This was our 8th cruise on Royal Caribbean and as Diamond members we are really familiar with the way these ships work, both from the mahussive Oasis to the dinky Grandeur and Vision. What's always made the experience for us though has been the service for guests staying in suites - it's the reason we prefer RCL.

However Vision was frankly disappointing. There is a generally relaxed feel to the service, which is great sometimes but when you need something fixing or staff to go the extra mile, this relaxed attitude really grates. Getting a sunbed on deck on a sea day is impossible due to people reserving the beds and staff doing nothing to enforce the 30 min rule; getting waiter service on deck unless you are literally sat in front of the bar was impossible; navigating the many roped off areas in Windjammers became tiresome.

Jorge in the concierge lounge was friendly enough, and Jay the waiter was very entertaining, but unless you were staying in the Royal Suite (who we saw got amazing service), us lowly Owners Suite guests had to pretty much ask for everything and were disappointed most of the time. I wont go into the details, but when you are used to the legendary concierge service of Rahul (previous Freedom & Grandeur cruises), Vision wasn't anywhere near the same standard. In the end we tried the Diamond Lounge and whilst a little cramped, the service was much better. Read more