vision of the seas cruises 2022

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29 Ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet

Ship:  .

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Vision Of The Seas Overview

As you embark on Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas you are instantly transported to another place - a place where your concerns, cares and worries are whisked away. A cruise on Vision of the Seas is the ultimate getaway. Onboard you will experience amazing service, immaculate surroundings and exciting features. The ship has 8 bars and lounges, a casino and nightly shows in the Main Theater. The ship also has an extensive program for children and an expanded teen-hangout area. For an extra special event, check out Vision of the Seas’ jumbo movie screen on the pool deck where you can enjoy a spectacular movie with the wind in your hair. 

• Passenger Capacity: 2,050 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 1998
• Last Refurbished: 2022

Vision Of The Seas Cruise Destinations

With cruises to 72 countries on six continents, you can sail just about anywhere in the world with Royal Caribbean. This contemporary, innovative line offers unique and exciting itineraries that are designed to wow. They offer sailings that range from a tropical paradise to a thrilling tundra. Destinations include, but are not limited to: Alaska, Australia, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Panama Canal and South America. 

A truly blissful vacation filled with beaches, Bahamian customs, and sunshine awaits you on a cruise to the Bahamas.

Golf on the finest links and experience a vacation full of tropical delights when you cruise to Bermuda.

Seafood on the coast, historic villages and scenic lighthouse views—cruise to Canada and New England.

Southern Caribbean

Tropical cuisine, European influence through the islands, and incredible people are highlights of a cruise to the Southern Caribbean.

Vision Of The Seas Departure Ports

Royal Caribbean not only builds their ships to have a wow factor, but they also make their itineraries just as appealing.  Royal has ships stationed across the U.S. and in several international ports to give their passengers lots of opportunity to get to a cruise quickly and easily. You can cruise from Miami to Seattle or Perth to Rotterdam, there’s a departure port for you. Find out more about Royal Caribbean’s itineraries and ships when you contact a qualified consultant at The Cruise Web. 

Explore Baltimore’s rich history and culture as you visit the local neighborhoods which are home to important world changing events. 

Vision Of The Seas Deck Plans

Deck eleven, deck twelve, vision of the seas staterooms.

Balcony (1B)

Balcony (2b), balcony (3b), balcony (4b), balcony (nq), balcony (xi), balcony (xn).

Balcony (SG)

Balcony (xq), balcony (xb).

Balcony (D1)

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed with open bed frames, wider entry door, turning spaces, private balcony, sitting area with lowered vanity, closet rods, and safe, and a private bathroom with a wider door, roll-in shower, grab bars, fold-down shower bench, hand-held shower head, raised toilet, and a lowered sink.

Balcony (D2)

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed, private balcony, sitting area with sofa bed, and refrigerator.

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area, private balcony and private bathroom.

Balcony (X)

With this selection, you are guaranteed to receive a balcony stateroom, which could be in any balcony category (excluding suites), anywhere on the ship. Room assignments may be determined at any time after your reservation has been completed and paid in full up to the day of sailing.

Inside (1V)

Inside (2v), inside (3v), inside (4v).

Inside (ZQ)

Inside (1R)

Inside (zi).

Two twin beds that can convert to a Royal King size bed.

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed, vanity area, and a private bathroom.

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed.

Inside (6V)

With this selection, you are guaranteed to receive an interior stateroom, which could be in any interior category, anywhere on the ship. Room assignments may be determined at any time after your reservation has been completed and paid in full up to the day of sailing.

Oceanview (1M)

Oceanview (1N)

Oceanview (2n), oceanview (3n), oceanview (4n).

Oceanview (CO)

Oceanview (YQ)

Oceanview (yo).

Oceanview (FF)

One bedroom with lower twin beds, one bathroom with shower, living area with double sofa bed and lower two twin beds that convert to Royal King. Capacity up to 6 guests.

Oceanview (1K)

Two sets of two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa bed, separate area with bunk beds and a private bathroom with shower.

Oceanview (F)

Two twin beds (can convert into queen-size), sitting area with sofa, vanity area and a private bathroom.

Oceanview (G)

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed with open bed frames, wider entry door, turning spaces, sitting area with lowered vanity, closet rods, and safe, and a private bathroom with a wider door, roll-in shower, grab bars, fold-down shower bench, hand-held shower head, raised toilet, and a lowered sink.

Oceanview (H)

Oceanview (fo).

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed, an additional twin bed, sitting area with sofa bed, and Pullman bed.

Oceanview (I)

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King and private bathroom.

Oceanview (6N)

Oceanview (PV)

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa, vanity area and a private bathroom. Over-sized window provides extended view. *Note: staterooms 7082, 7084, 7086, 7088, 7582, 7584, 7586, 7588 do not have floor to ceiling windows

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area with sofa, vanity area and a private bathroom. Oversized window provides extended view.

Oceanview (Y)

With this selection, you are guaranteed to receive an ocean view stateroom, which could be in any ocean view category, anywhere on the ship. Room assignments may be determined at any time after your reservation has been completed and paid in full up to the day of sailing.

Grand entrance with doorbell. Bedroom with king-size bed, and private bathroom with whirlpool tub, private balcony, living room with queen-size sofa bed and baby grand piano. Sleeps up to 4 guests

Marble entry with door bell. Queen-size bed, bathroom with tub. Separate living area with a queen-size sofa bed

One bedroom with lower twin beds, one bathroom with shower, living area with double sofa bed and lower twin beds that convert to Royal King. Up to 6 guests.

Queen-size bed, private balcony, separate living area with queen-size sofa bed, refrigerator, bar, and bathtub.

Separate bedroom with king-size bed, private balcony, whirlpool bathtub, living room with queen-size sofa bed and baby grand piano.

Two bedrooms with twin beds that convert to Royal King size beds, two bathrooms (one with bathtub), living area with double sofa bed and Pullman bed, refrigerator, and private balcony.

Two bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to Royal King, two bathrooms (one with shower, one with bathtub), living area with double sofa bed and two Pullman beds, and a private balcony.

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed, private balcony, sitting area with sofa bed, refrigerator, and bathtub.

Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed, private balcony, sitting area with sofa bed, refrigerator, and bathtub. Accessible rooms include two twin beds that convert to a Royal King size bed with open bed frames, wider entry door, turning spaces, private balcony, sitting area with lowered vanity, closet rods, and safe, and a private bathroom with a wider door, roll-in shower, grab bars, fold-down shower bench, hand-held shower head, raised toilet, and lowered sink.

Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, private balcony, sitting area with sofa bed and private bathroom with tub.

With this selection, you are guaranteed to receive a superior ocean view stateroom. Room assignments may be determined at any time after your reservation has been completed and paid in full up to the day of sailing.

Photo Gallery for Vision Of The Seas Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean’s ships are known for eliciting wows from passengers. Get a look at their innovative approach to cruising in this photo gallery that features the FlowRider, AquaTheater and Central Park.

Vision of the Seas

Fantasies Lounge

Schooner Bar

Top 10 Vision Of The Seas Cruises

Learn more about royal caribbean international.

Accessibility

Learn about accessibility-friendly accommodations made by Royal Caribbean for guests with special needs, dietary restrictions and more.

Savor dining aboard Royal Caribbean, including the Windjammer Café, main dining room and room service. Royal Caribbean also has many specialty restaurants and dining or beverage packages.

Entertainment

Enjoy Royal Caribbean's onboard entertainment, including Broadway at Sea, hi-tech Two70 shows, ice skating shows, AquaTheater Diving Shows, DJs, live music, dancing, parades, pool parties, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Have fun participating in Royal Caribbean's onboard activities, including sky diving and surfing simulators, sports courts, zip lines, rock walls, ice rinks, mini golf, pools, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, duty-free shopping and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Royal Caribbean takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Royal Caribbean's cruising awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax at Royal Caribbean's spa, onboard gym, fitness courses, boxing ring and jogging track. Royal Caribbean's spa has plenty of relaxing treatments like massages, facials and more.

Special Events

Learn about celebrating a special occasion or milestone with Royal Caribbean's special events at sea.

Explore Royal Caribbean's contemporary staterooms, including several classes of suite, balcony, oceanview and inside staterooms.

Youth Programs

Learn about Royal Caribbean's family-friendly experience with youth programs for children, including H2O zone, teen-only hangouts and themed experiences

Cruise Type

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ADVENTURE IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT

Vision of the seas.

Discover the best cultural getaways for getting up close and personal with new shores.

There’s a great big world out there full of new places to explore, and Vision of the Seas® is the perfect ship to see it from. Wherever you wander, it’s full of ways to make memories in between onshore adventures – like West End-style shows, dining that always hits the spot and activities that make every moment onboard wow-worthy. 

Big Deals on Big Adventures

Save big on some of the best cultural getaways in the world with these sailings.

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WORLD TRAVELLING SCENE-STEALER

You need more than just epic ports to have an unforgettable adventure. Because the journey is as important as the destination. From rush-inducing activities to world-class dining and exhilarating nightlife, fill your sea days and your nights with more to do, taste and experience in between each new shore – on Vision of the Seas®. 

SEAS THE DAY

Spend your time between ports pumping up the adrenaline as you scale the Rock Wall, unwinding at the adults-only Solarium and taking a dip in the pool. Or get your game on at the arcade.

EXPLORE ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

EPICUREAN EXPLORATION

Settle in for a far east feast at Izumi Sushi and contemporary Italian fare at Giovanni’s Table. Or upgrade your dinner plans with a tasting menu presented by the Chef de Cuisine at Chef’s Table.

EXPLORE ONBOARD DINING

NIGHTS DONE PROPERLY

The adventure of a lifetime calls for a celebration. Whether yours involves classic cocktails at R Bar, a party by the pool or all your favourite Broadway tunes in one show, you’ll find it onboard.

EXPLORE ONBOARD NIGHTLIFE

BOREDOM BUSTING GETAWAYS FROM BALTIMORE

Adventure is always on the itinerary onboard Vision of the Seas®. From the sun-kissed beaches of Bermuda to the tallest waterslide in North America on our award-winning private island, discover endless ways to max out memories.

A BOLDER TROPIC TREK

Bustling Baltimore  is the perfect jumping-off point for unforgettable escapes to the tropics. Explore the best of Charm City before or after you set sail. Whether you indulge in the famous Chesapeake Bay blue crabs or wander through the historical Inner Harbour, you’ll discover the perfect mix of big-city bustle and laid-back vibes.

EXPLORE CRUISES FROM BALTIMORE

TROPIC LIKE IT'S HOT

Set out on an island-hopping adventure to the Caribbean ’s top destinations onboard Vision of the Seas®. Soak up the sun along the post-card perfect pink-hued shores of Bermuda. Snorkel in the turquoise waters of The Bahamas . And dial up record-breaking thrills and endless ways to chill at our game-changing private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay .

EXPLORE BERMUDA CRUISES

EXPLORE MORE

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Vision Of The Seas deck plans

Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities.

Vision Of The Seas deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by Royal Caribbean deckplan pdf (printable version).

Each of the Vision Of The Seas cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on Vision Of The Seas staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.

Vision of the Seas (1998-built, last refurbished in 2022) is of the Vision-class Royal Caribbean cruise ships  – together with  Rhapsody OTS (sistership) and also  Enchantment OTS ,  Grandeur OTS ,  Legend OTS (now Marella Discovery 2) , Splendour OTS (now Marella Discovery) .

Note: CruiseMapper's Vision OTS deck plans are valid for 2023-2024-2025 (through April 18th).

Vision of the Seas cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 1018 staterooms for 2036 passengers (max capacity is 2443) served by 740 crew-staff. The boat has 12 decks (11 passenger-accessible, 5 with cabins), 8 lounges and bars, 3 swimming pools, 6 outdoor Jacuzzis (whirlpool hot tubs), 9 elevators.

Vision OTS deck plan changes 2013 refurbishment review

The list of deckplan changes after drydock 2013 (October) included:

• new lounges (“Concierge” and “Diamond”)
• new dining options were added - “Park Cafe" (complimentary deli restaurant) and the specialty restaurants “Chef’s Table” (gourmet dining package), “Chops Grille” (steakhouse), “Izumi” (Asian cuisine) and “Giovanni’s Table” (Italian cuisine).
• new “Centrum” area entertainment programming (now with aerial acrobatic shows and LED-screens wall)
• “R Bar” (1960s retro style bar)
• Jumbotron (poolside huge movie screen midship on Lido Deck)
• upgraded passenger cabins amenities (flat TVs, iPads)
• Wi-Fi coverage was upgraded to shipwide.
• Digital signage boards were installed.

Deck layouts

Deck 02 - cabins, deck 03 - cabins, deck 04 - cabins-dining, deck 05 - promenade-lobby-casino, deck 06 - lounge-shops, deck 07 - cabins, deck 08 - bridge-cabins, deck 09 - lido-pools-spa, deck 10 - sports-kids-teens, deck 11 - viking crown lounge, deck 12 - izumi.

Vision Of The Seas deck plans are property of Royal Caribbean . All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

Vision of the Seas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International |

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Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 1534 guests have reviewed Vision of the Seas , giving it a rating of 4 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type, most recent reviews.

Excellent cruise!

Apr 25th, 2024

My son and I had a wonderful time ! Memories for a life time!

Traveler Type

Family (young children)

Perfect weather cruise

Apr 23rd, 2024

The staff is what made our cruise enjoyable. Our best cruise ever was Allure of the Seas, hard to beat it!

4-6 cruises

Amazing Carribean Cruise

Cruise was amazing fir my first experience I'm already in the works of booking my next one

1 cruise (first)

Wonderful "Girl's Trip" Cruise

Apr 20th, 2024

My mom, sister and I had a great vacation, cruising 8 days one Vision of the Seas! Our Dream Vacations travel agent Chris was the absolute BEST in helping with all of our questions and needs along the way! I highly recommend her and Dream Vacations!!

Singles/Friends

2-3 cruises

Relaxing, fun Bahama cruise

Apr 15th, 2024

We had a great cruise. Wasn’t real happy with our beach getaway in Freeport. Beach water was rather rocky and difficult to enter and exit. Enjoyed the shoppes in Nassau and we loved CocoCay.

Great Trip after extraordinary port change

After the bridge collapse in Baltimore we weren't sure if we would sail or from where. RCL did a good job in quickly selecting Norfolk and providing either transportation for previous cruise or in detailing parking and other information for the April 4th cruise. The ship and crew were what we expected and the four ports visited gave us an option to get off the shop to either tour or walk around. The new terminal in Nassau if a vast improvement over the old one and provides some safe activities without going outside of the fences to the hawkers on the way to Bay Street.

Fantastic cruise on Vision of the Seas

Apr 6th, 2024

Even though I heard noises in the cabin and air conditioning not the best still had a fantastic time. Fellow cruisers were nice and talkative. I love sailing on this size ship and hope that RC will maybe make a new smaller size ship.

Great Cruise. Amazing People.

Mar 27th, 2024

Great relaxing cruise with outstanding and friendly personnel. Doing the same ship in Nov.

Awesome first cruise with RC

Mar 26th, 2024

This was our first time on RC and we will be sailing again with you for sure

Nice St Patrick's Day Cruise

Ship in decent shape. Our room was in need of serious plumbing fix with shower water pressure and temp. Was disappointed with the casino closures on day 1 and day 8 (cruise days) and no postings, esp for day 8. Did not like only having an early show on day 1 and day 8 either with eating at 7pm. Not normally handled this way. MDR was very good, but seems like the Windjammer has reduced selections and variety.

Large Group

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Vision of the Seas - December 16, 2022

December 16, 2022

December 16 - 26, 2022

Vision of the Seas

Royal Caribbean

10 Night Southern Caribbean

from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

The December 16, 2022 cruise on the Vision of the Seas departs from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. On this 10 Night Southern Caribbean sailing, the ship will visit a total of 7 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Vision of the Seas sets sail on a Friday (December 16, 2022) and returns on a Monday (December 26, 2022).

The Vision of the Seas was built in 1998 and is amoung Royal Caribbean's 27 ships in it's fleet. The Vision of the Seas is included in the cruise line's Vision Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Vision of the Seas vs all other Royal Caribbean ships.

All Itineraries

Ft. Lauderdale

Ft. Lauderdale has 23 miles of beaches, 300 miles of inland waterways and swimming pools galore, but immersing yourself in this city doesn't require a drop of water. Dive into a culture as deep as any ocean, a culture characterized by Seminoles and Broadway shows, golf and whimsical water taxis, fine cuisine and tasty jazz. And just like the horizon here, the list of attractions goes on and on.

Ft. Lauderdale has 23 miles of beaches, 300 miles of inland waterways and swimming pools galore, but immersing yourself in this city doesn't require a drop of water. Dive into a culture as deep as any...

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. Explore the Vision of the Seas Deck Maps and make sure to view our list of Ship Venues and Features. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Labadee boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Kick back in a lounge chair under a thatched canopy. Or go walking for shells along the beaches of white sand. This also a great place to purchase Haitian crafts and paintings from local merchants.

Labadee boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Kick back in a lounge chair under a thatched canopy. Or go walking for shells along the beaches of white sand. This also a great...

The fortress of El Morro guards the harbor against long-gone Sir Francis Drake and his British privateers. The colorful streets of Old San Juan retain the Latin flavor of its seafaring past, when this was the heart of the Spanish Main. Sample the fiery rum made here, or indulge in an icy treat made from fresh tropical fruit and enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere.

The fortress of El Morro guards the harbor against long-gone Sir Francis Drake and his British privateers. The colorful streets of Old San Juan retain the Latin flavor of its seafaring past, when this...

Philipsburg

An island under two flags, St. Martin/St. Maarten is French and Dutch. Philipsburg is on the Dutch side and famous for its duty-free emporia and casinos. A short drive will bring you to Marigot, a charming French Colonial outpost featuring shops filled with French fashions and imported Gallic goodies, as well as beautiful beaches.

An island under two flags, St. Martin/St. Maarten is French and Dutch. Philipsburg is on the Dutch side and famous for its duty-free emporia and casinos. A short drive will bring you to Marigot, a...

This fertile isle is a land of rain forests, tropical flowers, and abundant sugar cane. After a stroll around the charming colonial streets and shops of the capital, Basseterre, tour the island or visit Brimstone Hill Fort, an impressive construction that is one of the wonders of the Caribbean world.

This fertile isle is a land of rain forests, tropical flowers, and abundant sugar cane. After a stroll around the charming colonial streets and shops of the capital, Basseterre, tour the island or...

St. Lucia is one of the most scenic volcanic islands in the Caribbean. By helicopter, fly over beautiful Castries Harbor and Les Pitons, St. Lucia's dramatic twin volcanic peaks.

St. John's

Originally established as a British settlement in the 17th century, Antigua certified its independence in 1981. Today, it is a vastly popular oasis, famed for its spectacular climate and 366 pristine beaches. St. John's is a splendid jewel on this tropical crown, boasting lush greenery and limitless recreation options. Take a hiking safari and be dazzled by the sights of the island at 1200 feet.

Originally established as a British settlement in the 17th century, Antigua certified its independence in 1981. Today, it is a vastly popular oasis, famed for its spectacular climate and 366 pristine...

I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.

• I booked a stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, one of the biggest cruise ships.
• For $2,000 a week, the 179-square-foot cabin had a private bathroom, a king-size bed, and a view.
• I thought I'd feel cramped in the room, but it had everything I needed and left no space unused.

In April 2022, I cruised on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas . At the time, it was the largest cruise ship in the world , but the title has since been replaced by Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas .

During my voyage, the ship sailed to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas .

For $2,000, I spent seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom on deck eight. The cruise was on sale, as it was originally priced at $3,000. Take a look inside the 179-square-foot space.

My room was a mid-tier cabin at the front of deck eight.

I booked a mid-tier room — a step above interior staterooms , which have no window. It's a category below staterooms with a balcony , and two steps below a suite.

My cabin was on the same deck as Central Park, an outdoor space with 20,000 plants.

I thought it was the most relaxing area on the ship, so I enjoyed being close by.

When I stepped inside my stateroom, I was surprised at how big it felt.

Right away, I thought the cabin made great use of a small space.

To operate most of the electricity in the room, I had to insert my room key into a slot on the wall.

I appreciated the energy-saving system.

On one side of the room, I had a mirror and a desk with several outlets to charge electronics with USB, American, and European ports.

I thought the desk was useful for eating, as well as storing daily flyers about the day's events.

Next to the desk, a set of drawers included a cabinet with a minifridge inside.

The desk drawers were mostly empty aside from a hair dryer, which I didn't end up using.

Across from the desk, I had a couch positioned in between two closets.

Inside each closet, I found a rack of hangers, shelving, and a small safe. I thought it was plenty of space for a weeklong journey

Next to the couch and desk area, a small bathroom used clever storage hacks, like placing the trash can and toilet paper under the counter.

In the bathroom, there were two glasses, a bar of soap, and a two-in-one hair and body wash.

At the top of the shower, a pullout clothing line was useful for drying my bathing suits.

Each night, my stateroom attendant replenished towels and brought flyers and schedules for the next day.

Sometimes, the towels were folded creatively to look like animals.

I noticed that my king-size bed at the back of the room was actually two twin beds pushed together.

All Royal Caribbean cabins come with this configuration, according to its website , so they may be separated for additional guests. I often woke up in the crevice.

A large flat-screen TV was mounted across from the bed with storage hooks below.

Skinny nightstands on either side of the bed held lamps, charging ports, and a room phone on one side.

Because I booked an ocean-view room, I was able to look out over the front of the ship from a window above my bed.

The window was equipped with an electronic shade that could be opened during the day for grand views and closed when I was ready to sleep.

While I thought the room might have been a tight space for a couple with a lot of luggage or a family, it was just right for me.

And watching the sun rise over the Caribbean Sea from the comfort of my room was the best part.

• Main content

Norwegian Sun

Norwegian Sun stands as one of the smaller vessels within the fleet, accommodating up to 1,936 passengers and supported by a crew of 906 members. Reviewers have particularly noted the spaciousness of its cabins, ranging from 145 to 221 square feet. This ship offers larger Inside and Oceanview staterooms in comparison to some of their more recent Norwegian vessels. Following a comprehensive 2018 refurbishment, Norwegian Sun has incorporated enhancements as part of The Norwegian Edge program. These include the introduction of venues like Los Lobos Cantina and the Bliss Ultra Lounge.For dining options, cruisers are presented with a selection of 13 venues, encompassing eight specialty restaurants featuring a range of cuisines, from delectable French dishes to a sushi bar. The ship boasts a sizable pool area and a fully equipped spa for your leisure. During the evening, a variety of bars, entertainment hubs, and a casino offer an array of choices to keep you entertained. Families are also well-catered to on Norwegian Sun, with facilities such as a children's pool, an arcade, and age-appropriate youth clubs.Norwegian Sun embarks from Baltimore on journeys to diverse destinations, spanning the Caribbean and Alaska . It's a versatile vessel, ready to transport you to a range of captivating locations.

Carnival Legend

First introduced in 2002, the Carnival Legend , with its 2,124 passengers and 930 crew members, underwent routine cosmetic updates in 2022. Onboard, you'll discover traveler favorites such as the Alchemy Bar, BlueIguana Cantina, Tequila Bar, Guy's Burger Joint, and the RedFrog Pub. The ship offers a diverse range of entertainment and activities tailored to cater to passengers of all ages.Young travelers aged 2 to 17 can enjoy organized, age-appropriate clubs, while adults have the option to attend comedy club shows or try their luck at the casino. Notably, the ship was among the first to feature the Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea.Regarding accommodations, approximately 80% of the ship's staterooms provide ocean views, with a substantial portion of those rooms featuring private balconies. Recent passengers say that while Interior staterooms offer budget-friendly options, upgrading to Balcony and Suite category rooms is worthwhile. All staterooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs and offer 24-hour room service.In terms of dining, the Carnival Legend presents two main dining rooms, a steakhouse, a sushi restaurant, a buffet with an array of options, including pizza and Chinese cuisine, and more.Carnival Legend embarks from various ports, including Baltimore , Tampa , Rome , Barcelona , and London , offering sailings to diverse destinations like the Bahamas , the Caribbean , Bermuda , the Panama Canal , and beyond.

Carnival Pride

Eighty percent of the staterooms on Carnival Pride , accommodating 2,124 passengers and managed by a crew of 930, offer scenic ocean views, exceeding what most of the fleet's other ships provide. Whether you opt for budget-friendly Interior staterooms or indulge in more spacious Balcony, Oceanview, or Suite category cabins, you'll find a comfortable place to rest. Nevertheless, a significant portion of your cruise experience will be spent outside of your cabin, taking advantage of Carnival Pride's diverse onboard activities. You can cool off in the pools, enjoy the water park and thrilling 214-foot waterslide, while kids have their age-appropriate youth clubs. For adults, there are numerous bars to grab a refreshing cocktail. As the night falls, you can attend comedy shows, musical performances, or unwind in the nightclub and piano bar. To enhance your dining experience, a 2014 renovation introduced "Fun Ship 2.0" dining options, such as the beloved Guy's Burger Joint and the specialty Bonsai Sushi eatery, along with amenities like the Seaside Theater and the Alchemy Bar. A more recent refurbishment in February 2019 refreshed the ship's public areas and upgraded the arcade. Carnival Pride sets sail from various ports including Baltimore and Tampa, Florida , offering voyages to destinations in the Caribbean , the Bahamas , Bermuda , and the Panama Canal .

Vision of the Seas

The Vision of the Seas , underwent its most recent update in late 2018. It accommodates 2,514 passengers and boasts a crew of 742 members, delivering the hallmark Royal Caribbean experience with a variety of dining options and continuous entertainment. Past travelers have particularly praised the ship's attractive decor and the adults-only pool and lounge area known as the Solarium.Regarding dining, guests have a choice between the main dining room, the buffet, and several casual eateries. It is highly recommended indulging in a meal at the ship's specialty restaurants, offering diverse cuisines such as the Chops Grille steakhouse and the Izumi Asian venue. While opinions on the main dining room's food quality are mixed, the service throughout the ship receives positive feedback.During the day, guests can partake in activities like rock climbing, swimming in the pools, and trying their luck at the casino. Additionally, they offer engaging classes such as sushi and cupcake making.In terms of accommodations, the Vision of the Seas offers four stateroom categories: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite. Interior cabins range from 136 to 252 square feet, while the spacious Suites vary from 243 to an impressive 1,140 square feet. Opting for a Suite with a balcony comes with added luxuries, including whirlpool bathtubs. All cabins are equipped with amenities like flat-screen TVs and vanity areas.The Vision of the Seas embarks from Baltimore , offering itineraries to the Caribbean . While guests appreciate the ship's cleanliness and quality service, it's essential to consider potential additional expenses for specialty dining and activities.

Norwegian Sky

In 2022, they undertook a comprehensive refurbishment of Norwegian Sky , a ship accommodating 2,004 passengers and manned by a dedicated crew of 899 members. This extensive overhaul encompassed a complete revamp of staterooms, introduction of new dining venues, rejuvenation of bars and lounges, and various other enhancements, including the addition of a full-service Starbucks outlet on board.As for dining, they now offer an array of 10 restaurants, with approximately half designated as specialty establishments. We've placed a strong emphasis on family-friendly amenities, featuring kids clubs tailored to various age groups, a video arcade, and a dedicated children's pool. Furthermore, the ship provides sports courts, a well-equipped fitness center, and a full-service spa.When selecting your accommodation, you can choose from four distinct cabin categories: Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, and Suite. Interior, Oceanview, and Balcony cabins offer spaces ranging from 121 to 226 square feet, while their generously proportioned Suites span from 402 to 835 square feet.Norwegian Sky sets sail from multiple ports, including Miami , Baltimore , New York City , the Dominican Republic , and Quebec City , embarking on captivating journeys to destinations such as the Bahamas , the Caribbean , New England, and Canada .

When it comes to finding the best cruises departing from Baltimore , Cruisebound emerges as your ultimate online companion. With a wide selection of cruise options and the capability to discover the finest cruise deals, Cruisebound offers travelers a seamless and convenient platform to plan their next adventure at sea. Whether you're in search of tropical escapes in the Caribbean, exciting journeys to Bermuda, or mesmerizing cruises to Canada and New England, Cruisebound ensures that you embark on unforgettable voyages. So, for those seeking the perfect cruise experience departing from Baltimore, look no further than Cruisebound to set sail on your dream cruise and create lasting memories.

These Travelers Have a Secret: They Love Cheap Cruises on Old Ships

R oyal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, a cruise ship over five times as large as the Titanic, is preparing for its inaugural voyage in late January. A subset of die-hard passengers are saying they would much prefer the opposite of that mammoth boat.

Picking an older, smaller cruise might make for less fancy travel, but it comes with obvious advantages. Lower demand for the aged vessels in cruise lines’ fleets can prompt some big-deal savings. Some of these ships sail more exotic itineraries, and passengers enjoy greater attention from crew members without feeling so crowded. A cruise ship can start to show its age at around 15 years.

“Each ship has its own personality,” says Mari Marks, a luxury-travel adviser with Protravel International in Beverly Hills, Calif. “Because not everybody is going to love being with over 5,000 of their new best friends.”

Royal Caribbean operates the six largest cruise ships in the world. The Icon is now the largest. It can hold more than 7,000 passengers and comes with everything from an ice-skating arena to six waterslides.

A well-traveled boat

A few years ago, cruise regular and Las Vegas resident David Di Vito went on his first cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas, which was once the world’s largest cruise vessel. Since then he has sailed on multiple Royal Caribbean ships. His favorite is the less-heralded Vision of the Seas.

Vision of the Seas has been in service since 1998. Di Vito and his fiancée, Marina Vail, appreciated that they weren’t overwhelmed by crowds and could do the activities they wanted.

While the older vessel didn’t have the many niceties of the Oasis of the Seas, they enjoyed themselves. Di Vito liked grabbing a deck chair and watching the ocean. Vail peeled off for trivia games and scavenger hunts.

Fewer people also meant better service, Di Vito, a 34-year-old sound engineer, says. He recalls that the Wi-Fi was more reliable, guest services was more responsive and booking excursions at ports of call wasn’t a hassle.

Such trips are often also cheaper. A seven-night sailing on the Icon of the Seas started at around $2,536 a person on a recent search for an interior stateroom before applying discounts. A three-night cruise to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Fla., in early September on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, which will have its maiden voyage in July, started at $827 a person for an interior cabin before discounts.

Meanwhile, a four-night cruise to Cozumel, Mexico, out of Tampa, Fla., on the Grandeur of the Seas, the cruise line’s oldest ship, around that same time started at $519 a person for an interior room before discounts.

Royal Caribbean didn’t respond to requests for comment.

The big get bigger

Other cruise companies have introduced gargantuan vessels in recent years. MSC Cruises entered the MSC World Europa into service in December 2022. The ship can hold more than 6,700 passengers and more than 2,100 crew members.

Carnival’s flagship, the Celebration, had its maiden voyage in late 2022. That ship has a maximum capacity above 6,500 passengers—and boasts the first roller coaster at sea.

“Larger ships offer more operational efficiencies, more revenue-generating opportunities and more space to offer a variety of accommodations, dining, entertainment and recreational features,” says Chris Chiames, chief communications officer for Carnival Cruise Line.

A cruise’s cost generally depends on factors including the length of the trip and demand for the itinerary, travel advisers say. But the ship’s age can also factor in.

Phil Perrey, a minister from St. Charles, Mo., says he and his wife wanted to sail on one of Royal Caribbean’s newer and larger ships. By the time they finished pricing it out, they realized they could pay at least $300 less to sail on the Celebrity Equinox, which first entered service nearly 15 years ago.

“And that’s for a higher-end cruise line,” Perrey says.

A ship pro tip

When booking cruises, Perrey takes an approach recommended by many travel advisers. Instead of looking at when a ship first sailed, he checks when it was last refurbished during what is known as a dry dock.

“A 10-year-old ship that hasn’t been through dry dock is going to feel older than a 20-year-old ship that got out of dry dock two years ago,” he says.

Carnival uses the dry-dock process to install features on its more-mature ships, such as the adult-only Serenity section, Chiames says. Three of its ships—the Sunshine, the Radiance and the Sunrise—were renamed following extensive renovations.

Older ships can come with drawbacks, even if they are recently renovated. They tend to have smaller rooms and fewer cabins with balconies, says Rob Clabbers, president of Q Cruise and Travel in Chicago.

Keeping older ships in a fleet enables cruise lines to serve a wider array of destinations. Newer megaships can be too big to dock in certain harbors, including Tahiti.

“We intentionally place our smaller ships in more exotic destinations with longer, port-intensive itineraries that offer a more immersive experience that our guests love,” says David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Adam Carnevale, a small-business owner from Hickory, N.C., has sailed most often with Carnival. He and his wife regularly take advantage of offers they get since they frequent the casino.

Many of his cruises have been aboard the Carnival Sunshine. The ship sails out of Charleston, S.C., about four hours from home. They also appreciate the hometown vibe of the ship: They frequently recognize passengers and crew members from previous sailings.

Carnevale was less enthusiastic about a cruise he took out of Miami on the Celebration last summer. He says he found the food and service not up to the same level of quality as what he experienced on the Sunshine. He also wasn’t wowed by the ship’s many amenities, which he compared with an ice-cream cone overloaded with toppings.

“You don’t have to give me all the fancy stuff,” he says. “Sometimes vanilla is good.”

Less showy boats

The five oldest Royal Caribbean ships:

Grandeur of the Seas (Maiden voyage: December 1996)Rhapsody of the Seas (Maiden voyage: May 1997)Enchantment of the Seas (Maiden voyage: July 1997)Vision of the Seas (Maiden voyage: May 1998)Voyager of the Seas (Maiden voyage: November 1999)

Sign up for the WSJ Travel newsletter for more tips and insights from the Journal’s travel team.

Write to Jacob Passy at [email protected]

Spectrum of the Seas Marks Royal Caribbean’s Return to China

• April 26, 2024

Marking Royal Caribbean International’s return to China after a four-year hiatus, the Spectrum of the Seas arrived in Shanghai today.

Ending an eight-night repositioning cruise that started in Singapore, the 2019-built vessel docked at the Shanghai Baoshan International Cruise Terminal after visits to Vietnam and Hong Kong.

The Spectrum of the Seas is now set to serve the Chinese market with a series of four- and five-night cruises departing from Shanghai.

Visiting Japan and South Korea, the itineraries feature visits to Naha, Jeju, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Ishigaki and more.

The ship’s schedule also features six- and seven-night cruises that sail to additional Japanese destinations, such as Yokohama, Kobe and Osaka.

Following its seven-month program in Mainland China, the Spectrum of the Seas is set to reposition to Hong Kong in December.

Part of the five-ship Quantum Class, the Spectrum of the Seas was delivered by the Meyer Werft shipyard in April 2019 . Custom-designed to sail in Asia, the 4,200-guest ship was initially based in China on a year-round basis.

Signature features of the ship include North Star, a glass-enclosed gondola of sorts that suspends guests over the ship and the ocean, as well as the FlowRider surf simulator and RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator.

Marking five years in service this month, the Spectrum recently underwent its first major drydock at a shipyard in Singapore .

Building upon its return to the Far East, Royal Caribbean International is adding a second ship to its China lineup next year .

Sailing from the Port of Tianjin, the Ovation of the Seas is set to join the Spectrum of the Seas starting in May 2025.

Royal Caribbean follows MSC Cruises as the second international cruise brand to sail back to China, which marked its return to the country in March

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