RCCL offers solid -- and 'improved' -- cruise experience on Vision of the Seas
Having cruised for 20 years, it is refreshing to see that Royal Caribbean has maintained, if not enhanced, its level of service and cruise experience. A recent 12-night cruise of the western Mediterranean out of Barecelona offered a refreshing resurgence in service, food and organization. To be fair, this cruise may not be for everyone for several reasons. The itinerary originally included Nice, France, Rome, Venice, Salerno, Bologna, Italy and Kotor, Montenegro. Due to port conditions in Bologna, Split, Croatia was added to the itinerary. While the itinerary is outstanding, several of the ports are 60 to 90 minutes from excursion sites. Rome is a prime example as the port of Civitavecchia is easily a 90-minute ride depending on traffic. Also, as is the case with Mediterranean cruises, excursions are generally geared around historical sites including cathedrals and government buildings, so young children may not be interested in many of the excursions. Itineraries c