In spite of the things that were wrong, I had a good time, because I made sure that I did. Frankly, there were so very many things wrong that it was at the comical stage. We thoroughly enjoyed the company of our table mates and had a great time sharing our experiences at dinner every night. The only thing we bothered complaining about was getting the runaround when we asked for a cooler for medication storage. The rest of it we just dealt with, I posted on CC for venting/stress relief, and once we were home I wrote a long, scathing letter to RCI for which I have yet to receive a response. The positives? It was a pretty ship, fairly easy to get around, the shows were good, we enjoyed the company of others in the casino, we enjoyed the ports. I was with my loved one, I was not at work, I was on a ship at sea. For those of you sailing in the next few weeks, I have been reading that things are slowly getting fixed (a/c, water/flooding issues, ice cream) and the former Pullmantur employees have received some badly needed training. You have the chance to get on the ship with realistic expectations - you know it might be hot so you have a chance to take a fan, you know there are hours with no access to food so you can take some snacks, you know the rooms are very small so you can pack accordingly. I think that you will be able to make the most of the cruise and have a good time.

[Citymom92]

I completely get the reference about what to expect from different classes of ships. I have done six Carnival cruises and they were all different and good in their own way. Never once did I worry about getting a good meal, air conditioning, or a flushing toilet........ These things are not acceptable just because I'm taking a small ship. Call me crazy but I want the toilet to flush, the boat to be clean and a good meal a couple times a day. For 2000+ I don't think that is too demanding. The reviews I have read are abysmal! And the conversations on many forums have been just downright hateful towards RCCL. I don't expect the same experience as the Liberty. It will be a low key quite relaxing vacation.....but hopefully not on what some have referred to as a garbage scow. There should be some level of humility amongst the crew on this ship, some will to do the right thing. I have been reading the reviews on this board since the 28th of last month and many of you, including people in this thread, have described a nightmare for all future cruisers to see. Some are first timers and are probably already tainted in to believing their vacation may be lost. My point is I know a lot of experienced cruisers expecting a lot from Empress were seriously 'disappointed' by RCCL, and I get it, but for those of us who have yet to endure the nightmare....are there any redeeming things to point out or commend. For a lot of us it is slowly ruining a vacation we haven't take yet. I know a lot of reviews may be pompous whining and you can't believe everything you read but what goods if any have come out of all the criticism? Are things getting better on board? Are things getting fixed? Can I get a drink or a meal if I want one? It's not a perfect situation, I get it....but I find it hard to swallow that everyone who has been on board so far has suffered torture beyond tolerance.

 

 

We are sailing on the Empress on July 18th and as many on these boards will attest, I was feeling exactly the same as you barely a week ago. Things did not sound like they were getting better. I was beyond panic mode.

 

Fast forward one more week:

I believe that some key staff changes have created a much improved situation. Not just improved, I think, but for a small ship with limited activities, a markedly different ship than the one which sailed May 28th (when it was clearly not ready)

 

I monitor various websites and social media throughout the day. And interestingly, I am seeing that everyone on this week's cruise (June 11) is really happy with the cruise this week. Even those who were very concerned before they sailed. Here's a sample (I've redacted full names for privacy)

 

Bill P. My first day and not a snag. Airport pickup right on. Gold member here waited less than 5 minutes to check in. Got right on the ship. I prepaid internet and soda and all was set when i boarded. If you are used to the mega ships it can be a shock This a cruise ship not a floating amusement park. So if you like smaller ships eg Carnival fantasy class. Must have done work on food also. The area is small but tonight on the buffet There's were 4 pasta entrees plus beef round carved plus a fish entree, chicken, lamb and all the hot dog hamburger stuff. Excellent salad bar with 4 lettuce mixes and 10 or so condiments and 4 dressings.

 

Bill P.

Dining room was excellent. Excellent service friendly staff nice entree selecting. Tonight was a Italian night. So far great trip. More to come.

 

Bill P. I fully understand your concern (Replying to a previous concerned commentor) if yesterday is any indication it will be a great cruise. The show was super last night. 8 singers and dancers with live combo. Quality entertainment.

 

Bill P. Day 2 going well. Early breakfast @ winjammer a breeze and in the center of the line they make omelets. Brunch is a buffet and lines are long when opening for about an hour, didn't Look any better than up stairs. They have really listened to the feedback and adjusted Really friendly and attentive staff.

++++++++++++++++++

Here's another:

 

(Also responding to a concerned commentator) Mario M Guys i am on empress now and it's reallly really great :))

Yesterday at 4:31pm

+++++++++++++++++++

And another:

 

Had a wonderful leg of Lamb served at out first nights dinner aboard the Royal Caribbean Empress of the Sea.

Donn B. photo.

+++++++++++++++++++

And finally from a group who met on the Empress cruise to Cozomel June 6th and had what sounds like the most epic fun cruise of all fun cruises:

 

swd742 Soooo, the next time you go on a cruise:

1) Cop Royal Caribbean tix for 5 nights minimum

2) Link up with a gang of rockstars (like them Miami Boys or some ladies from the Chi, or Golden State, or Boston, or Jersey or Brazil)

3) Party with said rockstars

4) Wear vicious party shirts... VERY vicious party shirts

5) Sweat through the party shirts at the on-board club

6) Keep your shoe game official

7) Create your own VIP section

8) Share hilarious stories and big laughs

9) Take an ignorant amount of pictures

10) Hate when the cruise is over

11) Keep in touch with new rockstar mob via social media

12) Plan next session with rockstars

13) Repeat

 

(cont'd) We had an INCREDIBLE time in Cozumel! The time at sea was ridiculous... Soooo many pics, soooo many good times, soooo many memories... (feel free to tag if I missed anyone or untag) #cozumel #royalcaribbean #empressoftheseas

 

d.draperThis was the dopest vacation I've ever experienced with the realest folks I've met! We're gonna need a bigger boat next time!

swd742^^^^^^^ facts only. The shenanigans factor was through the poolside bar and beyond. Poor Lil Empress wasn't ready...

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Other posters have said that the food is plentiful, the shows excellent, none of the lounges ever seemed jammed with lines (but the pool bar does get crowded) Also, the movie screen and audio are fixed, ice cream is flowing, and the shuffleboard and ping pong tables are accessible! (before they were blocked with boxes and tools) I also think it's a good sign that there are zero complaints on this week's cruise. The only comments are positive, in fact, glowing, reviews.

 

I am not concerned any more at all. I am actually getting really really excited again. All this to say, I think it's going to be okay! :)

[Citymom92]

I have also heard that the A/C is nearly completely fixed. Reports are that only the casino seems to feel warmer, and I can't imagine that they'll let the money maker casino stay warm for too much longer.

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

I am not concerned any more at all. I am actually getting really really excited again. All this to say, I think it's going to be okay! :)

 

And this is why I always say that one should not mark their cruise as a failure until they have actually completed their cruise. So much can change from one cruise to the next that it is actually really hard to properly determine how well or not well your vacation will go.

 

Although the last time I suggested going on the cruise before formulating an opinion I got yelled at, I'll happily suggest it again! :D

[theredwoodguy]

What's the lowdown on this ship. Reviews are horrible. Is it really that bad?

 

Nope. We had a great time. Didn't experience any of the issues that others had. Not saying they didn't exist, but we didn't experience them. Dinner each night was great. We didn't really care for the menu the first night but the other nights were great. I have to laugh when others talk about lack of food because I gained about 6 lbs! :)

[edk136]

When I was on the ship. The talk from the crew was about this ship going to Cuba and it may happen sooner than initially thought. No one gave a specific date but it was not a secret.

 

The only way I would get on this ship again, is if I combine it with another cruise. I would not fly to Florida from Ohio just to get on this ship. I guess I can say I've sailed this ship but that's it. It's a shame because I actually received excellent service from several members of the staff and I would like to visit them again.

 

Eric

[Citymom92]

And this is why I always say that one should not mark their cruise as a failure until they have actually completed their cruise. So much can change from one cruise to the next that it is actually really hard to properly determine how well or not well your vacation will go.

 

Although the last time I suggested going on the cruise before formulating an opinion I got yelled at, I'll happily suggest it again! :D

 

And I will counter with I firmly believe that people emailing and phoning RCCL to ask what was being done NOW on behalf of the thousands who had yet to cruise, fixed the multitude of issues more quickly than they would have been otherwise. :p

 

So, sure, form an opinion of your cruise experience after you cruise, but don't let others intimidate you from trying to help rectify an unacceptable situation when you hear of it.

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

And I will counter with I firmly believe that people emailing and phoning RCCL to ask what was being done NOW on behalf of the thousands who had yet to cruise, fixed the multitude of issues more quickly than they would have been otherwise. :p

 

So, sure, form an opinion of your cruise experience after you cruise, but don't let others intimidate you from trying to help rectify an unacceptable situation when you hear of it.

 

I didn't mean for it to come off that way. There is no problem with attempting to rectify the situation before hand. I just try to keep people positive by stating that so many things can change that it is best not to get too worked up prior to your cruise (whether those changes have been addressed by you or not), because many of times, major issues are addressed by the actual cruise line rather quickly. Instead of claiming your cruise will be horrible before even boarding, try to remain optimistic and look at what you can do to make the best of it. Sometimes people would rather not hear that, but I think it's good.

 

Hope your cruise goes well! :)

Edited June 15, 2016 by OfTheSeasCruiser

[gdrmab]

Thx for the info. Glad to hear things are getting better!!

[swim13]

We are also on the July 23rd Cruise, my wife and I were completely sold on RCCL after taking the Liberty last year. We were diehard Carnival people but they have gone downhill as of late. Now I am freaking out that booking on this ship might have been a complete mistake!!!!! The reviews are awful, you can't find any info on the ship online and this board has just bashed the Empress terrible. I thought RCCL was a class act and could not wait to get back on but now I'm definitely second guessing. Is there anyone who has current info on the condition of the ship?

 

If you loved Liberty, I would not venture off to a ship like Empress. You should definitely check out the Oasis class or Quantum class and you won't be disappointed! I am so used to the new big girls that I know Empress would just never live up to past experiences!

[morganboys]

we are sailing the empress on Monday and are looking forward to it. there are several folks on a few other sites that have sailed recently and posted positive reviews so things are getting better and people are enjoying this ship. For all of you folks cruising on the empress in July, I will give you the low down when we get back.

[Paulette3028]

I was on the May 28 sailing. I am not trying to be negative or unpleasant, but it might be a good idea to take a battery-operated fan and a variety of pre-packaged snack food. Seriously.

 

I can say that many people on even the larger ships have taken battery operated fans and pre-packaged snacks. I took prepackaged snacks for a few cruises in our past, when I wanted to make sure I had some snacks to take on shore excursions with me....it sometimes is difficult to snacks off the ship....I was always afraid that they would not have granola bars (eg) that I would like as snacks. This is just my personal experiences on bigger ships.

[John&LaLa]

I can say that many people on even the larger ships have taken battery operated fans and pre-packaged snacks. I took prepackaged snacks for a few cruises in our past, when I wanted to make sure I had some snacks to take on shore excursions with me....it sometimes is difficult to snacks off the ship....I was always afraid that they would not have granola bars (eg) that I would like as snacks. This is just my personal experiences on bigger ships.

 

That's not what she meant. :eek: August is out, have you booked?

Edited June 16, 2016 by John&LaLa

[Paulette3028]

That's not what she meant. :eek: August is out, have you booked?

 

Yes we did ....this morning, so on August 25 we board....I would have liked a little better price, but not terrible, and we got one of the 6 largest outside cabins. It actually in sq footage is the same as a JS.

 

Since this morning when we booked, the price for cabins has gone up.

[John&LaLa]

Yes we did ....this morning, so on August 25 we board....I would have liked a little better price, but not terrible, and we got one of the 6 largest outside cabins. It actually in sq footage is the same as a JS.

 

Since this morning when we booked, the price for cabins has gone up.

 

290 sqft? Or did you mean the JS size on Empress. I think we had a JS on Nordic Empress. We started out with an OV and an inside, but we had toilet issues they couldn't fix and moved us to balcony cabins for the second half of the trip

Edited June 16, 2016 by John&LaLa

[Paulette3028]

290 sqft? Or did you mean the JS size on Empress. I think we had a JS on Nordic Empress. We started out with an OV and an inside, but we had toilet issues they couldn't fix and moved us to balcony cabins for the second half of the trip

 

The outside cabin we have (not a balcony) is the same sq footage as a JS on Empress. It is an L-Shaped cabin, quite interesting. The price for a balcony cabin, which was actually less sq footage than what we booked is smaller, and it did not make sense to book a JS for the price they wanted -- the double points were NOT worth the money.

 

I won't sail without a window in my cabin. If they want to upgrade to a JS, I will gladly take it.

[DirtybirdDave]

Just off the boat, and my expectations after reading the reviews were exceeded. Never heard complaints of no A/C, plumbing issues, etc. Never waited in any long lines, had tons to eat, and while the entertainment was limited, it was very good. Yes, the staterooms are small, but we spent little time there. Have really nothing negative to say about our experience. All the kinks that needed to be worked out, have been. Next cruise will be back on a bigger boat, but not because of a bad experience on the Empress.

[Paulette3028]

Just off the boat, and my expectations after reading the reviews were exceeded. Never heard complaints of no A/C, plumbing issues, etc. Never waited in any long lines, had tons to eat, and while the entertainment was limited, it was very good. Yes, the staterooms are small, but we spent little time there. Have really nothing negative to say about our experience. All the kinks that needed to be worked out, have been. Next cruise will be back on a bigger boat, but not because of a bad experience on the Empress.

 

Nice to hear a positive review. What do you mean when you say "the entertainment was limited'?

[Had2cruz]

Just off the boat, and my expectations after reading the reviews were exceeded. Never heard complaints of no A/C, plumbing issues, etc. Never waited in any long lines, had tons to eat, and while the entertainment was limited, it was very good. Yes, the staterooms are small, but we spent little time there. Have really nothing negative to say about our experience. All the kinks that needed to be worked out, have been. Next cruise will be back on a bigger boat, but not because of a bad experience on the Empress.

 

Woohoo and welcome back! So glad you had a good cruise!:):)

[DirtybirdDave]

Smaller boat means fewer evening entertainment options due to fewer locations to host them. The 4 we saw were all good, but as a negative, the Royal Theatre is constructed awkwardly. There are a lot of seats that don't offer a great view. We saw both comedians, and both were kid friendly. We also watched the 2 shows featuring their singers and dancers.

[John&LaLa]

The outside cabin we have (not a balcony) is the same sq footage as a JS on Empress. It is an L-Shaped cabin, quite interesting. The price for a balcony cabin, which was actually less sq footage than what we booked is smaller, and it did not make sense to book a JS for the price they wanted -- the double points were NOT worth the money.

 

I won't sail without a window in my cabin. If they want to upgrade to a JS, I will gladly take it.

 

Aren't the only balcony cabins designated as JS and up.

 

Also, I know it looks bigger, but where do you see the sqft for those F1 cabins? Still 4 of those left, you must be on Deck 9 ;)