We enjoyed a very interesting and relaxing cruise of the Eastern Mediterranean (Nov 2007) on board of Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas. This ship is a relatively large (or small depending on your point of view) (70 K tons). Nowadays this tonnage is being dwarfed by others already in service and some others planned to be larger than aircraft carriers (200 K tons). I will give you a summary of the ship in case you are considering it for future cruises. The ship was built in 1996, but it still looks pretty new and will please those who like the classical cruise style. I will only describe those features that are attractive to me, i.e., rooms and dining. I cannot judge the entertainment aspect, it probably varies with each trip and it’s more or less the same in all large cruise companies.
Regular Cabins or Staterooms: Not large but adequate, approximately 150 square feet are comfortable and practical. Feature a small sitting area and sufficient storage space. They have TV, phone, hairdryer, safe and toiletries. Robes are not available in the regular staterooms but I was told they are offered in the suites. Many outside cabins have balconies. Cabin service was excellent, unobtrusive and thorough.
Dining: Service and cuisine are excellent. It is not outstanding, if you expect a 5 star Michelin restaurant you will not get it. I found the food to be hearty, healthy, good, and abundant. Service at dinner in the Dining room (The King and I, what a silly name) was impeccable. There were vegetarian options on every lunch and dinner menu.
Breakfast and lunch buffets are served in the Windjammer Café (cafeteria style, mostly self-service) were really excellent. The cafeteria also serves as an alternate, casual dinner venue (it is open most of the day). There's a hot dog and hamburger grill near the pools (one indoor and one out door, both with hot tubs).
Public Rooms and Others: There are many and you never got a crowded feeling. Everything looks very clean and tidy (and this is not a new ship). Splendour of the Seas has a nice gym, with many treadmills and exercise bikes, step machines, etc. A second room offers aerobics and free weights. There is a spa installation aboard. Besides fitness pursuits, the cruise staff conducts a large number of games, competitions and other activities. Also there is a18-hole miniature golf course and a climbing wall.
Excursions, embarkation and disembarkation: All were very well organized and there were no complaints.
Dress Codes: Only two formal nights out of seven. Most men wore regular suits instead of tuxedo, and women choose cocktail dresses or simple outfits. The remaining nights are casual, with sport shirts and slacks recommended for men, and sundresses and khakis for women.
Passengers: Royal Caribbean typically appeals to all ages including families with children. On our cruise the median was around 55, probably older that usual as this was not during school vacations. Most passengers were North-Americans closely followed by “UKese” (I was told that “Britons” may not be politically correct, sounds funny!) and assorted Europeans and South/Central–Americans.
(2 votes)
