What ships to try after Symphony?

[Joe01]

What do people spend their day doing on small ships? There is simply so much to do on Oasis Class that it doesn't matter, but what about smaller ones?

[Rose City Cruiser]

On ‎6‎/‎11‎/‎2018 at 11:53 AM, DunkelBierJay said:

Since you have sailed all the classes, and you're open to it, I would pick Empress...she is a tiny ship, but Boleros and Schooner Bar are huge. The coffee bar is incredible if you like Cuban coffee. She is a different experience from all the other classes. I like big ships too, but Empress is something special.

I second this.  Just got off Empress on Saturday.  The level of personal service was different from what I have experienced on OA and FR class ships.  At least 10 employees were addressing me on a first name basis by the second day.  100% Smoke-free casino was a plus for my wife as well.

[Rose City Cruiser]

11 minutes ago, Joe01 said:

What do people spend their day doing on small ships? There is simply so much to do on Oasis Class that it doesn't matter, but what about smaller ones?

The centrum on Empress allowed people to be more inclusive in certain ship activities.  I can lounge in the Deck 8 card room area and just walk to the centrum railings if I hear something interesting going on.  Lots of quiet seating areas throughout the ship. 

[Joe01]

3 minutes ago, jurrjurr said:

I second this.  Just got off Empress on Saturday.  The level of personal service was different from what I have experienced on OA and FR class ships.  At least 10 employees were addressing me on a first name basis by the second day.  100% Smoke-free casino was a plus for my wife as well.

Who was your Cruise Director on Empress? I am needing to update the Cruise Director list.

[Joe01]

3 minutes ago, jurrjurr said:

 The centrum on Empress allowed people to be more inclusive in certain ship activities.  I can lounge in the Deck 8 card room area and just walk to the centrum railings if I hear something interesting going on.  Lots of quiet seating areas throughout the ship. 

I would personally never sail Empress. I just think she is too small and not at all what Royal Caribbean is about. Definitely not my cup of tea. You could probably see the whole ship in 1 hour.

[Rose City Cruiser]

20 minutes ago, Joe01 said:

Who was your Cruise Director on Empress? I am needing to update the Cruise Director list.

Patricio Honores

[Joe01]

Just now, jurrjurr said:

Patricio Honores

Thanks! He used to be on Oasis, talk about a downgrade in ship.

[Rose City Cruiser]

6 minutes ago, Joe01 said:

Thanks! He used to be on Oasis, talk about a downgrade in ship.

Empress is currently on Cuba itineraries.  He fits perfectly for the clientele.

He probably gained some lbs because he does not have to run around as much. haha

[DocLC]

1 hour ago, Joe01 said:

What do people spend their day doing on small ships? There is simply so much to do on Oasis Class that it doesn't matter, but what about smaller ones?

Origami lessons, movies, gym, mini golf, catching up on sleep, pool, sun, food, etc. While the ships are smaller, the offer much of the same except for the zip line, Flow Rider, and carousel.

[Joe01]

2 minutes ago, DocLC said:

 Origami lessons, movies, gym, mini golf, catching up on sleep, pool, sun, food, etc. While the ships are smaller, the offer much of the same except for the zip line, Flow Rider, and carousel.

It just felt that on Serenade in 2013 (my last "small" ship) all I did was go to the pool, eat, drink and sleep on sea days. A bit dull. Maybe I should spend more time at the Cruise Director's Staff Activities.

What also disappointed me on Serenade and Anthem was that the food quality on those two ships was significantly lower than on other ships.

[georgeh]

On 6/11/2018 at 9:58 AM, Joe01 said:

Indy is my ideal ship. She looks phenomenal with the upgrades but my group won't sail from Southampton (I have no problem with it). Freedom hasn't had much of a refurb yet, but Liberty from Texas looks interesting.

It's been years since I last sailed that class. I did Anthem for a mid-size ship experience but it wasn't what I expected.

i'm from texas, and the liberty is an amazing ship.   going on it again in september.

[Joe01]

One thing that I never mentioned was that our Anthem cruise had 4 sea days and by the second half of the cruise, I was a bit lost for things to do. Admittedly, I did not like the CD on that ship so avoided the activities but it felt like there wasn't a whole lot to do. Is it really worth doing anything smaller if that is what I thought of Anthem?

[Ray]

I guess the reason for various sizes of ships is to cater for everyone's different taste. 

You have stated you don't like small ships as they lack things to do but others may find the peace and quiet of a smaller ship more to their liking.

As has been stated previously smaller ships may be more port orientated meaning people are off the ship during the day therefore daytime activities are not an issue.

I guess at the end of the day you do what you want! If you want to go big because small isn't enough for you then you do it, it's just like being in McDonald's you have the choice to go large if you want. 

[Rose City Cruiser]

19 minutes ago, Ray said:

 

just like being in McDonald's you have the choice to go large if you want. 

But I always seems to regret it after I super-size

[Joe01]

A possible issue in terms of things to do on EN & SR was that I didn't read the Compass and go to any events. On Harmony, I tried to go to a lot of them. Maybe it would be worth doing the a small ship provided that the Cruise Director is great.

People on CC were saying that I should only do Oasis Class, but quite frankly, it would be boring to do the same class every year.

[Ray]

Again personal preference, for some it's about the ports of call but if CD is important to you that's your choice. 

Not sure when you are looking to book but by the looks of it better to hold off even thinking about which type of ship until you know who will be CD on various ships at the time you wish to sail. 

You could decide to listen to advice on here and go for freedom or any other ship only to find out you don't like CD which means you need to reboot. 

Best to wait for CD schedule otherwise you will just be going round in circles 

[Joe01]

45 minutes ago, Ray said:

Again personal preference, for some it's about the ports of call but if CD is important to you that's your choice. 

Not sure when you are looking to book but by the looks of it better to hold off even thinking about which type of ship until you know who will be CD on various ships at the time you wish to sail. 

You could decide to listen to advice on here and go for freedom or any other ship only to find out you don't like CD which means you need to reboot. 

Best to wait for CD schedule otherwise you will just be going round in circles 

There are only 2 that I would actively avoid and one is rumored to be going to Adventure, so avoiding that ship. I will probably find out about 6 months in advance.

[Ray]

4 hours ago, Joe01 said:

There are only 2 that I would actively avoid and one is rumored to be going to Adventure, so avoiding that ship. I will probably find out about 6 months in advance.

So no point booking yet or even thinking about what ship until you know where the other one is going. 

Only once you know that can you really decide on what you want 

[Joe01]

6 minutes ago, Ray said:

So no point booking yet or even thinking about what ship until you know where the other one is going. 

Only once you know that can you really decide on what you want 

It would be a 1 in 25 chance of it happening, so probably no need to worry. I wouldn't rule out any CD that I have not sailed with based on guest feedback. 

[fonemanbob]

Sea days are so relaxing. Looking forward to doing a long re positioning cruise.  And yes its true some of these cruise directors are a real piece of work.  Heaven knows where they find them.  

[Joe01]

Hello from Symphony! Loving it here.

Was having this discussion again a few nights ago. It's always depressing after a cruise when it is uncertain as to when/where your next cruise will be. It's not as clear cut as this year because Symphony was basically pencilled in all along and we just had to book it, and same for Harmony last year. Now that we have caught up on the new ships, we are unsure of what to do. Not planning to book a cruise just now, but at least want to walk off the gangway on Sunday with some ideas of what my next voyage could be. My group ruled out another Western Med or Caribbean cruise.

[Rose City Cruiser]

5 minutes ago, Joe01 said:

 My group ruled out another Western Med or Caribbean cruise.

After reading the live blogs on the recent RCBlog Group Cruise, I would recommend Alaska.

[Joe01]

20 minutes ago, jurrjurr said:

After reading the live blogs on the recent RCBlog Group Cruise, I would recommend Alaska.

I thought of that, but Explorer won't be there next year. Ovation isn't my cup of tea and as I am used to the Oasis Class (7 sailings since 2014), I worry that Radiance would feel too small, particularly since I felt that Serenade was a dud.

[JLMoran]

1 hour ago, Joe01 said:

I thought of that, but Explorer won't be there next year. Ovation isn't my cup of tea and as I am used to the Oasis Class (7 sailings since 2014), I worry that Radiance would feel too small

Is your concern really the size of the ship, or the amount of activities on board? Matt just noted in his live blog for his Majesty sailing that while she's the smallest ship in the fleet, she didn't feel small at all thanks to the large lounges and other public venues. I haven't been on Radiance class (yet), but I can't imagine that Royal designed them so differently that they suddenly feel cramped where Majesty didn't.

If the real issue is the relative lack of activities compared to Oasis class, well, not sure that anything is going to help you there. At the risk of sounding like a heretic or being declared apostate, would another cruise line possibly work for you to get some new itineraries? HAL in particular has the Koenigsdam and the new sister ship (forget the name) that is launching this year, and both are their biggest ships and seem to offer a good number of on-board options. And X has the Eclipse and her bigger sister ships.

[Lovetocruise2002]

Just now, JLMoran said:

Is your concern really the size of the ship, or the amount of activities on board? Matt just noted in his live blog for his Majesty sailing that while she's the smallest ship in the fleet, she didn't feel small at all thanks to the large lounges and other public venues. I haven't been on Radiance class (yet), but I can't imagine that Royal designed them so differently that they suddenly feel cramped where Majesty didn't.

If the real issue is the relative lack of activities compared to Oasis class, well, not sure that anything is going to help you there. At the risk of sounding like a heretic or being declared apostate, would another cruise line possibly work for you to get some new itineraries? HAL in particular has the Koenigsdam and the new sister ship (forget the name) that is launching this year, and both are their biggest ships and seem to offer a good number of on-board options. And X has the Eclipse and her bigger sister ships.

I have to agree with @JLMoran here...Maybe even Seaside or Seaview?  They are being compared quite closely to OA class ships.  Initial reviews were not great but recent reviews have them giving RCI some serious competition.  If you want, @monorailmedic is doing a live blog right now on the Seaside.  Maybe have a read and see if it interests you.  I'm headed on the Seaside too (11 days!!!) so as a fellow OA class fan, I can give you my take on it too when I get back.  Here's the link to @monorailmedic's blog:

https://www.cruisehabit.com/msc-seaside-live-blog-preamble

https://www.cruisehabit.com/msc-seaside-live-blog-day-1-embarkation-day-0

https://www.cruisehabit.com/msc-seaside-live-blog-day-2-sea-day

[twangster]

I am intrigued by the factor that the CD plays into this.  

To me the CD/AM is far down the list and not even a consideration or awareness of until I board.

@Joe01 - a trend I've noticed on Carnival focused forums is how the CD on Carnival makes or breaks the cruise experience for many Carnival guests.  You might possibly look into this and consider a Carnival cruise where the CD is much more important than they are on Royal.  I've sailed Carnival 10 times and can confirm the CD has a more visible role especially on the pool deck.

[Joe01]

14 minutes ago, twangster said:

I am intrigued by the factor that the CD plays into this.  

To me the CD/AM is far down the list and not even a consideration or awareness of until I board.

@Joe01 - a trend I've noticed on Carnival focused forums is how the CD on Carnival makes or breaks the cruise experience for many Carnival guests.  You might possibly look into this and consider a Carnival cruise where the CD is much more important than they are on Royal.  I've sailed Carnival 10 times and can confirm the CD has a more visible role especially on the pool deck.

Cruise Director's on Carnival have a very different job to those on Royal, so are expected to be front of house and have a profound impact on guests.

[Joe01]

44 minutes ago, JLMoran said:

 Is your concern really the size of the ship, or the amount of activities on board? Matt just noted in his live blog for his Majesty sailing that while she's the smallest ship in the fleet, she didn't feel small at all thanks to the large lounges and other public venues. I haven't been on Radiance class (yet), but I can't imagine that Royal designed them so differently that they suddenly feel cramped where Majesty didn't.

 If the real issue is the relative lack of activities compared to Oasis class, well, not sure that anything is going to help you there. At the risk of sounding like a heretic or being declared apostate, would another cruise line possibly work for you to get some new itineraries? HAL in particular has the Koenigsdam and the new sister ship (forget the name) that is launching this year, and both are their biggest ships and seem to offer a good number of on-board options. And X has the Eclipse and her bigger sister ships.

I saw what Matt said about MJ. From watching videos of her, she certainly looks bigger than she is. My reservation with Radiance is that I did not really enjoy my cruise on Serenade and felt a bit bored. That was when I was used to Freedom Class. Now I have sailed Oasis Class so SR would feel even smaller.

BTW - I'm way too young to be sailing either HAL or Celebrity. 

[Joe01]

It's tough that my group are so picky. No to the Caribbean and Western Med rules out the Freedom and Oasis Class ships. I would do Independence, but they hate going from Southampton.

[JLMoran]

39 minutes ago, Joe01 said:

It's tough that my group are so picky. No to the Caribbean and Western Med rules out the Freedom and Oasis Class ships. I would do Independence, but they hate going from Southampton.

Might be time to explore doing a solo cruise and trying a new kind of adventure! 

Even though I sailed with my family, I found one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip was going by myself to lunch, asking to be seated at a big table full of strangers, and meeting a bunch of friendly people from all over the globe.

[Ray]

Think what you need to do first is draw up a list of ships you and your friends dont want to sail on and areas you dont want to visit,  this will reduce the options available for those on here to consider, you will then only get information on agendas that interest you and your group.  

[Rose City Cruiser]

31 minutes ago, Ray said:

Think what you need to do first is draw up a list of ships you and your friends dont want to sail on and areas you dont want to visit,  this will reduce the options available for those on here to consider, you will then only get information on agendas that interest you and your group.  

Or give the certain few the memo late.  The first cut is the deepest!

[tiny260]

3 hours ago, twangster said:

I am intrigued by the factor that the CD plays into this.  

To me the CD/AM is far down the list and not even a consideration or awareness of until I board.

@Joe01 - a trend I've noticed on Carnival focused forums is how the CD on Carnival makes or breaks the cruise experience for many Carnival guests.  You might possibly look into this and consider a Carnival cruise where the CD is much more important than they are on Royal.  I've sailed Carnival 10 times and can confirm the CD has a more visible role especially on the pool deck.

I agree with @twangster , CD and AM are way down the list of wants/needs for deciding a cruise, I'm leaving on Liberty in 2 weeks, that was decided by departing port, going on Freedom in October, decided for Ports of call, Allure in January 2019, decided because of Sea Class room, (3rd time on Allure).

I have no idea or do I care who the CD and AM are, these cruises will be my 15, 16 and 17th cruises, if I feel bored or have felt bored on any cruise I can't remember it.

Sometimes just listening to some music or reading a book is all that is required.

[Joe01]

By class of ship:

Oasis Class - All in Caribbean from Florida or Med from Barcelona

Quantum Class - Thanks, but no thanks. Keep them in Asia.

Freedom Class - San Juan, Galveston (both hard to access and probably not for the group), Southampton (already explained)

Voyager Class - Asia (too far away), Southampton (already explained), New York (Been there 6 times already and don't want a 3rd cruise with the Blairs), 3/4 day Bahamas (not convenient from UK).

Radiance Class - Worry that it would feel too small. Jewel was great as a first cruise, but Serenade was a dud and I worry that I would be bored.

Vision Class - See Radiance. Enchantment was also a dud.

Majesty - Pass. Too old, but did appreciate Matt's insight on her.

Empress - Why is she still with Royal???

I'll admit that I am not sounding optimistic, but I can really see no viable option for a Royal cruise next year. I didn't rule out Vision or Radiance Class, but worry at the lack of things to do on sea days, not to mention issues such as poor Internet (in comparison to the newer ships with VOOM) and a lack of shows.

[Ray]

15 minutes ago, Joe01 said:

By class of ship:

Oasis Class - All in Caribbean from Florida or Med from Barcelona

Quantum Class - Thanks, but no thanks. Keep them in Asia.

Freedom Class - San Juan, Galveston (both hard to access and probably not for the group), Southampton (already explained)

Voyager Class - Asia (too far away), Southampton (already explained), New York (Been there 6 times already and don't want a 3rd cruise with the Blairs), 3/4 day Bahamas (not convenient from UK).

Radiance Class - Worry that it would feel too small. Jewel was great as a first cruise, but Serenade was a dud and I worry that I would be bored.

Vision Class - See Radiance. Enchantment was also a dud.

Majesty - Pass. Too old, but did appreciate Matt's insight on her.

Empress - Why is she still with Royal???

I'll admit that I am not sounding optimistic, but I can really see no viable option for a Royal cruise next year. I didn't rule out Vision or Radiance Class, but worry at the lack of things to do on sea days, not to mention issues such as poor Internet (in comparison to the newer ships with VOOM) and a lack of shows.

guess you've answered your own question  

[tiny260]

46 minutes ago, Ray said:

guess you've answered your own question  

Ditto...

[Joe01]

What should I do for next year if there is no viable Royal cruise? Don't like the idea of a 2 week land vacation. I guess that Harmony and Symphony have spoiled me and no other ship can compare.

[Lovetocruise2002]

2 minutes ago, Joe01 said:

What should I do for next year if there is no viable Royal cruise? Don't like the idea of a 2 week land vacation. I guess that Harmony and Symphony have spoiled me and no other ship can compare.

Look into the Seaside/Seaview.  It probably best suits what you are looking for.

[Joe01]

4 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Look into the Seaside/Seaview.  It probably best suits what you are looking for.

Not for me either. I've read too many poor reviews of MSC to consider them. As a Loyal to Royal, I really can't see what MSC Seaside/Seaview adds to the industry.

[Joe01]

I'll have a look into Vision and Radiance Class ships, but what is there to do onboard them? Serenade and Enchantment were both underwhelming and boring. Could a ship like Rhapsody live up to Harmony & Symphony or would I just be disappointed? I would rather sound picky now than book a ship that I end up disliking. Due to our present circumstances, I can't sail solo either as I would otherwise book Indy in a heartbeat.