Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class cruise ships can be a nice choice for first-time or seasoned cruisers. They come with plenty to do, see, eat, and drink onboard, and offer a diverse range of itineraries around the world.

In addition, many Voyager Class ships have recently been amplified and are filled with Royal Caribbean’s newest features and amenities. Let’s take a deep dive into the Voyager Class to see what these five impressive ships have to offer.

Voyager Class cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has five Voyager Class ships:

• Voyager of the Seas is the first ship of the class, and she sails from Stockholm, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Boston, and San Juan, offering cruises to New England, Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe.
• Explorer of the Seas is the second ship of the class, and she sails from Miami, San Juan, Venice (Ravenna), and Rome, offering cruises to Europe and the Caribbean.
• Adventure of the Seas is the third ship of the class, and she sails from Galveston and Cape Liberty, offering cruises to New England, Canada, and the Caribbean.
• Navigator of the Seas is the fourth ship of the class, and she sails from Los Angeles, offering cruises to Baja California and the Mexican Riviera.
• Mariner of the Seas is the fifth ship of the class, and she sails from Port Canaveral, offering cruises to the Caribbean.

Amplified ships

The Voyager Class debuted in 1999. At the time, the features, amenities, and size of the Voyager Class were top-notch. In fact, Voyager, Explorer, and Navigator of the Seas were considered the largest cruise ships in the world when they were built.

Over time, though, Royal Caribbean realized the ships could use some updates. Navigator of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and Voyager of the Seas have all recently been amplified through Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified program.

Royal Amplified is Royal Caribbean’s program that updates ships’ amenities, staterooms, dining and lounge choices, activities, and more. Because three Voyager Class ships have been updated, you will find many of Royal Caribbean’s newest attractions and activities onboard.

Explorer of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas were set to be amplified in 2020 and 2021, but amplification has been postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Because of this, these two ships have some notable differences in onboard activities and dining offerings.

Voyager Class size

The Voyager Class ships are all of a similar length, gross tonnage (GT), and capacity (at double capacity):

• Voyager of the Seas: capacity of 4,269 guests, 1,020’ long, 137,276 GT
• Explorer of the Seas: capacity of 4,290 guests, 1,020’ long, 137,308 GT
• Adventure of the Seas: capacity of 3,807 guests, 1,020’ long, 137,276 GT
• Navigator of the Seas: capacity of 4,000 guests, 1,020’ long, 139,999 GT
• Mariner of the Seas: capacity of 4,000 guests, 1,020’ long, 139,863 GT

Activities and things to do

A Royal Caribbean cruise on a Voyager Class ship will certainly not be boring. These ships pack plenty of activities every day of the cruise for guests of all ages.

Waterslides

All Voyager Class ships with the exception of Explorer of the Seas have waterslides onboard. Voyager, Adventure, and Mariner have The Perfect Storm waterslides, a set of racing slides that jet off the side of the ship. They even have clear sections so you can see the water below you!

Navigator of the Seas is home to two slides: The Blaster and Riptide. The Blaster is an aqua coaster where two passengers slide on a raft up, down, and around the ship. It is the longest water slide at sea. Riptide is a mat racer waterslide which curves around Navigator of the Seas.

Ice skating

All Voyager Class ships have Studio B, an ice skating rink, onboard. In addition to ice skating shows performed throughout the cruise, there are set times available where guests can ice skate. Ice skates and helmets are provided for this complimentary activity.

Laser tag

Guests sailing on Voyager, Navigator, and Mariner of the Seas can play laser tag onboard. Also held in Studio B, Battle for Planet Z is a glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience. Guests wear electronic vests and break up into teams to face off in the laser tag arena.

Puzzle Break Center

On Mariner of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas you will find the Puzzle Break Center. Here, guests can complete a timed puzzle challenge to try and break out of the escape room in time.

Other sports activities and things to do

All Voyager Class ships have both a rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, and mini golf. Each ship has a Sports Court as well, where games like pickleball, basketball, and soccer are complimentary. Other activities such as ping pong and shuffleboard are also available to guests.

Like other ships, activities including trivia, crafts, guest lectures, and live bands are offered on Voyager Class ships.

Pool Deck

The pool deck on Voyager Class ships consists of two side-by-side main pools and several jacuzzis. Each ship also has a Solarium with a pool and two jacuzzis. The Solarium is not totally enclosed, so the pool is in the sunlight and the jacuzzis are in the shade. The pool chairs in the Solarium are padded for extra comfort.

Each ship’s pool deck also has a bar in the main pool area and another  bar on the running track deck which offers nice views of the pool and ocean.

Adventure of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas both have a kids area on the pool deck. On Adventure, you will find Splashaway Bay, an aqua park complete with waterslides and splash areas. On Navigator there is a splash pad area with water sprayers.

The other Voyager Class ships do not offer pool activities for children still in diapers.

Entertainment and Venues on Voyager Class ships

The two main entertainment areas on Voyager Class ships are the theater and Studio B, the ice skating rink.

The main entertainment lineup on Voyager Class ships is as follows:

• Voyager of the Seas: Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme and Music in Pictures in the Royal Theater; Ice Odyssey in Studio B
• Explorer of the Seas: Invitation to Dance, Wild, Cool & Swingin’, and Fast Forward in the Palace Theater; Spirits of the Seasons in Studio B
• Adventure of the Seas: Invitation to Dance, Jackpot, and Can’t Stop The Rock in the Lyric Theater; Cool Art, Hot Ice in Studio B
• Navigator of the Seas: Ballroom Fever and Showgirl in the Royal Theater; iSkate in Studio B
• Mariner of the Seas: Gallery of Dreams and Center Stage in the Royal Theater; Ice Under the Big Top in Studio B

Other entertainment options can be found throughout the Voyager Class ships, from live music to comedians and karaoke. 

Differences between the Voyager class cruise ships

Voyager Class ships share the following dining and bar venues:

• Windjammer Marketplace
• Main Dining Room
• Cafe Promenade
• Chef’s Table
• Chops Grille
• Izumi (sushi)
• Johnny Rockets (excluding Voyager of the Seas)
• Ice cream stand (found at Cafe Promenade)
• Schooner Bar
• Solarium Bar
• Viking Crown Lounge
• English-style pub
• Star Lounge (named differently on some ships)
• Pool bars

Voyager of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Voyager Class ships, Voyager of the Seas has Giovanni’s Table, The Tavern bar, and R Bar.

Giovanni’s Table is a classic Italian restaurant on Royal Caribbean’s ships, with menu highlights including grilled lamb chops, gorgonzola gnocchi, and linguini with clams.

The Tavern bar and R Bar are bars that do not have a strong theme, but are a nice place to relax with a drink onboard.

During the recent amplification of Voyager of the Seas, the Vitality Spa & Fitness Center as well as Adventure Ocean areas were refurbished and modernized. There is a new outdoor hangout area for teenagers onboard as well.

Voyager of the Seas has a total of 1,715 staterooms:

• 691 interior
• 228 ocean view
• 673 balcony
• 123 suites

Explorer of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Voyager Class ships, Explorer of the Seas has Giovanni’s Table, The Tavern bar, and the Connoisseur Club.

The Connoisseur Club is a lounge onboard where guests can relax while smoking cigars. It is one of the few designated smoking areas on the ship. There are few Connoisseur Clubs left in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, so this may be replaced once the ship is amplified.

Explorer of the Seas’ amplification has been postponed, but when she is amplified a variety of new features and activities will be added:

• The Perfect Storm water slides
• Caribbean-style pool deck with hammocks, daybeds, and in-pool loungers
• The Lime & Coconut pool bar
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Playmakers, Johnny Rockets Express, and Starbucks
• Laser tag
• Revamped Adventure Ocean and teen area

These additions were announced prior to the coronavirus pandemic, so they may change.

Explorer of the Seas has a total of 1,715 staterooms:

• 691 interior
• 228 ocean view
• 671 balcony
• 125 suites

Adventure of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Voyager Class ships, Adventure of the Seas has Giovanni’s Table, Boleros, Aquarium Bar, and Champagne Bar.

The Champagne Bar is located on the Royal Promenade and is an elegantly-decorated lounge area that has not only champagne, but other cocktails and beverages.

Despite the name, the Aquarium Bar does not have actual aquariums, but does feature aquatic and marine life decor.

While Adventure of the Seas has not undergone a full amplification process, she does have a few features that are usually only seen on newer or amplified ships. The Perfect Storm waterslides and Splashaway Bay were added in 2016, which offer more fun for both kids and adults onboard.

Like Explorer of the Seas, the full amplification of Adventure of the Seas has been delayed. When the Royal Amplified program restarts, though, many of Royal Caribbean's newest dining venues, bars, and activities are expected to be added to the ship.

Adventure of the Seas has a total of 1,672 staterooms:

• 667 interior
• 242 ocean view
• 638 balcony
• 125 suites

Navigator of the Seas

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/S9f32sctvt0.jpg?itok=v2ustb0_","video_url":"https://youtu.be/S9f32sctvt0","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

Navigator of the Seas is perhaps the most modern Voyager Class ship due to her impressive amplification. Navigator differs the most from other Voyager Class ships in regards to her venues, layout, and decor.

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Voyager Class ships, Navigator of the Seas has Jamie’s Italian, Hooked Seafood, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, El Loco Fresh, The Lime & Coconut, Starbucks, R Bar, Boleros, and The Bamboo Room.

The Bamboo Room is a Polynesian-themed tiki bar with a selection of tropical drinks and colorful decor. Playmakers is the signature sports bar on Royal Caribbean, and the location on Navigator of the Seas features a pool table, shuffleboard, arcade games, and a private viewing area to watch sports. Food and drinks at these venues come at an additional cost.

As far as more formal specialty dining options, guests can enjoy Hooked Seafood and Jamie’s Italian. Menu highlights at Hooked include the messy fish sandwich, baked oysters, and Maine lobster roll. Highlights at Jamie’s Italian include the eggplant parmesan, freshly-made pasta, and meat plank.

There are two pool deck food options on Navigator: Johnny Rockets Express and El Loco Fresh. Johnny Rockets Express offers typical American food like hamburgers and fries, and is priced à la carte. El Loco Fresh is a complimentary, grab-and-go Mexican restaurant with burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and a salsa station.

One of the most impressive features of Navigator of the Seas is her pool deck. Navigator of the Seas has a Caribbean style pool deck design complete with colorful decor, art, casita lounge areas, comfy seating, and The Lime & Coconut pool bar.

She is also the only Voyager Class ship to have hot tubs on the running deck which overlook the pool area. In addition, the top deck of The Lime & Coconut was transformed into a lounge area with comfy seating, tables, and lights.

Navigator of the Seas is also the only ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet with To Dry For. This is a blow dry bar and hair styling salon onboard.

The Adventure Ocean programming on Navigator was modernized during the amplification as well, and features a kid's rock climbing wall as wall as an outdoor deck for teens.

Navigator of the Seas has a total of 1,694 staterooms:

• 670 interior
• 232 ocean view
• 671 balcony
• 121 suites

Mariner of the Seas

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/znrlWYCKL_8.jpg?itok=yX0_1CT8","video_url":"https://youtu.be/znrlWYCKL_8","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Voyager Class ships, Mariner of the Seas has Jamie’s Italian, Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Dog House, Starbucks, Boleros, and The Bamboo Room.

Mariner of the Seas shares many of the same dining and lounge venues as Navigator of the Seas.

She is the only Voyager Class ship to offer not only Izumi sushi, but hibachi. Guests can reserve a dining time at Izumi Hibachi, where a chef cooks your meal right in front of you.

She is also the only Voyager Class ship with the Dog House. Located on the pool deck, this complimentary dining venue offers a variety of hot dogs and sausages.

Mariner of the Seas has a few activities not found on any other Voyager Class ship. First is the Sky Pad, a virtual reality bungee jumping experience. Here, guests can put a VR headset on and jump up and down on the Sky Pad’s trampolines while playing games in a series of virtual reality simulations.

There is also the Sky Climber, a climbing arena for kids to spend their day climbing up, down, and around on the sports deck. In addition, hammocks and other nice seating are found on Mariner of the Seas.

Mariner of the Seas has a total of 1,674 staterooms:

• 669 interior
• 246 ocean view
• 638 balcony
• 121 suites

Who is the Voyager Class best for?

The Voyager Class ships, although considered “smaller” when compared to newer Royal Caribbean ships, are still massive vessels with tons of activities offered onboard. Not too big and not too small, they are an excellent option for first-time cruisers.

The Royal Amplified program has set Voyager Class ships on par with some of the fleet’s newest ships. Voyager Class ships offer waterslides, FlowRiders, mini golf, rock climbing, pools, live music, ice skating shows, and more. 

Voyager Class ships come at a lower cost compared to Oasis or Quantum Class ships, as well, so they can be a more budget-friendly option for travelers while still providing a modern cruise experience.

Voyager Class ships have elegant design integrated throughout the ship, which brings a feeling of sophistication to the cruise experience. A great example of this is in the Main Dining Room, which were inspired by the design and layout of opera houses.

And while Voyager Class ships offer fun-filled activities onboard, they also offer plenty of areas for rest and relaxation. The Promenade Deck on Voyager Class ships is large and circles around the entire ship. Guests may enjoy walking the Promenade Deck during the day to get away from the hustle and bustle elsewhere onboard.

Voyager Class Tips & Secrets

The helicopter pad, or helipad, is accessible to guests on Voyager Class ships. The helipad can be accessed by walking all the way forward to the ship on the Promenade Deck. This will lead to a flight of stairs which brings you to the helipad. This is a fantastic spot to watch sailaway or relax while onboard.

The Izumi location on Navigator, Voyager, and Explorer of the Seas is on Deck 14 and offers dramatic views of the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Select Voyager Class ships have a Peek-A-Boo bridge, where guests can peek into the bridge and see what the ship’s captain and officers are up to. To access the Peek-A-Boo bridge, head to the very front of the Solarium and exit through the sliding glass doors. Walk down the pathway until you reach the bridge.

Voyager, Explorer, and Adventure of the Seas do not have an escape room. Instead, this area of the ship is Skylight Chapel, a wedding chapel that can accommodate up to forty people. Church services are conducted here and this space is open throughout the day for guests looking to relax or pray.

Voyager Class ships offer saunas and steam rooms in the fitness area.

If you're vaccinated against Covid-19, you'll need to wear a bracelet to distinguish between vaccinated and unvaccinated guests, and this band can sometimes be a nuisance to wear.

When cruises first restarted last summer, Royal Caribbean was using silicone wristbands that could be taken off at any time. In the fall, they primarily switched to a ribbon band that, once tightened, cannot be loosened.

While the ribbon band may seem convenient as it will not fall off throughout the cruise, many passengers find the band’s design to be inconvenient.

Royal Caribbean Blog readers shared recently on our message boards the tips and tricks they use in order to make the wristband experience a lot more comfortable while onboard.

Put the wristband on loosely at first

When you receive the wristband at the cruise terminal, do not tighten it too much. Because you cannot loosen it once it has been tightened, a tight wristband can quickly become uncomfortable. Putting the wristband on loosely at first will allow you more flexibility to take it off when it isn’t needed. 

If you tightened the wristband too much, get a new one. Some guests find that they made their wristband way too tight. Don’t fret, though. If your wristband is too tight, simply go to Guest Services and ask them to cut it off. They will give you a new wristband.

Put the wristband on your non-dominant hand

If you’re right handed, be sure to put the wristband on your left hand. The wristbands all come in one size, and more often than not, there will be a lot of extra material hanging off once you tighten it to your wrist.

This “tail” can get in the way when you are eating or doing activities onboard. Frankly, it can be a little annoying! Be sure to put it on the hand you will not be using as much so it stays out of the way as much as possible.

Cut off the long tail after tightening the wristband

If the long tail on your wristband is really bothering you, go to guest services and ask if they can cut the tail of your wristband to make it shorter.

There will be no need to worry about the wristband dipping into your mashed potatoes or tomato sauce at dinner if the long tail is no longer there!

You don’t have to wear the wristband on your wrist

All vaccinated guests must wear a wristband, but it does not necessarily mean you must wear it on your wrist. 

You can put it around your ankle, tie it to a lanyard, or even loop it on your belt. As long as you remember to take it with you each time you leave your stateroom or change outfits, you will not have a problem.

Use items to tie the wristband’s tail back

Some passengers have brought rubber bands and clips onboard to secure the wristband’s tail. By using small rubber bands, the tail is able to be moved out of the way, making it much more comfortable for guests during the cruise.

Likewise, another tip shared was to purchase these cord locks which allow you to adjust how tight or loose your wristband fits.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Ashley Dillo stated that “When I am given the wristband I just pull the nylon all the way through the black plastic piece like I'm tightening it all the way and it slips off. Then I thread the ends through the cord lock and it makes it adjustable for easy on/off.”

If you've been on a cruise recently, what did you think of the new ribbon wristbands? Do you have any tips and tricks for making them more comfortable? Join the discussion on our message boards and let us know!

An Alaska cruise provides the opportunity to spot some of the state’s remarkable wildlife. Luckily, the peak time to view Alaska’s wildlife coincides with the cruise season.

From April to September, wildlife viewing opportunities are plentiful throughout the state. Whales, bears, otters, sea lions, eagles, and other marine and land animals can be spotted during your Alaska cruise.

The best time and place to view each animal depends on many factors including migration patterns, hibernation, and food sources. If viewing wildlife is important to you on an Alaska cruise, it’s a good idea to know when and where you can view Alaska’s wildlife best.

Bears

Alaska is home to more bears than any other state. Black bears, brown bears, and polar bears call Alaska home. While polar bears do not migrate far enough south to see while on a cruise, passengers may have the opportunity to spot black or brown bears.

The best time to see bears in Southeast Alaska is from July through early September. 

Each summer season, Alaska sees an influx of salmon swimming upstream to spawn. And where there are salmon, other types of wildlife are often present. Bears can most easily be spotted feeding on salmon nearby creeks and streams. 

One of the best ways to see bears in Alaska is through one of Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Tours. By going inland and touring destinations such as Denali National Park and Preserve, your chances of spotting grizzly bears and black bears are higher. Plus, you will have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as caribou, moose, and wolves as well.

On an Alaska cruise to Sitka, guests can book the “Best of Sitka” tour which goes to the Fortress of the Bear for wildlife viewing. This is a bear rescue center whose mission is to rescue bear cubs that are orphaned or sick and bring them back to health.

Visitors at Fortress of the Bear can get within 25 feet of Alaska’s brown bears to observe the animals’ behaviors and personalities.

There are more exclusive bear watching excursions available as well. Those with a high interest in seeing bears in their natural habitat can choose to visit Admiralty Island near Juneau.

Passengers will be taken to the island’s wilderness via a float plane. Since the island is home to one of the highest density populations of brown bears and eagles in the world, wildlife is likely to be spotted.

Of course, those hiking in Alaska or exploring the outdoors without a guide should be extra vigilant and knowledgeable on bear safety.

Whales

The types of whales you are likely to spot on an Alaska cruise depends on the month of your sailing.

If you’re sailing to Alaska in the peak summer months of June and July, you are more likely to spot humpback whales. An estimated 500 humpback whales call the Alaska Inside Passage home during the summer. 

While technically part of the dolphin family, many cruise passengers are eager to spot a killer whale in Alaska. The best time to see Killer whales on an Alaska cruise is in May and June. They are commonly found near Ketchikan, Juneau, and Seward. 

Grey whales are prevalent in southeast and southern Alaska in the late spring. Those with an Alaska cruise booked in April or early May are more likely to see these whales, as they begin migrating to the colder northern Alaska waters in late April.

Spotting a blue whale while on a cruise to Alaska is quite rare, but those lucky enough to see them will most likely be cruising during the late summer months of July and August. Blue whales tend to hang out in the open water as opposed to near the shoreline.

Sea Lions and Otters

Steller sea lions do not migrate when the weather is frigid, so they can be spotted year-round in Alaska. The best time to see sea lions, though, is early in the spring until the end of July.

You can spot Steller sea lions throughout southeast Alaska, but it is recommended to take a wildlife tour excursion for the best chance of seeing these animals up close.

Both playful and adorable, sea otters can also be spotted on an Alaska cruise. Sea otters do not migrate long distances, so they can be spotted year-round in Alaska. The best place to find sea otters while on a cruise is in streams and creeks near the ocean. 

Eagles

There are an estimated 100,000 bald eagles in the world, with around 30,000 calling Alaska home. A bald eagle is one of the most recognizable birds in the world, and many people are eager to spot an eagle during their Alaska cruise.

An eagle’s diet consists mainly of fish, so the best place to spot an eagle is in the trees near a body of water. Luckily, an Alaska cruise means that you are nearly always surrounded by tall trees and water, so be sure to get out your binoculars.

You can spot eagles year-round in southeast Alaska, as the temperate rainforest provides an ideal habitat for the bird. They are most commonly seen during the salmon run in mid-summer, when they feed off the scraps of fish left by bears.

You may also wish to take an excursion to view eagles. The “Sitka Cultural Discovery and Alaska Raptor Center” brings guests to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, where injured eagles and other birds are rescued and rehabilitated.

Outside of eagles, there is no shortage of bird watching opportunities on an Alaska cruise. Southeast Alaska is a temperate rainforest, and with that comes hundreds of species of birds that migrate to and from the state each year. There are an estimated 470 species of birds in the state.

Tips for spotting wildlife in Alaska

Wildlife can be found not only while exploring a port, but also at sea. Oftentimes, the captain will announce on the livespeaker when whales or other wildlife can be spotted from the ship. When this happens, expect a crowd of excited passengers to form on the outside decks hoping to catch a glimpse of the animals.

An important tip when hoping to view wildlife in Alaska is to remain flexible. Tour operators can never guarantee you will see a pod of orcas, humpback whales breaching, a grizzly bear eating salmon in the stream, or an eagle soaring through the trees.

Wildlife can be unpredictable, especially if you are cruising to Alaska in the shoulder season. However, you may also be surprised by how easy it can be to find wildlife, too.

Whether you’re eating lunch on a sea day and the captain announces there are whales swimming alongside the ship, walking in Ketchikan and suddenly seeing otters playing in the stream, or traveling in a bus and passing an eagle in its nest, you never know when and where you will spot wildlife on an Alaska cruise.

The best tip we can give, though, is to pack binoculars with you on your Alaska cruise. Having the ability to view the animals “close-up” when you are technically far away will make your wildlife viewing experiences much more personal and exciting. 

Read more tips and information about cruises to Alaska:

• How much does an Alaska cruise cost?
• The weirdest Alaska cruise questions
• Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska 2022
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise
• What it's like to go on an Alaskan cruise at the end of the season
• Cruising to Alaska: What I Did Right and Wrong

Deciding between Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas means choosing between two cruise ships with lots of of fun things to do.

Whether you’re planning your first cruise or fiftieth, Royal Caribbean’s newest and biggest ships are likely to be of interest to you. The Quantum and Oasis Class ships are among the biggest in the world and come with seemingly endless dining venues, entertainment choices, and activities.

How do the two classes of ships compare, though? Let’s take a look at Anthem of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas to see how the ships compare and contrast in layout, itineraries, and offerings for guests.

Overview

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/QKChzQgDEyI.jpg?itok=lu4h9ygb","video_url":"https://youtu.be/QKChzQgDEyI","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

Harmony of the Seas is the 3rd ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, the largest class of cruise ships. She has a capacity of 6,687 guests, length of 1,188 feet, and measures 226,963 in gross tonnage. Her maiden voyage was in May of 2016.

Anthem of the Seas is the 2nd ship in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class. She has a capacity of 4,905 guests, length of 1,141 feet, and measures 168,666 in gross tonnage. Her maiden voyage was in November of 2014.

Ship Layouts

As an Oasis Class ship, Harmony of the Seas is split into seven main neighborhoods. These are designed to help break up crowds by spreading guests around the ship, and all are quite distinct from each other:

• The Boardwalk neighborhood is located on Deck 6 in the aft of the ship. This neighborhood is designed like a nostalgic boardwalk near the sea, with an arcade, carousel, souvenir shops, and dining options. The Aquatheater entertainment venue is also located here, where guests can enjoy aqua shows involving diving, synchronized swimming, and slack lining.
• Central Park is a neighborhood unlike any other on a Royal Caribbean ship. With over 10,000 plants and flowers, guests might feel as if they are walking through a park on land as opposed to being onboard a cruise ship. Dining and shopping venues are in Central Park as well.
• The Pool and Sports Zone is where guests will find pools, jacuzzis, water slides, and several signature activities.
• The Royal Esplanade is the main thoroughfare on Oasis Class ships, with dining, shopping, bars, guest service areas, and more.
• Entertainment Place is where guests go to watch signature entertainment and live music onboard.
• The Vitality Spa and Fitness neighborhood is where guests can work on wellness, whether at a massage, hair appointment, or fitness class.
• The Youth Zone is the hub of Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean programming, offering activities for guests aged 6 months to 17 years.

Anthem of the Seas does not have the same neighborhood concept as an Oasis Class ship. However, the ship can still be broken into a few distinct areas:

• The Via is on Deck 5 as you walk toward the aft of the ship. Here guests will find artwork, dining, shopping, Next Cruise, and the Two70 entertainment venue.
• The Royal Esplanade is similar to the Royal Promenade on Harmony of the Seas. This is a two-story hub of dining venues, bars and lounges, shopping, and guest services areas.
• The Pool Deck area is where you will find all of the pools on Anthem of the Seas as well as the Solarium
• The Sports/Seaplex area is where many of the main signature activities are offered on Anthem of the Seas

Food & Dining

Both Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas share many of the same dining venues:

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer Cafe
• Solarium Bistro
• Coastal Kitchen
• Cafe Promenade
• Sorrento’s
• Chef’s Table
• Wonderland
• Jamie’s Italian
• Chops Grille
• Izumi (sushi)
• Johnny Rockets
• Dog House

As an Oasis Class ship, Harmony of the Seas has several more dining options than Anthem of the Seas.

• Park Cafe is a complimentary dining option in the Central Park neighborhood on Harmony of the Seas. Open for breakfast and lunch, Park Cafe offers an assortment of breakfast sandwiches, pastries, a bagel station, sandwiches, a salad bar, soups, and more.
• 150 Central Park is a specialty venue located in the Central Park neighborhood focused on sourcing local ingredients. Menu highlights include lamb wellington, roasted tenderloin, and fried cheesecake.
• Mini Bites is located near the Sports area onboard and offers quick, complimentary grab-and-go options such as quesadillas and hamburgers. Breakfast is also available with made-to-order omelets, bacon, and more.
• Sabor is a Mexican specialty restaurant offering small plates, build-your-own tacos, quesadillas, and more. Menu highlights include spicy beef empanadas, red snapper ceviche, grilled cobia tacos, steak quesadillas, and cinnamon churros. Sabor also features a tequila bar and margarita menu.
• Izumi on Harmony of the Seas also has a hibachi option, whereas the venue is only for sushi on Anthem of the Seas.
• Vitality Cafe is a casual venue featuring grab-and-go sandwiches and pastries. Freshly made smoothies are also available here as well as protein shakes. The food options are complimentary at Vitality Cafe while drinks come at an extra cost.
• Harmony of the Seas also has a Starbucks location on the Boardwalk.

One venue that is offered on Anthem of the Seas but not on Harmony is Cafe @ Two70. Located inside the Two70 entertainment venue found only on Quantum Class ships, Cafe @ Two70 has a similar selection of food to Park Cafe on Oasis Class ships.

There is also a coffee bar located in Cafe @ Two70 where guests can order specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic coffee drinks. Cafe @ Two70 is a complimentary venue aside from specialty beverages.

The second venue found on Anthem of the Seas but not Harmony is La Patisserie. Guests can order specialty coffee and tea beverages here as well as French delicacies including macarons, cheesecake, and eclairs. La Patisserie is an extra-cost venue.

Outdoor dining on Anthem of the Seas includes a section of the Windjammer which offers views of the aft and an outdoor area of Jamie’s Italian on the Promenade Deck.

Outdoor dining on Harmony of the Seas can be found at dining venues located at the Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods, including Jamie’s Italian, Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, Park Cafe, Sabor, and Johnny Rockets.

Bars & Lounges

Both Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas share many of the same bars and lounges:

• Vintages 
• Pool Bars
• English-style pub
• Schooner Bar
• Bionic Bar
• Boleros
• Solarium Bar

Several bars and lounges feature excellent views of the pool deck and ocean, such as the North Star Bar on Anthem of the Seas and Mast Bar on Harmony of the Seas.

Harmony of the Seas has several smaller bar areas located throughout the ship as well, including Wipe Out Bar on the Sports Deck and Trellis Bar in the heart of Central Park.

Perhaps the most unique bar on Harmony of the Seas is the Rising Tide Bar. This is a bar that moves up and down three stories between the Royal Promenade and Central Park neighborhoods. The bar is adults-only and free to ride.

There are a few more lounges to note on Harmony of the Seas:

• On Air, a karaoke bar where guests can put their vocal skills to the test as they sing their favorite songs.
• Jazz on 4, an intimate jazz club which offers live music each evening
• The Attic, a comedy club where guests can listen to a selection of comedians each cruise

Guests looking for a nightclub lounge experience onboard have options on both Anthem and Harmony of the Seas. On Anthem of the Seas guests can go to the Music Hall, a two-story venue with a stage, dance floor, two bars, comfy seating, and pool tables.

On Harmony of the Seas, guests will enjoy Dazzles. This is another two-story music and dance venue which overlooks the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Entertainment

Both Anthem and Harmony of the Seas offer top-notch entertainment options. Both ships have a Royal Theater with a full-length Broadway musical performance, but each ship has a selection of other shows in the diverse entertainment venues found onboard.

Anthem of the Seas is home to Two70, a signature venue found only on Quantum Class ships. This is a venue in the very aft of the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows offering 270 degree views of the ship’s aft. The venue incorporates technology through moveable television screens and light effects into its performances. Both live and “virtual” concerts are available here.

Anthem of the Seas offers the following signature shows:

• Broadway musical: We Will Rock You
• Two70 show: Spectra’s Cabaret
• Other: The Gift (Royal Theater)

In addition to the Royal Theater, Harmony of the Seas has an Aquatheater and Studio B ice skating rink. The Aquatheater is unique to Oasis Class ships and is where Royal Caribbean’s signature aquatic shows are performed.

Harmony of the Seas offers the following signature shows:

• Broadway musical: Grease: The Musical
• Studio B: iSkate and 1887: A Journey in Time
• Aquatheater: The Fine Line and Hideaway Heist
• Other: Columbus: The Musical (Royal Theater)

Pool Deck

Harmony of the Seas features three main pools: the Main Pool, the Beach Pool, and the Sports Pool. The pools are all very similar to each other, with pool games being offered in the Sports Pool and a beach-style design at the Beach Pool.

Anthem of the Seas has two main pools: one indoor pool and one outdoor pool. As Quantum Class ships were designed to function in both cold and warm weather, Anthem of the Seas has plenty of indoor pool deck space, with indoor jacuzzis and an indoor pool bar as well.

The Solarium on Harmony of the Seas does not have a pool, but instead has four jacuzzis throughout the space. The Solarium is not an enclosed space, but offers plenty of shade. The Solarium on Anthem of the Seas is fully enclosed, and features a series of cascading pools as well as jacuzzis.

Both ships offer plenty of activities for kids on the pool deck, too. Harmony of the Seas has a large Splashaway Bay area with kid-sized water slides, splash pad areas, water dump buckets, and water sprayers.

Anthem of the Seas has the H20 Zone, which features shallow pool areas for young children. There is also a small kids pool here as well that is not as shallow as the splash pad areas.

Harmony of the Seas has three water slides: the Cyclone and Typhoon slides, where guests can race each other, and the Supercell slide, where guests spin around a “champagne bowl” to make their way to the bottom.

Being a Quantum Class ship, Anthem of the Seas does not have water slides.

Onboard Activities

With Anthem of the Seas being a Quantum Class ship and Harmony of the Seas being an Oasis Class ship, many of their signature activities onboard differ from each other.

Harmony of the Seas offers several signature activities that are included in your cruise fare. The majority of these activities take place on the sports deck or Boardwalk:

• The zipline, where guests can fly nine decks over the Boardwalk neighborhood
• A carousel
• The Ultimate Abyss, a dry slide where guests slide 9 stories down from the Sports Deck to the Boardwalk neighborhood
• Ice skating in Studio B
• Mini golf
• Sports court (outdoors)
• Water slides
• Escape room

Likewise, Anthem of the Seas offers several activities only found on Quantum Class ships:

• The North Star, an observation pod that rises from the pool deck to offer 360 degree views from 300 feet above sea level
• RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator
• Bumper Cars
• Roller skating
• Circus school
• Xbox gaming area

The hub of activity on Anthem of the Seas is in the SeaPlex. The SeaPlex is the only indoor sports center in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, where guests can enjoy indoor soccer, volleyball, pickleball, dance classes, and more. This is where signature activities such as bumper cars, roller skating, and circus school are located.

Most signature activities on both ships are complementary. On Anthem of the Seas, though, there may be both a complementary and extra fee option for the North Star and RipCord by iFLY. Guests should make reservations for these activities via the Royal Caribbean app as soon as they get onboard, as complementary reservations can fill up quickly.

Both ships offer the Flowrider and rock climbing wall. Because Harmony of the Seas has a higher capacity, there are two Floriders and two rock climbing walls available. There are also two arcades on Harmony, whereas Anthem of the Seas has one arcade.

Itineraries

Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas offer itineraries that differ from each other in length, departure port, and region of the world.

Anthem of the Seas itineraries

Anthem of the Seas splits her time sailing from Southampton, England, and Cape Liberty, New Jersey. She sails from Southampton from May to October, offering a variety of European cruises. Highlights include:

• 7-night Norwegian Fjords Cruises visiting destinations such as Bergen, Alesund Olden, Haugesund, Kristiansand, and Geiranger
• 7-night Spain & France cruise visiting La Rochelle, La Coruna, Bilbao, and Paris (Le Havre)
• 12-night Discovery The Canaries Cruise visiting ports including Madeira, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Lisbon, La Coruna, and Vigo
• 9-night Spain & Portugal Cruise visiting Bilbao, La Coruna, Vigo, Lisbon, and Seville
• 14-night Mediterranean Cruises with cruise options including destinations such as Lisbon, Barcelona, Nice, Rome, Naples, Gibraltar, Malaga, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and Ibiza

For the rest of the year, Anthem of the Seas sails from Cape Liberty, New Jersey offering cruises to the Caribbean. Cruise selections include:

• 7-night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise visiting Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 8-night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise visiting Port Canaveral, Miami, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 11-night Southern Caribbean Cruise visiting San Juan, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts

Transatlantic cruises are also offered on Anthem of the Seas when she sails to and from Europe.

Harmony of the Seas itineraries

Harmony of the Seas sails from Cape Canaveral until October 2022, when she will begin offering cruises from both Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. Regardless of the embarkation port, Harmony of the Seas offers Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises. Highlights include:

• 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises visiting destinations such as St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Nassau, St. Kitts, Labadee, Puerto Plata, and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 7-night Western Caribbean cruises visiting destinations including Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 8-night Southern Caribbean cruises visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, Aruba, and Curacao

Staterooms

As Quantum and Oasis Class ships, both Anthem of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas offer everything from the most basic interior rooms to exquisite loft suites. Both ships offer the Virtual Balcony for interior rooms as well.

In addition, Anthem and Harmony of the Seas offer the Royal Suite Class. Depending on the suite, guests will be in either Sea Class, Sky Class, or Star Class, all of which bring exclusive benefits, including access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant.

Star Class is the most exclusive suite class and includes a Royal Genie, who is a personalized concierge during your time onboard.

A difference between the two ships are the neighborhood rooms available on Harmony of the Seas. Oasis Class ships offer both Central Park and Boardwalk balcony rooms, which look down into their respective neighborhoods.

Central Park rooms do not have an ocean view, but Boardwalk balcony rooms will have a partial ocean view to the side. There are a few interior “Central Park view” staterooms available as well, which have a porthole looking into Central Park.

Harmony of the Seas also has Aquatheater suites which overlook the ship’s aft and Aquatheater area. 

Which ship should I choose?

Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas will both provide an excellent, modern cruising experience. There is no shortage of things to do and places to eat on either ship, but there are a few key things to consider before choosing one over the other.

First, the itineraries on the ships are totally different. For those living in the northeast, Anthem of the Seas can be a nice option for a Caribbean cruise that does not require flying to Florida. Anthem of the Seas is also a good option for those based in Europe, due to her wide range of European itineraries.

Harmony of the Seas offers more traditional Caribbean cruises. Because she departs from Florida, there are fewer sea days required to reach Caribbean destinations. Therefore, guests can see a wider range of Caribbean islands on Harmony of the Seas than they can on Anthem of the Seas.

Second, Anthem of the Seas has more of a traditionally-built cruise ship layout whereas Harmony of the Seas, being an Oasis Class ship, has a completely different layout to other Royal Caribbean ships.

Both ships offer plenty to do for families. Harmony of the Seas may have a slight edge toward toddlers and young children with a full sized Splashaway Bay on the pool deck, whereas Anthem of the Seas has many activities for older children like bumper cars and RipCord by iFLY.

Ultimately, whichever ship you choose will lead to a fantastic Royal Caribbean cruise, and you will definitely not run out of things to do and see on either ship.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class cruise ships are some of the newest and most modern ships in the fleet. They are packed with signature activities, diverse dining options, and technology integrated throughout the ships.

Of all the Royal Caribbean ship classes of cruise ship, the Quantum Class was designed to take a step forward with its modern design and onboard activities.

Let’s take a look at everything the Quantum Class has to offer, and how the ships within the class differ from each other.

Quantum Class cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has five Quantum Class cruise ships.

• Quantum of the Seas is the first ship of the class, and she sails from Seattle, Vancouver, and Brisbane, offering Alaska, South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, and transpacific cruises.
• Anthem of the Seas is the second ship of the class, and she sails from Cape Liberty and Southampton, offering both Caribbean and European cruises.
• Ovation of the Seas is the third ship of the class, and she sails from Seattle, Vancouver, and Sydney, offering Alaska, Australia, South Pacific, New Zealand, Hawaii, and transpacific cruises.
• Spectrum of the Seas is the fourth ship of the class, and she sails from Shanghai and Singapore, offering cruises throughout both Southeast Asia and Japan.
• Odyssey of the Seas is the fifth and last ship of the class, and she sails from Fort Lauderdale and Rome, offering Caribbean, European, and transatlantic cruises.

Quantum Class ships were designed to function in both warm and cold weather conditions, and the ships feature more indoor areas than other Royal Caribbean ships. Because of this, you can find Quantum Class ships doing a range of itineraries around the world, from Norway to England, Alaska, Thailand, China, Japan, and the Caribbean.

The ships are all of a similar length, gross tonnage (GT), and capacity (at double capacity):

• Quantum of the Seas: capacity of 4,905 guests, 1,141’ long, 168,666 GT
• Anthem of the Seas: capacity of 4,905 guests, 1,141’ long, 168,666 GT
• Ovation of the Seas: capacity of 4,905 guests, 1,138’ long, 168,666 GT
• Spectrum of the Seas: capacity of 5,622 guests, 1,139’ long, 169,379 GT
• Odyssey of the Seas: capacity of 5,498 guests, 1,138’ long, 169,300 GT

Quantum Ultra Class

Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas are technically in the Quantum Ultra Class. Quantum Ultra Class ships are very similar to the regular Quantum Class, and should be looked at more as a subset of the Quantum Class as opposed to an entirely different class of ship.

There are a few differences to note between Quantum and Quantum Ultra Class ships:

• The Sports Deck in the aft of a Quantum Ultra Class ship also has a SkyPad. The Skypad jets out over the side of the ship with a glass floor walkway of the ocean below.
• Quantum Ultra Class ships have a unified Main Dining Room as opposed to the separate dining rooms on the Quantum Class ships.
• They are slightly larger than the original Quantum Class ships.
• Quantum Ultra Class ships feature a Teppanyaki restaurant in addition to Izumi Sushi.

Activities and Things to Do

SeaPlex

A unique feature of the Quantum Class ships is the SeaPlex. Unlike on other Royal Caribbean ships where the sports court area is outdoors, Quantum Class ships have an indoor sports arena called the SeaPlex.

The SeaPlex is a hub of activity throughout the cruise. During the day it’s common to see complimentary dance and exercise classes available as well as pickleball, soccer, roller skating, and volleyball.

One of the most popular activities at the SeaPlex are bumper cars. Each Quantum Class ship has select times available throughout the cruise for bumper cars. As this is a highly anticipated activity a line usually forms, so be sure to go to the SeaPlex early.

Another unique activity in the SeaPlex is Circus School, where guests can try their best acrobatic skills on a flying trapeze.

On the upper level of the SeaPlex is an arcade as well as areas for activities like video games and table tennis.

RipCord by iFLY

Quantum Class ships are the only ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet to offer RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator. To participate in RipCord by iFLY, guests must first watch an introductory safety video to learn proper body positioning and hand signals.

Following the video, guests dress in proper attire and try to fly in the skydiving chamber.

On most sailings, there is both a complementary and extra cost option for RipCord by iFLY. The complementary option includes a one minute flight time whereas the fee for a longer flight of two minutes is usually around $49.99.

Advanced flying lessons may be available as well for an extra charge.

North Star

The North Star is one of the most popular activities on Quantum Class ships. It is an observation capsule that rises from the pool deck to 300 feet above sea level to provide 360-degree views of the ship at sea or in port.

On most sailings the North Star is complementary when the ship is in port and comes with a fee of around $29.99 when the ship is at sea. The North Star is weather-dependent and if it is too windy or rainy, it will likely not be operating.

Skypad

The Skypad is available on Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas. This is a bungee trampoline where guests can jump on trampolines while attached to a harness. There is also a virtual reality experience available with the Skypad, where guests put on a virtual reality headset to play games while jumping.

Other activities

Quantum Class ships also have a rock climbing wall and FlowRider. There is no mini golf available. The only water slides on Quantum Class ships are the kids-only slides at Splashaway Bay on select ships.

Pool Deck

The pool deck on a Quantum Class cruise ship has both an outdoor pool, indoor pool, kids splash area, and an adults-only Solarium.

Because Quantum Class ships were designed to function in all types of weather conditions, they have an indoor pool with a retractable roof. This area is climate controlled to allow for swimming even on the most chilly mornings when cruising to places like Alaska.

In addition to the indoor pool is the adults-only Solarium. This is a space for guests 16 and older. The Solarium on Quantum Class ships is totally enclosed with a see-through sunroof. It features hot tubs, a multi-level pool, and plenty of seating opportunities. The Solarium Bistro is also found here.

The Solarium is a complementary venue with the exception of China sailings, where it is reserved for Gold and Silver suite guests.

The kids area at the pool is the older H20 Zone on Quantum and Anthem of the Seas, whereas Ovation, Spectrum, and Odyssey of the Seas have the upgraded Splashaway Bay. The H20 zone is more of a splash pad area with water sprayers.

Splashaway Bay, one the other hand, has several small water slides and play areas, including a large bucket that dumps water over the area every few minutes.

The pool deck on each Quantum Class features a casual dining venue, plenty of seating, and several bars.

Entertainment and Venues on Quantum Class ships

There is no shortage of entertainment options on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class cruise ships. Whether live latin music at Boleros, acoustic guitar at the English style pub, or comedians in the theater, guests will always find something to enjoy.

The primary entertainment venues on Quantum Class ships are the Royal Theater and Two70.

Two70 is an entertainment venue unique to Quantum Class ships. With floor-to-ceiling windows spanning 270 degrees, Two70 offers dramatic views of the ship’s aft. The venue is open to guests throughout the day and can be a great place onboard to relax and watch the world go by.

Two70 features technology in all of its performances. With six television screens that can be programmed to move in many directions, Two70 even hosts some virtual concerts with performers on the screen instead of in person.

Right near Two70 is Cafe @ Two70. This is a complementary, casual grab-and-go restaurant open for breakfast and lunch, usually closing around 5PM. Cafe @ Two70 offers breakfast pastries, bagels, soups, salads, sandwiches, and more.

The main entertainment lineup on Quantum Class ships is as follows:

• Quantum of the Seas: Starwater Show in Two70; Sequins & Feathers and Sonic Odyssey in the Royal Theater
• Anthem of the Seas: Spectra’s Cabaret in Two70; We Will Rock You and The Gift in the Royal Theater
• Ovation of the Seas: Pixel’s Cabaret in Two70; The Beautiful Dream and Live. Love. Legs in the Royal Theater.
• Spectrum of the Seas: The Silk Road in Two70; The Effectors and Showgirl in the Royal Theater
• Odyssey of the Seas: The Book in Two70; The Effectors and Showgirl in the Royal Theater

Technological Features

Technology is at the forefront of the Quantum Class ships and is evident in the ships’ designs, activities, and guest experience.

The art on Quantum Class ships features technology, with some art pieces consisting of screens which can change color through touch. On Ovation of the Seas, for example, is a butterfly art piece. As guests walk by, butterflies “fly” away on screen.

A fun activity to try on Quantum Class ships is Expedition Two70. By using the Royal Caribbean app, guests can participate in a “scavenger hunt” in Two70. As you walk through the venue, virtual obstacles appear.

You must point your phone at the object and destroy it before moving to the next level. By completing each level, guests receive a virtual mask, and once all masks have been found, the game is complete. This can be a fun activity for kids or adults while onboard.

Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas have a digital key option, where guests can open their stateroom door by using the Royal Caribbean app. Instead of fumbling around pockets and purses to find your SeaPass card, guests can simply open the Royal Caribbean app on their phone and hold it to the key on the door.

Quantum Class ships were also the first class of ships to offer a Virtual Balcony. Passengers staying in an interior cabin can book a room with a virtual balcony, which is a floor-to-ceiling television screen offering real time views from the outside.

All Quantum Class ships have the Bionic Bar, a venue where robot bartenders mix your favorite drinks. Guests can create a custom drink using an iPad ordering system or choose from a menu of featured drinks.

Differences between the Quantum Class cruise ships

Quantum Class ships share the following dining and bar venues:

• Chef’s Table
• Solarium Bistro (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)
• Windjammer Marketplace
• Izumi Sushi
• Wonderland
• Chops Grille
• Sorrento’s Pizza
• Cafe @ Two70
• Main Dining Room
• Schooner Bar
• Sunshine Bar
• Bionic Bar
• Two70 Bar
• Vintages (excluding Odyssey of the Seas)
• Coastal Kitchen (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)
• Jamie’s Italian (excluding Odyssey of the Seas)
• English-style pub (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)
• North Star Bar (excluding Odyssey of the Seas)
• Boleros (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)

One benefit of sailing on a Quantum class ship is the amount of outdoor dining space available. On Quantum, Anthem, and Ovation of the Seas, there are a couple outdoor dining options.

First is at the WIndjammer, with a patio at the very back offering views of the ship’s aft. This is especially a nice area on sailings through scenic areas such as the Alaska Inside Passage.

Second is the outdoor patio available at Jamie’s Italian. Guests can choose to eat indoors or at the covered patio outdoors. As the restaurant is on Deck 4, guests can enjoy close-up views of the ocean as they sail.

Quantum of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Quantum of the Seas has Noodle Bar, La Patisserie, and the SeaPlex Dog House.

Noodle Bar is the pool deck dining venue on Quantum of the Seas, and has both complementary and extra cost options. Complementary options include chicken tenders and mini-hot dogs, and specialty items include chicken satay, Taiwanese spicy beef, and noodle soup.

As Quantum of the Seas will transition to a North American and Australian market following the conclusion of its Singapore sailings, some onboard dining and venues may change. However, due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, this may not be happening in the near future.

For example, currently located on the Royal Esplanade is a Japanese pharmacy. Here, guests can shop for Japanese beauty and wellness products. This is something that could change when the ship moves to the American and Australian market.

Likewise, the extra casino space on Quantum of the Seas may be turned into different venues. There is also no Diamond Club currently, and in its place is the Golden Room reserved for VIP Casino Royale guests.

Quantum of the Seas has has a total of 2,094 staterooms:

• 375 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 148 oceanview
• 1446 balcony
• 125 suites

Anthem of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Anthem of the Seas has La Patisserie, Johnny Rockets Express, and the SeaPlex Dog House.

Anthem of the Seas is the only Quantum Class ship to have Johnny Rockets Express. Located on the pool deck, guests can order classic American cuisine including milkshakes, hamburgers, french fries, and chicken tenders. Johnny Rockets Express is priced a la carte on Anthem of the Seas, with prices around $8 for a hamburger and $5.50 for a milkshake.

Anthem of the Seas is also the only Quantum Class ship with a full length Broadway musical. We Will Rock You is performed on Anthem of the Seas, which features some of Queen’s best hits including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, and Killer Queen. The Broadway show is complimentary for guests.

Anthem of the Seas has has a total of 2,091 staterooms:

• 378 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 148 oceanview
• 1436 balcony
• 129 suites

Ovation of the Seas

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/dY4oxVX2QIk.jpg?itok=8SNg6VAb","video_url":"https://youtu.be/dY4oxVX2QIk","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Ovation of the Seas has La Patisserie, Fish & Ships, and SeaPlex Dog House.

Ovation of the Seas is one of two Royal Caribbean ships to have Fish & Ships. This is a casual venue located on the pool deck. Recently on Ovation of the Seas, Fish & Ships has offered both complementary and extra cost items, although the complimentary options are subject to change. Menu highlights included fish and chips, lobster roll, fried calamari, and a deep-fried candy bar.

Ovation of the Seas has a total of 2,091 staterooms:

• 378 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 148 oceanview
• 1436 balcony
• 129 suites

Spectrum of the Seas

Spectrum of the Seas is based out of Asia, so the onboard restaurants and venues are geared toward the Chinese market. Because of this, there are more differences to note on Spectrum of the Seas compared to other Quantum Class ships.

You will find more casino space on Spectrum of the Seas, including the Golden Room and VIP Casino located in the Royal Esplanade. These rooms are in addition to the Casino Royale on Deck 3.

As opposed to Boleros, as you will find on other Quantum Class ships, Spectrum of the Seas has Star Moment. Star Moment is a karaoke venue where guests can sing karaoke in front of other guests or rent out a private karaoke room with up to ten other passengers.

Dining & Beverage on Spectrum of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Spectrum of the Seas has Teppanyaki, SeaPlex Dog House, Splashaway Cafe, La Patisserie, Noodle Bar, Sichuan Red, Leaf & Bean, The Hot Pot, and the North Star Bar.

Many of these dining venues are found on other Royal Caribbean ships, whereas a few are unique to Spectrum of the Seas.

Leaf and Bean is a tea and coffee shop specializing in both Chinese and western beverages and pastries. Menu selections include a Hong Kong Milk Tea, Thai Tea, Dragonfruit Cheese Tea, and a Blue Mojito.

Splashaway Cafe is located right next to Splashaway Bay on the pool deck and offers kid-friendly cuisine including mini-hot dogs, chicken tenders, and sesame fried chicken. Asian-inspired cuisine is also available, such as spicy Kung Pao chicken over rice and hot soup.

Another restaurant unique to Spectrum of the Seas is Sichuan Red. Inspired by the diverse and spicy cuisine from the Sichuan region in central China, Sichuan Red is a specialty restaurant found only on Spectrum of the Seas.

Menu highlights include Hoisin duck salad, tender beef with tofu, Kao Yu simmer pot, steamed Maine lobster tail, and Royal sea cucumber. Sides include spicy Sichuan noodles, wontons with spicy sauce, and fried rice. For dessert be sure to try the crispy black sesame balls.

Noodle Bar is a complimentary venue located within the Windjammer Marketplace. Here guests can enjoy a buffet selection of fresh noodle soup. Also located near the Windjammer is The Hot Pot. This is a specialty dining venue where guests can cook their meals right at their table inside a steaming pot of stock.

Unlike on other Quantum Class ships, Sorrento’s is located next to the Windjammer Cafe.

Spectrum of the Seas has a total of 2,137 staterooms:

• 366 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 142 oceanview
• 1487 balcony
• 142 suites

Spectrum of the Seas is the only Quantum Class ship to have the Ultimate Family Suite. This is a massive, 2809 square foot suite that can accommodate up to eleven guests. Inside the suite are three master bedrooms, one kids room, an in-suite slide, recreation room, balcony with a jacuzzi, and a master bathroom that extends over the side of the ship.

The Suite Club is another unique feature found only on Spectrum of the Seas. Located on the upper decks of 13 through 16, this was the first suites-only area in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Spectrum has two suite tiers: Gold, with 36 suites available, and Silver, with 106 suites available.

Gold is the most exclusive suite tier on Spectrum of the Seas. Gold guests can choose to dine in the Gold Dining and Lounge restaurant on the ship’s top deck. They can also access The Balcony, which is an exclusive outdoor area also located on the top deck of Spectrum of the Seas.

Silver guests also have their own private restaurant and lounge as well on Deck 13. There is also The Boutique, a room that can be used for Gold and Silver guests for private shopping, wine tastings, and small parties.

Odyssey of the Seas

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/W99Kz0pr4u4.jpg?itok=tZmsTPL4","video_url":"https://youtu.be/W99Kz0pr4u4","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Teppanyaki, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Starbucks, El Loco Fresh, and The Lime & Coconut.

El Loco Fresh is a casual pool deck lunch option that serves grab and go burritos and quesadillas as well as a taco and nacho bar. A topping station is available with a selection of salsas, guacamole, and hot sauce.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen is the newest Italian restaurant in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Menu highlights include a meat and cheese platter, selection of traditional pizzas, spaghetti carbonara, and steak muffuletta. Located next to Giovanni’s is Giovanni’s Wine Bar, where guests can enjoy a variety of Italian wines and small bites.

The SeaPlex on Odyssey of the Seas differs from other Quantum Class ships. Located within the SeaPlex is Playmakers, a sports bar complete with televisions, table games, and even a private room that can be reserved to watch sporting events.

Playmakers serves sports bar food such as hamburgers, chicken fingers, onion rings, nachos, and fries.

The SeaPlex is also home to Zone Zero. This is a 4D virtual-reality experience where guests physically roam and interact with the world around them while wearing a full virtual reality suit. This activity comes at an extra cost and is accessible by reservation only.

Odyssey of the Seas Pool Deck

The Pool Deck on Odyssey of the Seas has a totally different design than the other Quantum Class ships. While it follows the same layout, Odyssey of the Seas has the new Caribbean style pool deck also found on ships like Freedom and Navigator of the Seas.

The Caribbean style pool deck features tropical decor and colors. It has several casitas, which are covered, padded day beds available to reserve at an extra cost. Outside of the casitas are standard pool chairs as well as comfy loungers throughout the pool deck.

As opposed to the Pool Bar and North Star Bar on other Quantum Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has The Lime & Coconut. Following the pool deck’s tropical color pattern and vibe, The Lime & Coconut features island-inspired drinks such as the Rum Runner and Goombay Smash.

One important difference is that Odyssey of the Seas has no indoor pool like the other Quantum Class ships. Instead, there are two outdoor pools.

There are also several hot tubs on the running track deck overlooking the pool deck.

Odyssey of the Seas has 2,105 staterooms:

• 366 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 132 oceanview
• 1482 balcony
• 125 suites

Who is the Quantum Class best for?

The Quantum Class offers activities and amenities for every type of cruiser. As the second biggest class of ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Quantum Class ships are definitely not small, but they are not as large as the Oasis Class ships, either.

Families will especially enjoy the Quantum Class. With activities like RipCord by iFLY, bumper cars, rock climbing, trapeze, roller skating, the North Star, and the FlowRider, it will be difficult for kids to be bored while on a Quantum Class ship.

Those who enjoy unique entertainment options will especially like watching original productions in Two70. Two70 is a venue unlike any other in Royal Caribbean’s fleet and the use of technology, music, dancing, and acrobatics is especially impressive.

Lastly, because Quantum Class ships were built for many types of weather, they can be a great option for sailings that may encounter bad weather. If it is raining while onboard a Quantum Class ship, there are still a plethora of activities to enjoy, whether in the SeaPlex, indoor pools, or Royal Esplanade.

Quantum Class Tips & Secrets

Making reservations on the Cruise Planner is important for any Royal Caribbean cruise, but is especially important when sailing on a Quantum Class ship. Activities like the North Star and RipCord by iFLY often have select complementary reservations available. Once those are fully booked, the only options left usually have a fee.

A “secret” about Quantum Class ships is the animal statue located near the rock climbing wall on the Sports Deck. These are also known as the ships’ mascots, and each ship has a different massive animal statue.

• Quantum of the Seas: Felicia the Bear, a 30-foot, eight-ton pink bear
• Anthem of the Seas: Gigi the Giraffe, a 32-foot, four-ton colorful giraffe wearing a bright pink inner tube
• Ovation of the Seas: Panda Family, a 6.5-ton mama panda helping her baby panda climb the side of the ship
• Spectrum of the Seas: A pile of five small pandas handing balloons to a small panda on the top of the ship
• Odyssey of the Seas: A pink cat playing with a ball of yarn

Some hidden secrets of Quantum Class ships include the following:

• Solarium bridge wings that hang over the side of the ship, which are fantastic viewing areas for sailaway
• Glass floor between decks 13 and 14 looking 9 decks down to the Royal Esplanade
• Solarium Bistro, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant within the Solarium that is usually less crowded than other dining venues

Love is in the air… and at sea!

Have you ever thought about the possibility of meeting the love of your life on a cruise ship? Laura and Jarrod West of New Braunfels, Texas did just that while on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2004.

However, the two lost touch after the cruise. It wasn’t until several years later that they reconnected, started dating, and decided to tie the knot.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we talked with Laura and Jarrod West to learn more about their Royal Caribbean Love Story.

How did you two meet?

Laura and Jarrod: On Explorer of the Seas in March 2004, I (Laura) was traveling with my family and some friends and Jarrod was traveling with his family. Jarrod approached me and my friends on the pool deck.

What was the rest of the cruise like after you met each other?

Laura and Jarrod: During the first cruise we met on, we hung out and got to know each other, along with other spring breakers on the boat.

At that time, guests 18 and up could drink beer and wine and access all the clubs and bars that guests 21 and up could. My group of friends and I told everyone we were 21 at the time instead of 18. Jarrod was 22 at the time.

I had lost my ship card on one of the last days of the cruise and Jarrod walked down with me to get a new one. After they printed my new SeaPass card, Jarrod noticed that customer service punched a hole in my card. He asked why and that’s when Jarrod first learned that I was only 18!

As a result, Jarrod (22) realized that he had been lied to about our ages, but we exchanged numbers anyway.

Did you stay in touch after the cruise?

Laura and Jarrod: Jarrod was living in Illinois and I was living in Texas, and we talked a lot on the phone through August of that year, but it became every once and a while after that (Jarrod was bad about losing his phone).

We never committed to dating or anything because of the long distance and I think Jarrod thought I was too young. So we would randomly talk on the phone every once in a while for 7 years without ever seeing each other.

We both were casually dating other people during that time, but I would always answer his calls. My friends would ask who I was talking to and I would casually respond with “the man I’m going to marry.” Of course my friends and family thought it was a pipe dream!

I even invited Jarrod to come to sorority formal but his work got in the way and he didn’t come. My mom told me to forget about him and that it was never going to happen. 

Meanwhile Jarrod began his successful career being the manager of Walmart.

How did you two end up reconnecting after such a long time apart?

Laura and Jarrod: Seven spring breaks later from when we first met, in 2011, Jarrod and I realized through social media that we were going to be on a cruise the same week and same itinerary but on different ships. I was on Allure with my family and Jarrod was on Freedom with his family. 

After our cruises were over, Jarrod had a 4 hour layover in Dallas and that is where we first saw each other again and reconnected (Jarrod gave me a kiss as soon as he got into the car).

We both agreed it was really special that we both reconnected and before he got on his flight back to Illinois, he asked if he could come back to Dallas and take me on our first official date.

A few weeks later, April fools weekend 2011, Jarrod flew in not knowing anything about Dallas. I made him take me to a nice/expensive surf and turf dinner, the Dallas Aquarium, and we went to a Texas pool party with friends. I mean… I had to wait for 7 years for this guy; the least he can do is take me somewhere nice!

Before flying home, Jarrod asked me to be his girlfriend, told me he loved me the same day, and we agreed to give the long distance relationship a try and did so for about a year.

I heard Jarrod proposed onboard a Royal Caribbean ship. Can you tell me more about that?

Laura and Jarrod: In March of 2012, Jarrod scheduled a cruise and invited me to come along with his family on Freedom of the Seas. The cruise was going to the Virgin Islands and stopped in St. Thomas.

While in St. Thomas, Jarrod and I booked a midday catamaran excursion. That morning, we got off the ship early and did one of Jarrod’s parents' favorite things to do: shop for diamonds at Diamonds International.

While there, I pointed out a few designs that I really liked and settings… and little did I know that Jarrod had taken my feedback and pointed out what ring and setting he wanted for an engagement ring.

Jarrod and I rushed to our excursion and his parents stayed behind to ensure the ring was put together just right. After a great day on the catamaran and a few *cough cough* drinks to boot, we got back on the ship to get ready for dinner.

While I was in the shower, Jarrod’s parents came to the room and gave Jarrod the ring he had purchased. They were excited and wanted him to propose that night at dinner.

Jarrod took me to Chops Grille and wined and dined me, but thought he needed more time to relax and let our food settle after a big day out on the island.

That night, one of the activities on ship was the Dancing Under The Stars party on the pool deck where a band was playing. During that dance party I stepped away to the restroom, and Jarrod asked the band if he could propose while using the stage.

The lead of the band told Jarrod to dance our way to the front and come on stage so he could propose. So we did just that, and at the end of the song, the band handed Jarrod the mic. He pulled me up on stage to which I replied “What are you doing?”

Jarrod was nervously going to his pocket to locate the ring. He told me to hang on a minute, and he found the ring and pulled it out of his pocket. Then he said into the microphone on one knee that he loved me and met the girl of his dreams on a cruise ship and couldn’t think of a better place to propose. And he proposed.

Jarrod moved to El Paso, Texas that next week, then I moved down there in May. We got married that next August in San Antonio, Texas. 

Are the two of you still cruising?

Laura and Jarrod: Cruising remains a big part of our life and something that we enjoy. Prior to covid we were cruising 5-6 times per year and we recently went on our first cruise since Covid. We are planning our 10 year anniversary cruise out of Italy to the Greek isles on the Odyssey of the seas and looking forward to that.

We have 2 kids, Autumn (8) and Carter (6), and they love to cruise too! We currently live in New Braunfels, Texas, where I am a teacher and Jarrod is still a store manager for Walmart. 

When we are not cruising we are busy with sports and extracurricular activities, but cruising remains our favorite getaway.

Both Mariner of the Seas and Independence of the Seas sail out of Port Canaveral, so choosing which ship to sail is a decision many cruisers face.

Both ships have been recently amplified through Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified program. Because of this, both Mariner and Independence of the Seas feature many of Royal Caribbean’s newest and most popular activities, restaurants, and entertainment.

The two ships have more similarities than differences, although there are a few key things to make note of before you decide which ship works best for you.

Overview

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/znrlWYCKL_8.jpg?itok=yX0_1CT8","video_url":"https://youtu.be/znrlWYCKL_8","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

Mariner of the Seas is a Voyager Class ship and, with her maiden voyage in November of 2003, is the older of the two ships. She has a length of 1,020 feet and measures 139,863 tons. The capacity of Mariner of the Seas is 4,000 passengers at double capacity.

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/H7CmB8ziAXY.jpg?itok=tGvMi_2s","video_url":"https://youtu.be/H7CmB8ziAXY","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

Independence of the Seas is a Freedom Class ship whose inaugural sailing was in May of 2008. She is larger than Mariner of the Seas, with a length of 1,112 feet and measures 154,407 tons. The capacity of Independence of the Seas is 4,515 at double capacity.

Voyager and Freedom Class cruise ships have a nearly identical layout. Many of the venues are in the exact same place on Mariner of the Seas as they are on Independence of the Seas. Since Independence of the Seas is longer, though, there is more room for additional venues, pool space, and retail. 

Food & Dining

Mariner of the Seas and Independence of the Seas share many of the same dining venues, with a few key differences. Of course, both ships offer complimentary venues including the Main Dining Room and Windjammer Marketplace.

As far as specialty dining, both ships have Izumi Sushi & Hibachi, Chops Grille, and Johnny Rockets.

Mariner and Independence both have Playmakers, Sorrento’s, and Ben & Jerry’s as well, but the layouts of the venues are different on each ship.

The Playmakers on Independence of the Seas is on Deck 4 and is a significantly larger space compared to the Royal Promenade location on Mariner of the Seas.

Likewise, Sorrento’s and Ben & Jerry’s have their own standalone shops on Independence, whereas they are part of Cafe Promenade on Mariner of the Seas.

The Italian specialty restaurant onboard is different on each ship. On Mariner of the Seas you will find Jamie’s Italian whereas Independence of the Seas has Giovanni’s Table. While the restaurants each serve popular Italian dishes, Giovanni’s Table tends to have more traditional Italian dishes while Jamie’s provides a modern take at Italian cuisine.

Mariner of the Seas has a Starbucks while Independence of the Seas does not. On the other hand, Independence of the Seas has a Sugar Beach, where kids and adults of all ages can stock up on their favorite candy and sweets.

Bars & Lounges

Independence of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas share many of the same bars and lounges, including the Pool Bar, Solarium Bar, Star Lounge, and English-style pub. 

Mariner of the Seas is one of two Royal Caribbean ships to offer The Bamboo Room, a Polynesian-themed bar in the Royal Promenade serving tropical-themed drinks including the Banana Colada and the Island Old Fashioned.

The venue transports guests to an island-setting with its tiki decor, bossa nova music, and colorful uniforms worn by the crew members.

Independence of the Seas does not have The Bamboo Room in the Royal Promenade. Instead the ship has Vintages. Vintages is Royal Caribbean’s specialty wine bar which offers an elaborate selection of wine from around the world.

This venue has a more tranquil atmosphere compared to the party-themed atmosphere found at The Bamboo Room. Wine tastings and other events are common throughout the day, although they come at an extra cost.

Independence of the Seas also has a Champagne Bar on the Royal Promenade. This is a relaxed, no-frills bar with comfy seating. While called a champagne bar, other drinks are available here.

Both ships have Boleros, the Latin-themed bar on Deck 4, although the Boleros on Independence of the Seas has more seating space than the venue on Mariner of the Seas.

In addition, both ships have a Viking Crown Lounge on Deck 14, which offers stellar views of the pool deck and ocean. While they are named differently (Olive or Twist on Independence and Ellington’s on Mariner), the venue is the same.

Entertainment

Mariner of the Seas and Independence of the Seas have the same selection of entertainment venues: the Royal Theater and Studio B. The shows performed on each ship are different, though.

The ice show in Studio B on Mariner of the Seas is the circus-themed Ice Under the Big Top. While not the best show for those afraid of clowns, Ice Under the Big Top transforms the ice skating rink into a colorful, dynamic carnival.

In the Royal Theater guests can enjoy the original production of Gallery of Dreams, which tells a story of a young artist whose sketches become reality. Gallery of Dreams takes guests on an adventure in both time and space to bring history to life.

Unlike Mariner of the Seas, Independence of the Seas has a Broadway show onboard. Guests can enjoy the full-length Broadway production of Grease: The Musical in the Royal Theater.

The ice show on Independence of the Seas is Freeze Frame. In this show, figure skaters take guests on a journey through memorable world events. Through set design with historic newspaper clippings, art, cars, fashion, and music, guests will feel as if they are time traveling while in Studio B.

Both ships have alternative entertainment as well, including comedians, vocalists, and live bands.

Pool Deck & Sports Area

As a Freedom Class ship, the pool deck on Independence of the Seas is longer than that on Mariner of the Seas. The main pool area is similar on both ships, with two main pools and several jacuzzis.

Of the two ships, Independence of the Seas features more pool deck activities for children. Independence’s pool deck has Splashaway Bay, an aqua park with waterslides, water sprayers, and water dump buckets. In addition, there is a baby splash zone as well as a full-sized pool connected to Splashaway Bay.

Mariner of the Seas does not have a baby splash zone or Splashaway Bay, but still has a variety of kid-friendly activities around the ship.

Lunch options on the pool deck vary by ship, too. On Independence of the Seas you will find Fish & Ships, which serves fish and chips, fried shrimp, fried calamari, lobster rolls, battered sausage, and more. Fish & Ships has an upcharge, with items costing between $3 and $10.  

On Mariner of the Seas is the Boardwalk Doghouse. This is a complimentary venue where you can choose from a selection of hot dogs and sausages with toppings including sautéed mixed peppers, onions, and sauerkraut. 

The adults-only Solarium on both ships are similar to each other. However, the hot tubs within the Solarium on Independence of the Seas are cantilevered, so they stick out 12 feet over the ship’s side with nothing but the ocean below!

The Sports Court on the two ships are nearly identical as well. Both feature The Perfect Storm Waterslides, a Skypad, colorful step climbers, a Flowrider, basketball court, and rock climbing wall.

Onboard Activities

Onboard activities are similar on Independence of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. Both ships feature the following:

• Escape Room
• Perfect Storm Waterslides
• Skypad
• Colorful step climbers
• Flowrider
• Basketball court
• Rock climbing wall
• Ice skating
• Laser Tag

Itineraries

Independence of the Seas offers 3 and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral. The cruises visit Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, and the 4-night cruise will have a sea day.

Mariner of the Seas has a wider range of itineraries. Here are a few itineraries you may see on the ship leaving from Port Canaveral:

• 5-night Eastern Caribbean and Perfect Day cruise visiting Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 4-night Bahamas Getaway cruise visiting Grand Bahama Island and Nassau
• 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day cruise visiting Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 5-night Western Caribbean cruise visiting Cozumel and Costa Maya
• 5-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruise visiting Nassau and Labadee
• 4-night Western Caribbean cruise visiting Nassau, Grand Bahama Island, and Perfect Day at CocoCay

Mariner of the Seas also offers longer, 8-night sailings with itineraries visiting destinations including Bermuda, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Nassau, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Kitts, and La Romana.

Which ship should I choose?

Deciding whether to pick Independence of the Seas or Mariner of the Seas comes down to a few considerations.

If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway, Independence of the Seas has more options. With 3 and 4-night cruises on a consistent weekly schedule, there is more flexibility in when you can cruise. In addition, every cruise on Independence of the Seas visits Perfect Day at CocoCay.

If you are hoping to visit destinations other than just Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, booking a cruise on Mariner of the Seas will be the better option. With a wider range of itinerary lengths and destinations, you won’t be constrained to just the same ports.

As far as the ships’ layouts are concerned, the two ships are extremely similar to each other. Many guests may not even notice that Independence is in a different class of ship compared to Mariner! The places where you may notice this, though, are at the pool with the large Splashaway Bay area or on the Royal Promenade which features a few more retail stores and venues.

Guests who love watching sports may enjoy the extra-large Playmakers venue on Independence, whereas guests who plan to sip tropical drinks all day will love The Bamboo Room on Mariner of the Seas.

Ultimately, since both Mariner of the Seas and Independence of the Seas were recently amplified, they will offer the chance to try out Royal Caribbean’s newest features and amenities. And again, the ships are more similar than different, so whichever you choose will lead to a fantastic cruise experience.

The 2022 Alaska cruise season is quickly approaching, but will Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska sail this year?

Four Royal Caribbean ships are sailing to Alaska in 2022: Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas. Both Quantum and Ovation will sail from Seattle, whereas Radiance and Serenade will sail from Vancouver.

As of right now, there is no reason to believe cruises to Alaska will not happen in 2022. Both Serenade of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas made successful cruises to Alaska from July to October of 2021.

Since then, several government restrictions have been dropped and the cruise industry has had more time to prove its protocols and safety restrictions work. Therefore, Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise season is set to begin when Radiance of the Seas sets sail on April 29, 2022.

Canada’s current stance on cruise ships

Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships are foreign-flagged. Under the Passenger Vessel Services Act, foreign-flagged ships departing from the United States must stop in a foreign port at some point during the cruise. Because of this, Canada’s acceptance of cruise ships is a vital piece of whether or not Alaska cruises can happen.

Canada banned cruise ships with more than 100 passengers at the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020. This ban was extended several times, leading many to believe the 2021 Alaska cruise season would be canceled.

The state of Alaska was eager to get tourism back in 2021, though, and passed The Alaska Tourism Restoration Act. This was a temporary waiver that would allow foreign-flagged cruise ships to sail to Alaska without having to stop in a foreign port. Therefore, Royal Caribbean was able to cruise to Alaska during the 2021 season.

The Alaska Tourism Restoration Act states the following:

Authority to conduct these voyages shall terminate on March 31, 2022, or when Canada lifts its Covid-related restrictions, whichever occurs first. Voyages may not occur during any period for which the CDC has issued an order to suspend cruise ship operations.

In July 2021, the Canadian government announced that the ban on cruise ships would be coming to an end on November 1, 2021.

Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra stated that “As the outlook of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to improve, Canada looks forward to having a cruising season in 2022. The cruise ship industry, which represents more than $4 billion annual input into the Canadian economy and directly and indirectly generates approximately 30,000 jobs, is an important part of Canada’s domestic tourism sector.”

And while the Canadian government still advises Canadians to avoid cruise ship travel, their website also states the following:

Effective November 1, 2021, cruise ships are permitted in Canadian waters. Canada is working with the cruise ship industry, and other domestic and international partners, to support safe cruise ship travel in spring 2022.

Will new Covid variants affect the Alaska cruise season?

While everything is relatively uncertain when speaking about the Covid-19 pandemic, there is no strong reason to believe that a new variant, such as omicron, will affect the 2022 Alaska cruise season.

Omicron cases seem to be subsiding since their peak in mid-January. By May, when most Royal Caribbean ships will begin sailing to Alaska, omicron may not be as big of an issue as it was for cruise ships in January of 2022.

In addition, cruise ships have been successfully sailing throughout the world even during the peak of the omicron and delta variants. While new restrictions and protocols were put in place by Royal Caribbean, very few sailings were canceled.

Lastly, the Canadian government has not introduced any new restrictions for cruise ships since lifting the ban in November of 2021, even with the influx of Covid cases that appeared this winter.

Read more tips and information about cruises to Alaska:

• The weirdest Alaska cruise questions
• Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska 2022
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise
• What it's like to go on an Alaskan cruise at the end of the season
• Cruising to Alaska: What I Did Right and Wrong

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship is home to many impressive suites, but which one is the most expensive?

While there are spacious multi-room suites and even Aquatheater suites offering stellar views of the ship’s aft, the most expensive suite on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship is the Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

Designed to be a hub of activity and fun for families, the Ultimate Family Townhouse is a redesigned version of the Ultimate Family Suite that first premiered on Symphony of the Seas in 2018. 

As of 2024, the Ultimate Family Townhouse can only be found onboard Icon of the Seas; however, it'll be available on Star of the Seas when the second Icon Class ship launches in August 2025. While little is known about the third Icon Class ship, it can be assumed it will be present when it debuts in 2026, too. 

The one-of-a-kind suite offers a kid-centric design, colorful decor, and unique features not found in any other stateroom or suite onboard. 

To see what makes the Ultimate Family Townhouse the most expensive in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, let’s take a closer look at what's offered. 

Icon of the Seas' Ultimate Family Townhouse

Icon of the Seas stole the title of the world's largest cruise ship from Wonder of the Seas. This is the first time that an Oasis Class ship hasn't held that title since Oasis of the Seas launched in 2009.

Onboard this mega-ship, you'll find many cruise line firsts, including the record-breaking Category 6 water park, walk-up Izumi window in Central Park, a swim-up bar, and more. 

One of the most impressive additions, however, is the Ultimate Family Townhouse. At 1,772 square feet, not only is it one of the largest suites in the fleet, but it's also the most expensive. 

This massive suite can accommodate up to eight guests and has everything that a kid could ever need or want! 

From an in-suite slide to colorful decor, movie-viewing room, and "backyard" with access to the family-centered Surfside Neighborhood, this suite is sure to be a hit for those willing to splurge.  

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is three stories that span Decks 7, 8, and 9. The entrance is located on Deck 8. 

In the dining area, there's an interactive game table, while the movie room features a large television, popcorn and karaoke machines, and even a monster-themed daybed. 

Parents will enjoy the master bedroom, which has a king-sized bed, private balcony, large flat-screen TV, and ensuite bathroom outfitted with a twin vanity and double shower. 

Of course, no family-centered suite is complete with a bedroom designed just for children! Featuring bunk beds and a whopping four televisions, parents will have trouble making sure that their kids are getting enough sleep. It can sleep up to four thanks to the pullman and convertible sofa beds.  

The second bathroom is just as fun as the rest of the suite, with an elevated sink, mirror with LED lights, and funky shower tiles. 

There's also a dual shower tub, so there won't be any worries about bathing even the youngest of cruisers. 

Since this is a suite, everyone — both kids and adults alike — will enjoy the premium amenities, including toiletry products and luxurious bedding. 

One of the premiere features of the Ultimate Family Townhouse is the slide. Starting from upstairs and ending in the living room, it’s sure to be popular with kids staying in the suite.

Complete with a hot tub and plush outdoor seating, the balcony is another spacious area of the Ultimate Family Townhouse that offers impressive ocean views. 

This is different from the sister Ultimate Family Suite onboard Symphony and Wonder of the Seas, as neither suite offers uninterrupted ocean views since they overlook the sports area and Boardwalk Neighborhood. 

What does the Ultimate Family Townhouse cost?

Regardless of when you cruise onboard Icon of the Seas, the Ultimate Family Townhouse will always come with a hefty price tag. Despite that, it's already sold out for the entirety of 2024!

Looking into 2025, here are some prices of the Ultimate Family Townhouse for a family of four. Note that these prices are subject to change at any time. 

• 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise departing on June 28, 2025: $118,669
• 7-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise departing on October 18, 2025: $82,305

Here's a look at how much the Ultimate Family Suite will cost onboard Star of the Seas during her inaugural season:

• 7-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise departing on November 9, 2025: $81,157
• 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise departing on March 8, 2026: $75,691

Is the Ultimate Family Townhouse worth it?

Ultimately, deciding whether a suite is worth it or not depends on what you value in a vacation, your family’s specific needs, and, of course, your budget.

Some guests may opt to book a smaller suite or a balcony room and instead use the money they saved to book beverage and dining packages, spa treatments, and shore excursions.

Others may value the exclusivity of a suite and decide that the extra comfort, space, and amenities are worth the extra cost.

It’s important to note that the benefits of staying in the Ultimate Family Townhouse don’t just stop at the suite’s features and amenities, though.

Guests staying in the Ultimate Family Townhouse are part of Star Class, the highest tier of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class, which comes with exclusive benefits.

Star Class guests will receive full access to Coastal Kitchen, complimentary specialty restaurants, beverage packages, gratuities, and VOOM internet, as well as expedited boarding and departure, reserved seating at entertainment venues, and Suite Lounge and Suite Sun Deck access, among others.

Perhaps the best benefit of staying in Star Class, though, is the Royal Genie. Each Star Class Suite has its own Royal Genie. A Royal Genie acts as a personalized concierge onboard who can take care of special requests, arrange and manage reservations, and plan special events and celebrations.

The exact list of services a Royal Genie can provide varies based on your specific needs. For example, the genie may bring an ice cream bar to your suite for kids, deliver Starbucks to your room at the same time each morning, bring specialty dining to your suite, etc.

Prior to your cruise, you will receive a questionnaire, so your Royal Genie can get to know you and your party better before you board the ship.

Is the Ultimate Family Townhouse more expensive than other staterooms and suites onboard? Yes, but the features, design, and concept of the suite are unlike any other cabin offered on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Staying in the Ultimate Family Townhouse is sure to be an unforgettable experience for both kids and adults alike.

Cruising to Alaska is a dream for many, but how much does an Alaska cruise cost?

If you're hoping to book an Alaska cruise, you're probably wondering how much it will cost. Unfortunately, there's no set answer to this question, as the cost can vary greatly from one passenger to another. The price of an Alaska cruise depends on the month you cruise, the cabin and ship you choose, and the shore excursions you book for your time in port.

Cruise fare prices

Cruise fares are dynamic, so that means how much a cruise costs today could be slightly or significantly different from the price of a cruise to Alaska tomorrow. There are two main considerations when determining the price of a cruise: the month you sail and the type of stateroom you book.

The price of an Alaska cruise can vary greatly based on which month you sail.

The Alaska cruise season usually runs from May - September. The most popular times to cruise to Alaska are during the summer months of June, July, and August. Because of the higher demand at this time of year, cruise fares can be more expensive.

The shoulder seasons of May and September, on the other hand, can see less demand and therefore lower prices.

Stateroom selection can also have a huge impact on the price of an Alaska cruise. Interior, oceanview, balcony cabins, and suites all come with varying price points.

Different ships offer different stateroom availability as well. Some ships, like Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, have more balcony staterooms available than smaller ships like Serenade or Radiance of the Seas. Therefore you may find balcony staterooms more affordable on a Quantum Class ship than on smaller ships.

As an example, I priced out cruise fares for two sailings: a 7-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier cruise on Radiance of the Seas and a 7-night Alaska Adventure/Experience cruise on Anthem of the Seas. Both cruises take place in the summer of 2025.

The price reflects the total cruise fare per person as well as taxes and fees. Note that the inventory on some rooms may be limited for the cruises closest to departure, leading to higher prices.

Radiance of the Seas: 7-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier Cruise

July:

• Interior: $1,226
• Oceanview: $1,497
• Balcony: $3,464

September:

• Interior: $974
• Oceanview: $1,045
• Balcony: $2,052

Anthem of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Cruise

July:

• Interior: $1,507
• Oceanview: $2,037
• Balcony: $2,268

September:

• Interior: $1,208
• Oceanview: $1,406
• Balcony: $1,796

Unlike destinations like the Caribbean and Europe, sailing on an older and smaller ship to Alaska does not necessarily mean the cruise fare will be cheaper than a new ship. Because smaller ships can fit into more Alaska ports, demand for those ships are often higher than the larger ships.

Related: Sailing on an old vs new ship to Alaska

We recommend booking a cruise as soon as you decide you would like to sail to Alaska. Waiting for a lower price usually does not pay off, as cruise fares tend to get higher closer to the sail date.

Excursions

An Alaska cruise is itinerary-focused, meaning you will want to plan your days in port to get the most out of your visit. Budgeting for excursions is important to ensure you will be able to do what interests you most.

Royal Caribbean offers both budget-friendly and more exclusive shore excursions. Here are a few examples of excursions and their prices as of 2025:

• Mendenhall Glacier Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest: $299/guest
• Alaska Sled Dogs & Musher's Camp: $264/guest
• Best of Skagway: $449/guest
• White Pass Railway and Skagway Highlights: $324/guest
• Victoria Whale Watching & Wildlife Tour: $154/guest
• Goldbelt Tram: $60/guest
• Skagway Street Car City Tour: $66/guest

There are also some higher-end excursions which can offer a truly unique opportunity to view Alaska’s scenery from a different perspective.

The “Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter and Guided Walk” excursion brings guests on a helicopter ride above the Tongass National Forest before landing on Mendenhall Glacier. Following the landing, guests will wear glacier boots for a guided walk around the ice. The cost for this excursion is $579/person.

Those looking for a more comfortable whale watching experience may be interested in the “Luxury Whale Watch” excursion in Juneau. In this excursion, guests will set sail on a yacht with only 8 guests while enjoying refreshments and looking for humpback whales and orcas. The cost for this excursion is $739/adult.

A non-luxury whale watching tour is significantly cheaper, usually costing between $150-300 per person.

Whatever your budget, you will likely be able to find a shore excursion that works well for you. You may also wish to search for excursions through outside providers or explore on your own.

Exploring on your own

If you don't book excursions, you may choose to explore Alaska’s ports on your own. Most Alaska cruise ports are just a short walk from the main area of town, where you will find restaurants, saloons, historical districts, museums, and nature to enjoy.

Related: 16 cheap and free things to do on an Alaska cruise to avoid spending hundreds on shore excursions

You can also visit popular destinations on your own as opposed to booking an excursion. As an example, instead of purchasing an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, opt to take the express bus. Located just outside the pier is a stand that sells roundtrip tickets to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation area. The total cost for the roundtrip bus ticket is $79 as of 2025 and includes the entrance fee into the park.

Cruise Tour

Royal Caribbean also offers land-based Cruise Tours before or after a one-way Alaska cruise. These are 3 to 6-day land tours that bring guests to destinations not accessible by cruise ship.

Prices for a Cruise Tour vary depending on how many days the tour runs and the tour’s location.

Those looking to visit Denali can book the “Alaska Wildlife Express” Cruise Tour which includes a 7-night sailing on Radiance of the Seas followed by a 3-night land tour exploring Anchorage and Denali National Park and Preserve. The total cost of the cruise and land tour begins at $2,342 per person for an interior cabin.

A more in-depth Cruise Tour is the “Wilderness Frontier Explorer” Cruise Tour. This tour combines a 7-night sailing on Radiance of the Seas followed by a 4-night land-tour that visits Seward, Anchorage, Denali National Park and Preserve, and Fairbanks. The price for this Cruise Tour begins at $2,351 per person for an interior cabin.

The "Alaska Wilderness Spectacular" Cruise Tour is the most expensive option available, with prices for a 7-night cruise and 6-night land tour beginning at $3,629 per person for an interior cabin. This tour visits Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks in addition to the itinerary's cruise ports.

Planning an Alaska cruise? Check out these articles:

• Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska 2025
• Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing
• 50 Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Tips
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise