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Royal Caribbean International (page 2 of 11)
Ovation of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, etc...Reviewer Photos & Videos
- Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas
- Verified customer
Non Flexible Policies
We had to move our cruise due to a personal situation. Don't get trapped with Royal Caribbean non refundable deposit. They are a completely inflexible company and will not work with you in offering a cruise credit. I recommend taking your vacation money elsewhere as we will be.
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A total rip off
10 day south pacific cruise $2500.00 each no fridge in room, rip off drink prices, food is average
high pressure sales tactics to pay for high end dining, poor entertainment, and their very generous 61 US
cents to the AUD . even thought the market that day was 68 cents . everything is in US dollars, got stung
buying a bag of 90 gram kettle chips $9.99 US dollars no wonder they don't put a price tag on them.
$2.00 US for a 500 ml bottle of water . $6.50 US to use the atm machine.
Would never go with them again .
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WheresBearSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 20 reviews
Really good experience for 1st time cruisers
We're a couple just turning 50 and decided on our first cruise - a 14 night repositioning cruise from Sydney to Singapore via Brisbane (our home city), Airlie Beach, Yorkeys Knob (Cairns), & Darwin in April 2018. The experience was overwhelmingly positive.
We booked online through www.ozcruising.com.au which was a clear and seemless process and highly recommend. We also booked all of our hotel, transport and return flight arrangements directly through the hotel and airline website after researching the comparison sites some time in advance...Read more
. I thoroughly recommend taking your time and spending serious time reading reviews and looking at the comparison sites before making a decision. Start planning far enough ahead and there are often good deals popping up along the way. We liked the idea of travelling on a larger ship with fewer kids and it was an absolute winner. Voyager is massive - about 3 times the mass of most of the P&O style ships out of Brisbane. We had an inside cabin but with a window overlooking the central shopping precinct that runs through the centre of the ship - amazing. However it was noisy later at night due to a band playing in the Pig & Whistle pub. Not being late night people this become a problem and we did raise our concern with the crew, Unfortunately we couldn't be moved until Darwin when alternative cabins became available but we we're indeed moved and received a significant credit for a future cruise. The ship - showing it's age a little being around 20 years old but nevertheless everything was working as intended and is indeed a beautiful and amazing vessel. Cabins we're fine - nothing overly special but clean and comfortable though who spends their cruise sitting in their cabin ... ? Be warned though - bring a travel plug adaptor with you to suit the power outlets! There was always cleaning going on in the common areas and constant reminders about handwashing. We had no concerns at any time about our health or cleanliness of the ship. The cabin attendants, restaurant staff and service staff generally - absolutely amazing. We felt like rock stars every step of the way. Always remembered our names, enjoyed a friendly chat and the service - 1st rate.
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TrishGreater Melbourne (Outer), VIC
- 4 reviews
Royal Caribbean’s misleading advertising in their cruise planners
I booked refreshment packages on two Royal Caribbean European cruises based on the price shown on the screen where you click on “add to cart”. However, this was not the price I was charged. Another 18% was added. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) states "If you promote a price that is only part of the total price of goods or services, you must also include the total price (as a single figure) at least as prominently as the part price. It is also illegal to represent to consumers that the price of a component or compon...Read more
ents is the total price. The single price must include any tax, duty, fee, levy or other additional charges." This was not done. The advertised price was CHANGED in the cart - it was not the same as the advertised price. We are loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers but this is the first time we have booked overseas cruises. Paying gratuities is a new experience for us. 18% is not exactly a drop in the ocean, we paid $159.74 more than the advertised price! Royal Caribbean continues to respond to my ongoing discussion that their FAQ page states "Any beverages purchased onboard sailings from Australia or New Zealand have service charges included in the listed price. Sailings from other countries may have additional service charges added." They also continue to assert that the amount of gratuities added was visible once you are IN the cart in small italic writing. I was logged into an Australian site specific to my cruise paying in AUD so it is misleading to not declare these charges UP- FRONT. You do not expect the price to be different in the cart. The ACCC has confirmed in writing to me that Australian Consumer Law provides consumers with the right to truthful and accurate representations when buying a product or service. This means that businesses must not mislead with statements that are incorrect or likely to give you the wrong impression. Royal Caribbean’s lack of knowledge about their obligations when declaring pricing in Australia is a concern. Insisting that they have fulfilled their obligations by stating gratuities MAY be added on a FAQ page or in fine print somewhere obscure is baffling. I have provided Royal Caribbean with many explanations and links to the relevant ACCC website pages. It is embarrassing for such a large organisation to be either disregarding the issue or not understanding what the requirements are. I have sent two emails with no reply, spent 57 minutes on the phone to no avail, and many private Facebook messages yet Royal Caribbean is dismissive. I now feel compelled to let others know about their misleading price advertising.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Terrible experience with booking and cancelling excursions
Our family booked a number of excursions for a recent trip to NZ. Unfortunately, we had to cancel the excursions, and received a letter from Royal Carribean advising the funds will be credited back onto our credit card. It has now been over 2 months since this letter and we still have not received the refund (of almost $4,000) despite multiple phone calls and emails from our travel agent. It has been an incredibly frustrating experience for both our travel agent and ourselves. The silence from the cruise line has been deafening. It is an unacceptable, unfair way to treat customers.
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kmacSydney Surrounds, NSW
- 2 reviews
Worst cruise I have ever been on
We booked of two adults four kids, it was 9pm at night when complained for the third time that there was only a double bed in the room.
Activities ran once per cruise, this means that if you miss laser tag it won’t be on again. Not to mention that you need to be five depite being advised prior to goING on that my kids could do everything
My four children 4 6 8 9 were too small for the slides or wave rider, again they didn’t share this information until you are on board
They were not able to go on any rides
Absolutely no kids activities by the pool
The 5pm kids movie was played and the band played underneath with the movie on mute....Read more
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petar3Sydney, NSW
- 2 reviews
First time on a cruise
I found the cruise OK nothing spectacular, I felt like things could of been organised better than what they are. For example activities more in particular sporting activities were just done without too much thought to make it better. Overall feel of this cruise felt like a production line.
One other thing I didn't like is, when you go to the chops resturant (which you pay for as an extra) and you order a cheesecake, you get the same cheesecake from the dinning room where you get it for free.
I find the staff are over worked, some work 12hrs 7da...Read more
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Tracey GSydney, NSW
Choose another Ship
The ship is old and only the specialty dining and shops are well maintained. You dress for the warm South Pacific weather but it’s absolutely freezing inside. We were all sick, my husband and daughter the worst. The ship was delayed due to stringent cleaning of gastrointestinal on the previous voyage but we were all struck down with either the flu or gastro. Our room was cleaned everyday but others areas likes drains had hair, food and rubbish. We will never ever cruise with RC again. Our stateroom Amir was wonderful but others were not friend...Read more
ly at all. The ships Director should of been checking all levels of the ship for cleanliness but preferred to be on film. There were filled glasses, and food plates left on deck 12 with liquor spilt over the running/walking tracks. The food at the Windjammer was the ships only saviour.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Julie JacksonTownsville
- 2 reviews
Cruise itinery not completed
This was our 1st cruise. What an awesome cruise. There is nothing we could reports as a bad experience. The food was delicious. The bed very firm but comfy, the staff all amazing and helpful and the entertainment fantastic.
However, due to the unfortunate incident on White Island the captain didn't complete the itinerary onto Dunedin and Milford sounds. Which was disappointing for the 4000 + passengers who were looking forward to this. $350 credit was not a sufficient reimbursement.
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Ben W.
- 3 reviews
Loyal to Royal but not all is sunshine and lollipops
19 Night Tanspacific 30 Sep - 20 May 19
Sailed onboard this beautiful ship before and was looking forward to this trip and I look forward to my next trip on her whenever that may be.
Let’s start with the bad and not so good then end with the good.
Being a person with a vision impairment I organised assistance to board the prior to sailing just to help navigate the boarding process however the Honolulu agent had no info of thus and failed to assist me lucky I was the only person boarding at the time and breezed through.
My room steward certa...Read more
inly was far below the standard I have to expect from RCL, it took him days to remove dirty dishes even with placing them in a neat stack. The room wasn’t cleaned the best, desk had glass stains on it and ice bucket/rubbish bin was a mess, these were easily clean with disinfectant wipes so simple things being missed. The dining room menu was a total mismatch every night, not common theme which is a change that I don’t like one bit.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Sophie
- 4 reviews
Exceptional cruise but issues with refunds
So much about this cruise was positive. Our aim was to take a family holiday and unwind and it ticked those boxes.
- staff at all levels were warm and welcoming
- excellent hygiene
- Great on board entertainment
- great variety of food choices
- we bought the dining package on board - winderland and chops grille were great and catered for kids at $15-20 aud per child
- shore experiences were expensive so we researched stuff ourselves and booked independent providers
- spa services are pricey and couldn’t justify $3aud/minute treatment!!!
- ports were just “ok”- but that’s personal taste! Mystery island the highlight...Read more
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KelbradSouth East Queensland, QLD
Constant upselling and expensive overpriced spa treatments
Overall trip was ok. Very interesting New Zealand ports. Great looking ship and was very clean. All staff were friendly except for the spa staff who were abrupt and unhelpful. Spa services were generally overpriced (they would charge an extra 18% for staff payment once you had booked in for the treatment). I noticed numerous unauthorised charges the day after disembarking the ship which I'm still trying to get reimbursed. If you travel with this cruise line constantly check your charge card.
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DissatisfiedCentral Queensland, QLD
Dissatisfied
A 12 day cruise of a lifetime (was a waste of money) We did not go to Duneden or cruise fiords. Volcano eruption, sad as it is, destroyed the cruise for the survivors. The information given and reasons why were subpar. Customer service personnel wouldn't give us wifi to contact family. Refunds for an incomplete cruise are a no go. Everything is geared for Americans. No Australian TV, no cricket, bad coffee, lackluster service, rude customer service, touting for services and tips. No counselling offered, the list goes on and on.
1 comment
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eep84South East Queensland, QLD
- 9 reviews
So Many Negative Experiences
We sailed on Ovation of the Seas in November 2022 and whilst the ship is impressive, the overall experience that Royal Caribbean provides is so very disappointing.
We knew that our young son was too young for kids club before going and we were fine with that - we wanted a holiday where he would be with us. BUT nowhere in any paperwork prior to boarding did it say that he would not be allowed in any of the pools because he's not toilet trained. Not even swimmer nappies were allowed. He so badly wanted me to take him in the water and I couldn't...Read more
because they would not let him in anywhere. It was heartbreaking. Because of that, there was literally nothing for him to do on board apart from run around the ship. Post-cruise the most disappointing thing is the fact that we paid Royal Caribbeans absolutely ridiculous prices for photos, only because they managed to get some very spontaneous, amazing shots of our son. BUT after paying around $249 Australian dollars for 10 photos - that's right, only 10 - they didn't send us the link to them as they said they would 4-7 days after the cruise ended. It took a couple of weeks of back and forth emailing to get them to find the link for us so that we could download the photos. AND THEN once we downloaded them, I noticed that they are only supplied in extremely compressed files sizes. Most were about 500kb in size which means if we even tried to blow them up any bigger than a normal size photo in an album they would look terrible and blurry. For $249 AUD Royal Caribbean really skimp on the end product. So far I've been on P&O and Carnival and I'm very surprised to say that I'd pick them over Royal Caribbean in the future. Yes, I know RC own Carnival but the experiences on board are vastly different in my opinon and RC really is no where near worth the extra money you pay. TLDR; Royal Caribbean are terrible for kids and their overpriced photos are not worth buying because the file sizes they deliver electronically are way too small to blow up to hang on a wall for example.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Unsafe and terrible security!
I was assaulted on board and the security refused to take me seriously. I demanded to have a medical examination where they then found multiple cuts/bruises etc. They did not punish the assaulter at all - they let him walk free. Royal Carribbean clearly do not care about the safety of their guests - I would not recommend this cruise line to anyone!
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Leanne B.Central West, NSW
Definitely not a Family ship nor a Friendly ship
If you are looking for a family cruise than this ship is not the one for kids under 6 or less than 42 inches. I booked on the Ovation based on the activities they had to offer the kids. On arrival my 3 1/2 year old was not allowed on the little kids water slides because he was not 42inches high. He was not allowed on the Bumper Cars because he was not 5 did not matter how tall he was it was based purely on age and they checked yet none of these restrictions were advertised prior to booking we only found out once we were onboard. My 13 year old ...Read more
went to at least half a dozen things they had scheduled for teens only to find no one there. So this left them the pool or Hot tub. There were 2 pools one of which was closed most of the time due to rough seas. So this left 1 pool with a max capacity of 21 people and there was 4500 passengers on board. There was than 4 Hot tubs available for under 16 years each with a maximum capacity of 9. The food was all very Asian and spicey and the menu barely changed from day to day over the 9 night cruise. Food was never overly hot, the hot water for tea and coffee was mostly only luke warm and drinks would run out and no one seemed concerned with replenishing them and had it not been for the ice added to your cold drinks they would have been hot. If you are a coffee lover make sure you pack your own the coffee onboard was terrible. Due to the ship operating in US dollars once you converted to Australian $ we were paying nearly AU$11 for a beer and nearly AU$14 for a Baileys and milk. Organisation and communication of disembarking on shore days and on departure was a joke with them advising you to meet in one place and than once that area is full telling you to move to another part of the ship. With the exception of our Stateroom attendant and a handful of wait staff I did not find the staff very friendly or helpful. Overall It was a very disappointing trip I thought I had paid for everything upfront with exception of drinks yet it seems they wanted money out of you for most things. Turned in to a very expensive trip for 9 and one I would never repeat.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
JohnSydney, NSW
Sent query to their site, never heard from them … frustrating customer service attitude ...
Sent query to their site, never heard from them … frustrating customer service attitude …
you can do any bookings at their site, not to mention frequently down website, could have flown to the moon by those time spent ….
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NiseySouth East Queensland, QLD
- 2 reviews
Don't Bother
After sailing on the new Spectrum of the Seas, I have to say this ship is definitely NOT for international guests. This is designed for the Chinese market. It was a fiasco to get on the ship in the first place and it just kept on going for 8 days. Getting off the ship into Japan was a circus.We have previously cruised to Japan and NEVER had drama like that before. RC lied about so many things on the ship eg visa requirements, authorisations on cc payment. 6 guest relation staff for 4600 guests. What a joke. Pushing in everywhere because they do...Read more
not understand about waiting your turn. Spitting, blowing noses straight onto decks and pool surrounds. Yuk. Dining in dining room very limited for international guests but lots of choices for Chinese. Extremely disappointing and would never recommend this ship for anyone other than Chinese guests. Expensive extras which are apparently not charged on other RC ships. Ship itself is very modern and our stateroom and steward were great. Think seriously before you book.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
KSattlerIllawarra, NSW
Caution of this company
Be careful of Royal - they are money hungry and have absolutely no compassion.
We planned our US holiday completely around this cruise. Unfortunately several weeks prior to our travel date my husband was unexpectedly diagnosed with recurrence of his cancer from a couple of years ago and we had to cancel our trip to undergo life saving treatment. Due to the timing of his re-diagnosis we were within the cancellation policy timeframes of significant loss for cruise payment. (Unfortunately due to the history of cancer our travel insurance won't cov...Read more
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BarrySydney, NSW
- 6 reviews
too many kids running around.
kids everywhere, and parents dont care what they do. Got discriminated against because I'm Male and wearing a singlet at lunch at a poolside restaurant whilst it was ok for ladies to wear a singlet.
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Questions & Answers
Bruceasked
Going on the ovation of the seas on the 5th Jan is it best to pay for my drink package before or pay on board the ship can you tell me the cost and how do I pay for it
1 answer
Cost is in American Dollars mate..$15 for a can of spirits and upto $50/ bottle of substandard wine. Better to buy a drinks package but watch out for hidden costs.
Keith S.asked
Leaving Sydney on 23 May for 12 night trip. Do I buy drinks package at $82 per day?? I do enjoy a drink!
What are the Australian prices per drink onboard? Would love some advice please.
Thanks
3 answers
If you buy it onboard on the first day they usually give you a buy one get 50% off it was costing us. The prices on board are all US$ so depending on the $ what it will cost you my cocktails were US$14 that was about AU$19. They are theives so your best bet if you like more than 5 drinks a day buy the package
Thank you for your reply. When did you sail? Was it recently??
Thank you
Hi Leanne
Does it mean you buy one full-price and get the second at 50% off? Or it will be 50% off the first day?
many thanks
john reeceasked
i am on a cruise to new zealand 19/11/19 i have been told the 18% gratuities do not apply on these cruises is this correct john
1 answer
The gratuities are included in there prices so a soft drink cost US$3.50, a beer US$7.50 and a cocktail or spirit between US$10 - US$14 convert that to Australian $
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Dissatisfied
Plus...Entertainment was on too late at night, Never again will we cruise on or with this cruise line.