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Dubai Experience, only if you can afford it
1 of 1 people found this review informative
 
Reviewed By: Lewis, Finchampstead on 9th Mar 2010
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruises Times cruised before: 3-5
Cruise Ship: Brilliance of the Seas Sailed: February, 2010
Destination: Dubai Age: 46-55
Cabin: Balcony
RCI used Virgin airways for our trip from heathrow, good flight except waited some 90 minutes before we even got offered a drink never mind some food! Arrived at Dubai 30 mins ahead of schedule so all was looking good, until we were dropped off at a very tatty 'hospitality suite' for light breakfast as we could not have access to the ship until 11am. the 'light' breakfast consisted of warm coffee or tea, juice, and plates of pastries with some plates of orange slices, pineapple and a few flies. Arrived at the ship to be told we could not have access to our cabin until 1pm so checked out the windjammer pulling our hand luggage with us. As this is our 3rd cruise with RCI (previous Independance of seas and Navigator) hoped we would not be disappointed as we knew this was a smaller vessell. Well we we NOT, excellent layout. the staff as always were smiling and always helpful. We ate in the Minstrel rest every night and only used the windjammer for breakfast and lunch. Our waiter and assist. waiter were the best we have ever had on any cruise. Cabin was clean, had a larger balcony than some, we were next to the lift's on deck 7 and next to the internet suite but no noise at all. Shows were good as usual,Gordon the entertainment director was as always 'very entertaining' had seen him previously on navigator as well as one of the shows Soul Sensation. Live music in the bars could of been better, but disco on top deck was really good. Down side? drinks still too expensive, and whether you go and buy or you are served they slap a 15% gratuity on every drink. Ports of call need a shuttle bus to get you to the end of pier as you were not allowed to walk, that was free, but then you need either taxi or another bus to get you to the main town , eg Bahrain, free shuttle then another shuttle at a cost of 21$ each way per person, total rip off, hence we did not do any excursions and either shared cab with others or did not get off and enjoyed the sunshine lying by the pool. As for Dubai, amazing but VERY expensive, and as for tax free bargains forget it, only things that are cheap is gold, petrol and cars! Plenty of Uk shops to visit in their fantastic malls but mostly more expensive than home. Saw a bag in River Island UK price £69, Dubai price after conversion £77,(5 drm to £), so window shopping only,just had to see the amazing snow dome in the Emarate's mall, people in fur coats on ski's as we are there watching them in tshirts and shorts, Madness!
Quality of Food4
Windjammer for breakfast and lunch, plenty of choice
Entertainment5
Soul sensation EXCELLENT MOTOWN GROUP Excellent couple from Cirque Soleil Very good magician, new, young and clever
Shore Excursions1
Didn't do any, far too expensive. Shuttle buses should be included in cost of cruise, some were $7 each way, some were $21 each way
Staff5
Maurice, 2nd sitting, Minstrell restaurant, table 430 EXCELLENT, best waiter we have ever had on any cruise.
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities1
Judging Men's legs by the pool, and watching men do belly flops in pool, poor activities, is this the best RCI can do?. Wasn't worth getting off my sunbed for! Enjoyed the golf.
Cabins4
Large enough for the 2 of us, plenty of wardrobe space, clean.Shame about the paper cups!!
Overall Rating4
1 of 1 people found this review informative
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Comment by Evans, Arundel Hills (13 Mar 10 09:25) about this REVIEW
Dubai may be expensive for some purchases but if you like jewellery go to the New Gold Souk. There are so many beautiful shops and the choice is wonderful. I purchased a top quality tanzanite and diamond ring priced at $6, 000. For 10 years I worked in a duty free jeweller's shop so I know the prices very well. My ring came with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee of A1 gems. Take your time, ask for the best price and buy something of beauty that will last forever.
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Comment by Williams, Wallasey (10 Mar 10 09:28) about this REVIEW
My husband and I are going on this cruise on 15th March so thanks for your informative review. I just wanted to mention the 15% service charge added to the drinks, as we meet a couple on a Carnival cruise last year that had prepaid their tips when they booked as we did and disputed having to pay the 15% again. They did receive a full refund at the end of the cruise. It also says in the RC small print that service charges are discretionary and can be adjusted when on board.
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Comment by Williams, Molesey (15 Mar 10 21:07) about a COMMENT by Williams (10 Mar 10 09:28)
Hi, first to mention that RCI is not at all affiliated with the carnival corporation. And secondly, that the pre paid grats are only for the stateroom staff and waiters...it is not for the drinks. The extra 15% grats is for the bar staff only and that gets split amongst them evenly at end of cruise.
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Comment by Lewis, Finchampstead (11 Mar 10 08:51) about a COMMENT by Williams (10 Mar 10 09:28)
That may be the case with Carnival, although they are all the same company. We opted out of paying gratuities at the beginning, and when given the envelopes just paid who deserved it,eg our fantastic waiter had more than anyone. But every drink, even the wine package when you signed for had an extra 15%, plus I used the spa for a special $99 deal then had a 15% charge when I questioned the staff I was told it is obligatory.
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Comment by Butterworth, Chorley (10 Mar 10 10:46) about a COMMENT by Williams (10 Mar 10 09:28)
You can adjust the gratuity element paid to steward & waiter etc but the service charge on drinks in bars & restaurants, specialist coffee shop & meals in specialist restaurants and also visits to spa etc is non negotiable
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