Sovereign - A Different Review

[Rocky Top]

Typical Review

We got back yesterday from a four night cruise on the Sovereign of the Seas. We had been on the Sovereign in 1995 and were concerned about her age. But like most of the reviews from CC members since dry dock, we found her to be fantastic. The boarding, food, entertainment, Cruise Director, crew, service, bedding, Crown & Anchor perks, itinerary, & debarkation were beyond my high expectations. (Have been on 7 RCI ships, 5 Carnivals, 2 Princess. 1 Celebrity and 2 Norwegian)

Review- A Different Perspective

This review is about compassion, caring and customer relationships.

1. We departed Monday at 5pm on our way to Coco Cay expected to arrive at 8am on Tuesday. About 7pm the Captain announced that we were going back to port because a crew member had fallen and was seriously injured. We were in the dining room when the announcement was made and there was a sense of compassion and concern from all the passengers and crew. No one complained about the change in the evening activities. The shops and casino had to close as we arrived back in US waters. We arrived back at the port around 10pm and the emergency crews were waiting to take the crew member to the hospital. We left port around 10:30pm and you could tell everyone was concerned around the ship. Later in the evening it was announced that the itinerary had to change because we could not get to Coco Cay by 8am and that Tuesday would be a sea day. Again NO COMPLAINTS.

2. Early Tuesday morning a revised Compass was issued to the cabins by the crew reflecting the last minute changes and the new activities for the day. Again NO COMPLAINTS. People’s vacations are sacred and change is sometime hard to accept but everyone was in a good mood and a lot of discussion about the injured crew member. At the Show on Tuesday evening Chris, the Cruise Director (the best we have had) announced that the crew member was going to be ok and said the passengers should be applauded for there concern all day about the situation. The audience applauded loudly about the good news.

3. We arrived in Nassau about 10pm on Tuesday evening and by 10:30 passengers were cleared to leave the ship if they desired to. Since we were going to be there 24 hours a lot of people left the ship to party at local bars. A lot of positive comments about being allowed to leave the ship on such short notice by the local authorities. Another At-a-boy to RCI.

4. Personal testimony about service and customer care: My brother in law had fallen before the cruise and injured his knee. On Monday & Tuesday it seemed to be getting worse rather than better. On Wed. morning he decided to go to the ship’s doctor to have it checked. The nurse & doctor were very friendly and caring. After the doctor checked his knee, he determined he had a very serious infection and needed to go to the hospital in Nassau immediately. The crew and RCI land based agents arranged for his transport to the hospital along with all the paperwork needed. The hospital was fantastic and he was back on board by 3:30pm. RCI and the ships agent were prepared to make any arrangements necessary in case he had to stay overnight and fly home. Again a demonstration of care & compassion.

5. On Wed. afternoon, the ship’s nurse called the cabin about his status and wanted the doctor to see him again Thursday morning. Everything is ok.

6. A much longer story could be told but the bottom line is that RCI should be commended for all the expressions of compassion, customer care and service. Also, the passengers were very adaptable to all the changes required and as Chris said should be applauded.

Happy Cruising,

Ron :)

[tortugas]

Nice story -- thanks for sharing!!! Good way to start my morning as I'm browsing for my next cruise :-)

[Yvonne]

If only more people would be as understanding and non-complaining. Sounds like everything was handled extremely well on your cruise.

 

On our January Mariner cruise some guy grabbed my husband's arm as we were walking through the Promenade. I didn't realize what had happened and continued walking, then saw he wasn't with me so turned around to see my poor husband standing there listening to this idiot rant and rave about what a terrible cruise it was!! Complaining about not getting to Grand Cayman (tenders weren't running because of the waves), complaining about the food, the entertainment, just everything! DH is not one to be rude, so he just stood there listening. I just shook my head and rolled my eyes! We had a FABULOUS time on the SAME cruise!! It's all in one's perspective.

[karisma99]

Sounds like you had a great bunch of passengers on your sailing. Like traveling with a large family! I seem to notice that more on the smaller ships. I love the Sovereign, haven't been on her in years.

 

Patty

[rangerdog]

Rocky Top: Glad to hear that RCCL was professional, compassionate and helpful. I'm sure it was a little nerve-racking having to take your BIL to a hospital in the Bahamas. So good to hear that RCCL helped you out! How is your BIL doing?

 

By the way, I've also been on the Sovereign!!;) My dad sent me, my dh and my mom on a girls only cruise several years ago. :D Wow, what a dad, huh?? ;) We really enjoyed the Sovereign and I have lots of great memories on her.

 

Thanks for the review! :)

[Rocky Top]

Hey Ranger Dog,

BIL is doing fine. His primary care doctor looked at him yesterday and said the ship doctor and the doctor in Nassau did a great job.

 

BTW, I sure wish someone would send me on a cruise. I will just have to do it the old fashion way - pay for it myself.

Happy Cruising

[sdear]

Very very nice review ! What a great idea to write it from that perspective.

 

In days everyone on the go and very stressed, it's nice to hear that ALL the passengers handled the changes so well. :)

 

Thanks for sharing

 

Sue

[Langley Cruisers]

Ron, so glad to read this positive review on what certainly could have been "the worst cruise ever" for so many people. I'm glad you had a good time. You sound like someone who looks for a silver lining in every situation, and who makes the best of things.

 

Glad to hear BIL is doing better.

 

God bless,

Karen