Growing up a fan of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships, I was convinced smaller vessels weren't for me. However, after sailing on Vision of the Seas, I realized that couldn't be further from the truth.
For nearly two decades, Royal Caribbean's marketing has been consumed by its mega-ships, starting with Oasis of the Seas in 2009.
Although their grandeur is worthy of praise (did you ever think cruise ships would have massive parks filled with thousands of live plants or outdoor theaters for high-diving aqua shows?), there’s a different kind of charm that comes with sailing on a smaller ship that doesn't make loving them wrong.
Ten years after first cruising on an Oasis Class ship, I finally sailed on one of the line's oldest and smallest ships: Vision of the Seas.
Measuring just 78,340 gross registered tons (GRT), Vision is a far cry from Oasis and Icon Class ships — both of which come in at over 220,000 GRT. However, after spending 5 days on board, I learned why, despite being outdated and lacking the same adrenaline-pumping amenities, they remain a favorite for so many loyal cruisers.
In the end, there are pros and cons to big and small cruise ships, and the best choice comes down to what kind of vacation you're seeking. If you have younger kids, older ships may not have enough to keep them entertained. However, if you're interested in a relaxed or port-intensive getaway, Royal Caribbean's older ships might be perfect for your next cruise.
Smaller ships can sail to and from more ports
Compared to Oasis and Icon Class ships, Vision, Radiance, and Voyager Class ships have more diverse itineraries.
For example, throughout 2026, Royal Caribbean's smallest ships will offer sailings from ten embarkation ports in North America, including Baltimore, Maryland; New Orleans, Louisiana; San Diego, California; Seattle, Washington; and Vancouver, Canada.
Comparatively, Oasis and Icon Class vessels primarily operate out of Florida, though you can find cruises leaving from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey, and Galveston, Texas.
The reason is that smaller ships can get in and out of ports that mega-ships simply can't access, which opens the door to more convenient departure options for many travelers. For example, when I cruised on Vision of the Seas in 2024, many of my fellow guests were from the DMV area.
Even if you aren't local, it can be nice to explore new departure ports. I had never visited Baltimore before my Vision cruise and enjoyed exploring the Fells Point neighborhood.
Smaller cruise ships are easier to navigate and heavily focus on intimacy
While newer ships, starting with Royal Caribbean's Voyager Class, have a Royal Promenade (or Esplanade) that serves as the main thoroughfare, older vessels have classic Centrums. These hubs connect the surrounding public areas with sweeping ocean views.
On Vision of the Seas, for example, Guest Services was steps from the casino on Deck 5, while Cafe Latte-tudes, the specialty coffee shop, was one deck above near the Art Gallery.
Not only was the vessel easier to navigate, but with fewer guests, the intimate ship culture permeated the entire experience.
Although Royal Caribbean has stellar crew members on all its ships, it is easier to foster stronger connections on smaller ships; interactions are naturally more personable when there aren't 5,000 other people onboard.
This also means that there are fewer crowds to navigate, which creates a more relaxed environment. Still, though, don't wait until the last minute to grab a seat for popular activities, like the Crazy Quest or karaoke!
Quality control is easier
Have you ever been responsible for feeding thousands of people? Me neither, but whenever I host gatherings at home, it's easy to get overwhelmed and cut corners to ensure that everything is ready on time.
Generally speaking, Royal Caribbean's food hasn't been as good as it used to be. In fact, my partner and I were disappointed with our experience on Icon of the Seas after sailing on MSC World America and noticing how much better the food was. Although both ships are roughly the same size (coming in at over 210,000 GRT), we felt that MSC did a better job with presentation and consistency.
That said, I was pleasantly surprised by my dining experience on Vision of the Seas; the food quality benefits from the ship's smaller size. With fewer guests to serve, the kitchen isn't as overworked, meaning they can focus more on attention to detail and quality.
Don't get me wrong, the food wasn't Michelin-star worthy, but nearly everything was tasty and satisfying. In fact, my specialty meal at Izumi on Vision was superior to experiences on Symphony and Icon of the Seas.
Read more: Vision of the Seas Food Review; Pictures
There's less nickel-and-diming
Okay, you'll still have to pay for drink packages, Wi-Fi, and specialty restaurants; however, did you know that older Royal Caribbean ships have complimentary saunas and steam rooms?
While aboard Vision of the Seas, my friend and I took advantage of the free sauna in the ship's spa. It's a small perk, but one that makes the experience a little more indulgent without shelling out money for the thermal suite.
The biggest cons about smaller ships are that they're outdated and have limited entertainment options
One of my biggest quarrels with Royal Caribbean is that they don't update their older ships as much as other lines. For example, when I sailed on Carnival Elation, a Fantasy Class ship that's the same age as Vision of the Seas, I was surprised by my inside cabin's modern touches.
Rather than have one or two outlets by the vanity, there were bedside USB ports! Comparatively, my stateroom on Vision of the Seas had just two standard American and two European plugs. The clingy shower curtain wasn't ideal, either.
In general, the ship's aesthetic felt like a flashback to the 90s. And while I always joke that I was meant to grow up in the 90s (proud '99 baby here!), the dated look was more tiring than nostalgic.
Read more: I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Vision of the Seas
Moreover, if you are a fan of Royal Caribbean's AquaTheater shows and Broadway-style productions, you'll be disappointed with the entertainment options on older ships, which are more limited in scale.
Bottom line: Big ship vs small ships
I've been lucky enough to cruise over two dozen times, and as I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate small, mid-size, and mega-ships — and each one is better suited for different vacations and travel preferences.
Sure, if you want the flashiest ship filled from bow to stern with ziplines, surf simulators, mini-golf courses, and waterslides, you won't like what a Vision or Radiance Class vessel has to offer.
However, if you are more destination-oriented or prefer fewer crowds, a smaller ship might be perfect for you. Plus, they're often more affordable, making them great for budget-conscious travelers.
Read more: After sailing on 28 ships, this is how to pick a cruise you'll love
