Readers may recall the splash made by RCI's newest ship, Oasis of the Seas, the largest ocean liner afloat when it debuted in December 2009 with a capacity for 6,296 guests and 2,394 crew. The first in a series of Oasis-class ships, this big beauty will be joined by sister ship Allure of the Seas in December.
Innovations on board include the first park at sea, a zip-line over an open-air atrium, loft-style multi-level suites and "neighbourhoods" like the "Boardwalk."
"Firsts" at sea are not new for RCI, which kick-started the trend to bigger, bolder ships about 10 years ago when it launched its Voyageur liners. These cutting-edge vessels -- then the world's largest -- included revolutionary attractions such as climbing walls, ice rinks, a Royal Promenade of shops and restaurants and, later, FlowRider surf simulators.
With so many unique attractions afloat, the company can claim much of the credit for transforming the image of cruising from a somewhat sleepy holiday for seniors to a fun, active vacation for family members of all ages and abilities.
But as Royal Caribbean transitions to a newer fleet, what do "older" ships have to offer? A lot, as it turns out.
I recently sailed aboard Voyageur of the Seas -- which made its debut in 1999 -- for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise. The itinerary was port-heavy with only one sea day to devote exclusively to ship activities. It wasn't quite enough to experience everything the ship has to offer.
In addition to the now-famous ice-rink and climbing wall, other features of the 14-deck ship include the Johnny Rockets diner, Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop, the Pig & Whistle pub, Optix teen disco, a solarium, three pools, six whirlpools, a basketball court, mini-golf, jogging and in-line skating tracks, a Peek-a-Boo Bridge where ship operations can be observed, many restaurants and bars, and the Skylight wedding chapel.
And despite being "small" by 2010 standards, Voyageur of the Seas can still be described as a small floating city. When fully loaded, she can carry up to 3,838 passengers and a crew of 1,176. (It is the largest ship I've sailed on.)
The daily ice shows continue to be crowd pleasers. These feature accomplished figure skaters who perform sophisticated ice-dancing moves -- axels, spins, loops, lifts, jumps and turns, etc. It's quite amazing how much the skaters can do -- not only because of the smaller ice surface but also because it's all being performed on a moving ship. There is no cost to attend ice shows but passengers must reserve tickets in advance.
I expected Voyageur of the Seas to look dated but -- aside from some pre-millennium colour schemes in some places -- RCI is doing an excellent job of keeping up appearances and rolling out features of newer ships where possible.
After more than a decade, it remains a ship where passengers will only be bored by choice.
Oh, I almost forgot. The glories of Italy and other ports await at the end of the gangway.
robin.robinson@sunmedia.ca
If you go cruising
In the Mediterranean
More information
For details on Royal Caribbean's European cruises, see royalcaribbean.com or your travel agent. If you have more time, consider a longer itinerary that will offer more destinations and more relaxing sea days. Adding a multi-day pre- or post-cruise tour will allow you to experience destinations in depth.
Another floating first
RCI recently announced a partnership with Dreamworks Animation SKG to create a new family program that will see animated characters from films such as Shrek and Kung Fu Panda entertain little guests at character breakfasts, ice shows, etc. In addition, Dreamworks films will be screened in 3D -- another industry first -- in the ship theatre. There is no extra charge for the new family program, which will be launched with Allure of the Seas in December and roll out to the other Oasis class ships soon after.
Small ships set own course
