Passengers: 2,048
Best for: Families who want plenty to do but don’t want to navigate a mega-sized ship
Sails: The British Isles, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, New England and Canada, Northern Europe
At a Glance: Vision-class ships are known for their smaller size and beyond-the-Caribbean itineraries, and Vision of the Seas doesn’t disappoint, with sailings to the Middle East and all over Europe. And though it’s more intimate than Royal Caribbean’s largest ships, it still has plenty of fun activities to choose from (rock climbing, anyone?).
You Won’t Get Lost
While Royal Caribbean is best known for floating metropolises like Harmony of the Seas, aka the largest cruise ship in the world, the line’s Vision class feels much more intimate. Vision of the Seas carries less than half the number of passengers as Harmony. But you’ll still find plenty of Royal Caribbean’s signature activities, kids’ programs, and restaurants. (For more on that, keep reading.)
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It’s a Great Way to Explore
There may be a little less to do onboard, but Vision of the Seas keeps its passengers plenty busy with itineraries that zip back and forth across the Atlantic and range as far away as the Middle East and Northern Europe. Good news for Texans: It also sails to the Caribbean and Mexico from Galveston.
You Can Stay Active
Vision of the Seas may not be the biggest Royal Caribbean ship, but it still offers many ways to play. There’s a rock-climbing wall, a video arcade, two pools, and a poolside movie screen. And if you’re in the mood for a workout, you can always hit the fitness center where you’ll find lots of classes to help you work off that buffet.
Relaxation Is a Priority
If you’d rather chill by the pool with a book than hit the rock-climbing wall, this is the ship for you. The adults-only Solarium pool is adults-only and has a retractable glass roof. Or book a treatment at Vitality Spa, which offers everything from body wraps and massage to acupuncture and Botox.
There’s Plenty to Eat
When you’re not sampling the local cuisine onshore, you’ll have several onboard options to choose from. During the day, grab a sandwich at Park Café or hit the buffet at Windjammer Café, then grab a scoop at Ben & Jerry’s. For dinner, do the main dining room or pay an extra fee for steak at Chops Grille, Japanese at Izumi, or a five-course, wine-paired extravaganza at the 14-person Chef’s Table.
