It is not that the Empress of the Seas is bad, it is decidedly average. We selected Empress for the itinerary (Cozumel, Cienfuegos Cuba and an Overnight in Havana). We were happy with the cruise and would sail on her again if the itinerary and price were right.
Overall the ship was in good repair.
One thing I really didn't like was that I noticed a small error in the final bill and the guy at guest services went out of his way to be unhelpful in straitening it out. Still not sure it is correct.
The cabins are small which we knew when we booked. Originally booked an inside cabin however got cabin 7644 (obstructed ocean view) through the Royal Up program. Everything in the cabin was OK except that it has the capability of holding 4 people through the use of pullman beds. The problem with that is even when the pullman beds are up they stick out from the wall by multiple inches. Thereofore, if you have the beds together it is hard to get on either side of the bed without bending over.
The view is definitely obstructed, but you do get daylight.
The bathroom was small but workable. There was enough hot water in the shower.
Service was OK, not great.
We took the Jagua Fortress and City Highlights tour. It came with lunch which was OK. Definitely really liked the tour and tourguide. Did not care for some of the other PAX on the trip. NOTE: There is some walking on the streets and in the Fortress, I would not do the tour if you can't manage steps in the Fortress or walking a few blocks on the city streets.
There was a little time at the end to walk around the city center and do a little shopping. There are official Cuban Cigar stores near the town center, not a huge selection which is better in Havana. There are places to buy some soveniers from vendors on the streets.
NOTE: This was a tender stop for us. There was an Oceania ship at dock when our ship arrived so no room for us at the dock. On our way back one of the tenders had engine trouble so it took longer to get out of the port. Not sure why however, at this location the money changer was very pickey and would not exchange any US bills that were damaged or had extraneous marks. In the official cigar stores they ONLY take Cuban CUCs. ALSO, I believe that RC gave PAX who booked a shore excursion with them preference in boarding tenders.
Really liked Miami. Arrived around 1PM the day before the cruise and stayed in the Pelican Hotel in Southbeach on Ocean drive. Walked around the area looking at the art deco, went to the beach for an hour or two and had dinner in the area. Took a taxi from southbeach to the port.
On the return took the free enterprise rental car shuttle to the airport,stayed in Pembroke pines and toured the everglades and went back to miami beach to look around.