Empress of the Seas...just back

[robintennis]

Just got back...hellish flights back.....but do read on!!!

 

We travelled with 4 teenagers and had 2 cabins. Balcony cabin 9156 and exterior cabin(no window) 8163....if you have any specific questions let me know. The cabins were smallish, but with 8 port days + embarkation/debarkation, how much time do you actually spend in the room during the day.

 

The ship is certainly smaller than the average. It is well laid out and finding your way around is easy. The beauty of a smaller ship is also....NO lineups.!!! The service was good, not exceptional just good. The food as well was good, however the evening menu was somewhat limited from what I remember about RCCL. (it has been awhile since I sailed with RCCL). There is only 1 dining room, only 1 pool, and the casino is midship on the 6th deck...so you have to go through the casino to get to the other side. There are no tween decks on this ship. It is showing a bit of wear and tear, but doesn't appear to be rundown. Also plenty of open areas with a couple of sofas, or chairs on almost every deck. So you could grab a cocktail, a book or just sit and gaze out at the ocean/port.

 

The entertainment was okay...with the exception of Mr. Marty Allen and his wife Karen. Marty was the headliner and he was magnificent. There was also a violinist, a magician, 2 different comedians on 2 different nights, the Karaoke finals and 3 dance shows.

 

We arrived in Puerto Rico a day in advance and spent the night at the Marriott in the Condado area....great facility. They really do take care of you.

 

Embarkation was quick and easy. They really have it set up nicely. The line was all of 5 minutes...a bit of paper shuffling,then on to the ship. Do fillout the online forms at RCCL's site. Apparently this is what makes it so smooth. Debarkation was equally fast and smooth...one of the quickest we have ever had.

 

St Maarten. We have been here before and chose to wander the downtown area and then hit the beach in the port. Nice day, no vendors bothered us.

 

St Kitts one of my favorites. Wandered around town again and hit the beach. There are several around. The Atlantic side is very high waves, so stick to the Caribbean side if you want a nice beach day.

 

Antigua. Another great island for beaches and a bit of shopping however, we chose the Stingray excursion. The fellas running that are fun and make the experience very enjoyable. DD was terrified of the Stingrays and the guide, Bernie, stayed close to her almost the whole time.

 

St. Lucia. WE chose the Brig Unicorn Pirate ship....we have taken this one before and had just as much fun this time. The 4 teenagers had a blast. Once at the island, they have a treasure hunt and you can visit the fort ruins at the top of the hill. There is also some old army barracks and some more ruins to the right of the dock, with a little bar called the Cellar. Very much enjoyed our stop there. This is an excellent, fun tour.

 

Barbados.... This is a spectacular island for beaches. We visited Malibu beach this time. We got going fairly late in the day and never had an opportunity to visit the downtown area. It is a nice duty free shopping spot.

 

Day at Sea....nice lazy day by the pool. There was lots of room at the back of the ship and up on deck 11 for chairs. I didn't feel it was crowded.. the beauty of the smaller ships.

 

Margarita Island. All excursions were filled this day...so guess what we did...yup...beach day. The beach is right beside the dock, so is very convenient. There are vendor stands set up. Great prices for trinkets and also for pearls. Live entertainment and the water is very shallow. Not a busy spot, so was enjoyable.

 

Curacao....This is the first time we were there. Great spot. Super friendly people. We did a snorkelling excursion. I had heard that snorkelling is the best in Curacao and I would absolutely agree with that statement. Clear water, an abundance of fish and beautiful natural coral. We snorkeled around a site that had an old ship sunk. Followed a few turtles as well.

 

Aruba....We have been before, so headed right to the snorkelling, then the beach. There is a sunken German Cargo ship from WW2 as well as a reef that we snorkelled. Then hit the hotel strip and spent the rest of the day doing that.

 

Day at Sea...the last day was at sea. Again, due to the size of the ship and amount of people, not a huge problem with deck chairs. There was the regular entertainment ...sexiest legs, etc.

 

The flights were with Air Canada...they were late, so our connections in Toronto were never met. They put us up at the Sheraton, we had all of 4 hours sleep then shoved us on a plane the next morning. Then....lost all of our luggage. Hopefully it arrives on the next flight out.

 

The kids had a blast....participated in "The Quest"....OMG....they were hilarious. They had heard about this Quest so begged to go to the show. I relented and then the little beggars signed up. It was a scream. They had ladies taking off their bras for them...men taking out their shoe laces...had the 2 16 year old boys up dirty dancing...I apologized to the cruise director Warren the next day....I thought the boys were going to knock him over in their enthusiasm to get to the stage first.

 

Our Cabin steward was slow with everything...the invitation to the Mix & Mingle arrived later in the evening (about 8 pm) and mix & mingle was scheduled for 5:00, so missed it.!!!

 

All in all it was a satisfactory cruise. We took this cruise for the itinerary and we were not disappointed at all. I would take this cruise again.

 

Those wanting to take this must realize...this is a smaller ship...there are not a lot of spanky shows and entertainment...it is an itinerary intensive cruise.....the ship is older...because of it's size, any kind of wave action will be felt.

 

If anyone has any questions.....fire away and I will do my best to answer

 

Happy Holidays to all.

 

Robin

[Retired not Expired]

Were there two formal nights as some have been reporting or three?

 

How bad did you find the vibration from the prop and did it smooth out after a bit?

 

Thanks for your review. Six weeks and we'll be on it.

[Jimbo]

That ship sure does rock and roll doesn't it.....Doesn't take much either and you can sure tell you are on a ship when you sail on her.

 

Jimbo:)

[CathyG]

Thanks for a great review. I''m glad you and the kids had a good time. In your roll call I asked a few questions and I'm going to ask them again to compare what is different from last year.

 

1. We got to Curacao at 9 not 11 - what time did you get there?

2. Captain said we'd see the Pitons around 6am but by then we were docked.

Did you get to see them from the ship?

3. Left Margarita Island between 4-4:30, not 3. What time did you leave?

4. Who is the Captain now?

5. Do you know if there were safes in the rooms?

 

Thanks for answer my questions. Cathy

[nfused2cruze]

Thanks for the review. I don't think I'll ever be on Empress-I'm still investigating the Radience class and from there I'll be going to the Voyager class. Yet your review still helps me appreciate all that RCI offers.

[bulldogmom]

My DH and I will be taking this same cruise early in 2007 so I have some questions if you don't mind. First of all which nights were the formal nights (like which ports were you in) we are planning on renewing our wedding vows when we are in port in Aruba and I was just wondering if that night would be a formal night so if you could answer that I'd appreciate it.

 

Next, did you notice any foul odors onboard?? I have read several posts that say it is a good idea to bring like a Glade Plug in or something along because of the smell.

 

Thanks so much for the review, I like hearing how other people's trips go, especially when I'm going to go on the same one soon.

[Laoghaire]

Hi Robin...Great report. Our Meet and Mingle invite didn't arrive until the day after! So Ed and I were in the Viking Crown when we should have been in Boleros ( they changed the location!), Ed and Sue were there with us, wondering where everyone was--it didn't occur to us "they" would change the meeting place. So we chatted for 1/2 hr. and then they had to go to 6pm dinner. We did meet up with Brad and Karen, and they were notified in time of the change and met Suzy there. and a few others. They were wondering where we all were! Look on Meet and Mingle, our cruise, for his report...I kept looking for a family of six!....Helen

[rilwally]

My DW and I just got off the same cruise. We were in cabin 3630 with a window. We always try to stay low in the ship because the ride is much smoother. DW is very prone to motion sickness but had no problem on this cruise. They did have a prop problem a couple of times. They said the pitch control was acting up, but for the most part it was ok.

We felt this was the friendliest crew we have ever been involved with. Krishna was our Head Waiter and he was a blast. He loved to tease and be teased. He told us what ever we wanted he would get it for us, and he did. We travel with 3 other couples, all in our 70's, we don't drink, but we have more fun then anyone else on the ship. We were at table 14, Enderson was our waiter and was incredible. Allen our assistant waiter was brand new so we had to train him.

The Captain is Frank Magneson, only 39 years old, but very personable. The Cruise Director is Warren Allen and is very good. The shows were enjoyable. The last night was a group 'The Happinings', a 1960's group their big hit was 'Till We Meet in September' or something like that. They were very good. All in all it was an excellent cruise.

This is my first post but we have been on 21 cruises, 7 on RCCL.

[dolfinmusic]

Thanks for the review! We just booked the Empress sailing to Bermuda next Sept! First time sailing on RCL!

 

I am sure this has been asked before so sorry if I missed it but besides water and coffee - what did the Empress offer to drink anytime? Iced tea, hot tea, milk, choc milk, hot chocolate - any of these things??

 

Also - did you order anything from room service or take notice of what they offer???

 

Thanks!!!!!

[robintennis]

Hi all.....just a quick response to the questions

 

dolfinmusic....icetea and lemonade were available all day...juices in the morning....the 4 teens were allowed milk, white & chocolate any time they asked for it and the waiter Sandeep & assistant Antonio (who will be a waiter on this weeks cruise for the 1st time) brought them their favorite concoctions every night...cranberry + seven up, coke + grenadine, lemon/lime + apple(yuck) every evening ....there was also an assortment of hot teas. I'll get back to you on the room service. DH & I ordered in the morning and did put in special requests for omellete fillings and I love lox/bagel/cream cheese...this was always accommodated without question. The teens ordered room service everynight, so I'll post some of the menu once they get home from school.

 

 

Laoghaire...too bad we never got together....if you went to the second show on Marty Allen's night...Karen his wife, kept saying "Are those all your young'uns"...well, that was us up front. What a great show he presented...Do you know that Warren, the cruise director, actually made arrangements for me to go backstage and meet Marty & Karen....Marty was fabulous and has sent us a video of some of his performances & a fishing show that he had done, where everything that could go wrong, Did .....hilarious.

 

bulldogmom...formal nights are St. Martin & Aruba...there were only 2 formal nights...I had actually expected 3 because of some of the previous posters....however, 2 is the number. The balance are divided equally between casual & smart casual. I really didn't smell anything foul, perhaps stale, but not foul. I might bring an air freshener for the closet, but that would be all.

 

nfused2cruze...thank you...I personally like the smaller ships and the busy itineraries, but can appreciate that not everyone does. My plane travel is 15+ hours, so I try to take advantage with whatever time I have + with teenagers you have to keep them busy.!!!!

 

CathyG....1. We were scheduled for 11 but actually got in a bit early, maybe 10ish. 2. I didn't get up early enough for the Pitons, but have seen them before. Sorry, can't answer that...anyone else possibly???...3. We left Margarita Island at 3:00pm...I really liked the beach at that spot. And the live entertainment, I thought the people there tried so hard to make an enjoyable day for all of us. 4.The temporary Captain was Frank Martenson(sp)...the original captain was away on vacation and is sceduled to return on the next cruise out....5. There were safes in both our staterooms...both the balcony one that DH & I shared and the interior that the teens shared.

 

Retired not Expired....I agree that there was a bit of "motion in the ocean", but not unbearable. There were some vibrations while leaving ports and the captain referred to it as a pitch..again nothing unbearable. I tend to feel the ocean if it is bad and had no problems other than one evening (could have been the bottle of bubbly to be honest) and the teens never complained once....only 2 formal nights

 

For all those travelling in the future.....have a great trip, you'll enjoy this ship. It is smaller, but very friendly.

 

Any other questions let me know..

 

Happy cruisin'

[dolfinmusic]

Great! Thank you so much for the info!!! ;)

[Jazzfman]

Although we like the Empress I think we are spoiled by the bigger ships (balcony cabin, promanade, sports deck) and would only do the Empress for a 5 or shorter day cruise....

FYI The Happenings hits were See you in September and I got Rhythm....did they look old enough to be original group members?

[ckrobyn]

Great review - thanks!

 

Which Marriott in the Condado area? Did you like the hotel?

[CathyG]

Robintennis - thanks so much for answering all my questions. Cathy

[robintennis]

ck Robyn....I only know of one Marriott in the Condado area on Ashford....and yes I did like the hotel...the pool area is great, the beach is good unless it is a red flag day and then it is ferocious. The beds are as soft as they advertise. They also have connecting rooms, for those that travel with kids/family. The price included breakfast buffet which was great and the Condado area is great to walk around in.

 

Jazzfman...I always take the longer itinerary or I'll do back to back cruises. The teens have made me promise a bigger ship like the Freedom for the next cruise....I'll think about it....We have salied the larger Princess ships and have been pleased with the service and ammenities.......The Happenings, we didn't make it to the show. I had to pack for 6 and wanted to get a good start before the late seating dinner, so missed it.

 

Robin

[alexeliz]

what are pitons?

[Retired not Expired]

what are pitons?

 

Some natural rock spires standing high in the air. A natural landmark kind of like Chimney Rock out in Nebraska.

[ckrobyn]

Robin -

 

Thanks for your reply.

San Juan confuses me.....where exactly is the Condado?

We are staying at the Marriott Courtyard in Isle Verde...

[robintennis]

ck robyn

 

The Marriott Condado is closer to the ship area...and if you are a walker, you can walk from this area to old San Juan..it is a hike but we have done it many times.

 

The Marriott Isla Verde is closer to the airport. We stayed once in Isla Verde, but not at the Marriott.

 

My personal preference is Condado, but that could be because out of the 10 years we have travelled to Puerto Rico, we have stayed in this area 9 times.

 

Robin

[robintennis]

ck robyn

 

The Marriott Condado is closer to the ship area...and if you are a walker, you can walk from this area to old San Juan..it is a hike but we have done it many times.

 

The Marriott Isla Verde is closer to the airport. We stayed once in Isla Verde, but not at the Marriott.

 

My personal preference is Condado, but that could be because out of the 10 years we have travelled to Puerto Rico, we have stayed in this area 9 times.

 

Robin

[robintennis]

ck robyn

 

The Marriott Condado is closer to the ship area...and if you are a walker, you can walk from this area to old San Juan..it is a hike but we have done it many times.

 

The Marriott Isla Verde is closer to the airport. We stayed once in Isla Verde, but not at the Marriott.

 

My personal preference is Condado, but that could be because out of the 10 years we have travelled to Puerto Rico, we have stayed in this area 9 times.

 

Maybe have a peak at Mapquest.

 

Robin

[robintennis]

ck robyn

 

The Marriott Condado is closer to the ship area...and if you are a walker, you can walk from this area to old San Juan..it is a hike but we have done it many times.

 

The Marriott Isla Verde is closer to the airport. We stayed once in Isla Verde, but not at the Marriott.

 

My personal preference is Condado, but that could be because out of the 10 years we have travelled to Puerto Rico, we have stayed in this area 9 times.

 

Maybe have a peak at Mapquest.

 

Robin

[kathywin53]

Thanks for the review Robin....we are sailing Empress in March and find your comments very interesting...we are looking forward to cruising a smaller ship, having experienced voyageur and radiance classes.

You said disembarking was quick, what time did you get off the ship..we have a noon flight home and are concerned this is too early.

We also have at this point early dining, but enjoy being on deck for sail away from ports...was departure mostly on time and if so is the view from the dining room any good. We are still discussing changing to late dining.

If Aruba was a fromal night, departure at 11pm..were many people still ashore??

[robintennis]

First of all....my apologizes to all...not sure what happened with the stutter

 

kathywin53....disembarking was very quick...we were off the ship a lot quicker than we have ever been....by 10:00ish for sure.

 

My understanding is that with early flights out, there is special consideration given to those passengers. I know that some people that we had met up with on this ship, had a very early flight. They were told by teh Purser's desk, that they would be the first ones off the ship, once customs were cleared. They were also told to keep all their luggage over night, if possible, so they wouldn't have to deal with finding it the next morning.

 

I believe departure was on time except for one island, I think it was St. Kitts, there was a problem with a group of passengers being late and the captain was kind enough to wait for them.

 

The view from the dining room is spectacular, particularly if early enough to see out the back windows. Once on board, head straight for the dining room and meet with the maitre'd. Get him to seat you right next to the windows, if you are not already at a suitable table. We also moved our seating around first thing upon arrival. He was most accommodating for us.

 

We had late seating, so not sure how many people were still on the island at first seating. I know that we were. I think it was about 7:30 when we got back to the ship. What I found really strange was that most shops close at 6:00pm.???? I thought that was a bit early.

 

If you have any more questions, let me know.

 

Have a great trip

 

Robin

[kathywin53]

Thanks, Robin..I will take your suggestion to see the maitre'd and have the seating next to a window..covers both issues and will keep hubby happy.

Reading your posts makes me more excited to go on this cruise..it will be #7 and equally exciting..no vacation quite like cruising..Kathy