Cathy
Age: 28
Occupation:administrative ast.
Number of Cruises: 3
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Ship: Sovereign of the Seas
Sailing Date: January 5, 2003
Itinerary: Bahamas
Here is my review of the Sovereign of the Seas. I hope it will be helpful to
someone and just e-mail me if you have any questions.
Cabin:
My husband and I sailed on the Sovereign of the Seas January 5th, 2003. Our itinerary was Coco cay (RCCL’s private island), and Nassau, Bahamas. Our two previous cruises were on Carnival’s Paradise, and the Pride. Remember those were newer ships than the SOS, so that’s all we had to base our experience on. I have to say I was disappointed upon entering our cabin. There were some signs of wear like paint & furniture chipping and scars on the walls. However, I was relieved to see that all the other areas around the ship were kept in wonderful condition. We booked a regular-sized ocean view. We did not know at time of booking but noticed after seeing our cabin that there were some ocean views with a small window (which is what we got), and some with a larger window. We had read that RCCL’s rooms are much smaller than Carnival’s. So the cabin was about the size we expected. Enough storage space but really only room to turn around. For larger-built individuals, I would suggest that you don’t book a regular size inside or a regular size ocean-view room. I am of medium build and the shower was very uncomfortable to me due to its size. I believe there is a slightly larger L-shaped ocean-view.
Food:
Although there was food out most any time, the food in the Windjammer definitely needs to be improved in my opinion, and I am not a very picky eater. However, my husband seemed to really enjoy it. One thing that was bothering to me in the Windjammer was that the food area (the hot buffet pans) was always dirty with food splashed all over. It just wasn’t attractive. The dining room food was SOOO good! The best filet mignon and chicken fettuccine alfredo we’ve ever had. The service there was a little lacking, but could’ve been worse. We had a long wait for the entrees but then we were pushed out so fast. Don’t forget, you can order that same dining room food by calling room service during certain evening hours (like 6-9:30 or so). Look thru the cruise directory in the cabin for menus and info. A wonderful service that is not offered on Carnival!
Entertainment:
The ship’s entertainment is very good overall. Steven Scott, is a comedian we saw; he was hilarious. There was an adult game called “Quest”; funniest thing I have ever seen. A wild game!! And don’t miss the “Love and Marriage” game . Lot’s of laughs at that one. Some say there is a difference between Carnival’s and RCCL’s shows but I didn’t see any. There is a string quartet called the “Rosario Strings”. They play often in the Centrum and are simply not to be missed. Take a minute to enjoy the soothing music they provide. Their CD’s are available in the gift shop for $20.
Ports:
Coco cay was wonderful!! Just like we imagined it. Lots of things to do there. We went snorkeling at the first big beach area on the island. Be sure and make it out to the shipwreck and the plane wreck if you snorkel. You can rent a floating beach mat for $8.00--they are so relaxing. The further out you go along the island less crowded it is. Barbecue -type lunch provided....food wasn’t that great. There are restrooms but no lockers or changing areas. In Nassau the weather wasn’t that great so we decided not to take an excursion. We ended up just shopping. I was surprised, but the island seems expensive. If you don’t want to be haggled over and over again do not go to the famous Straw Market. I was trying to bargain shop, but it’s just not worth it. Some people in the market even quoted us prices higher than some stores we went into. On the main streets you just couldn’t avoid being jumped for a hair braid, a carriage ride, a tour, a taxi. So, unfortunately, my husband and I ended up walking away with Nassau being one of our least favorite ports. It may have been ok had we taken an excursion. Anyway, I learned a lesson. If you see something there you like, buy it right then because you may not see it again. Old Nassau and the
U.S. T-shirt Factory Outlet are about the best all around stores for general souvenir items.
And finally, here are a few things we’ve learned that make our cruises a little more enjoyable....
If you are interested in taking a tour from the ship get a copy of the tours and decide before you go. Carnival has an area on their website, and will e-mail you a complete list offered on your sailing along with prices (e-mail : ) Royal Caribbean has an area on their website that allows you to download a list of tours offered on your sailing.
Take a pack of highlighter markers. Each night go thru the newsletter and highlight the things you don’t want to miss...there is so much it is sometimes hard to keep track of all the times locations etc...This way you can carry it with you and know at a glance when and where to be.
Buy a post card of the ship, write the dates and ports of call on it & start a collection. We also buy a post card from each country and mail it to ourselves from the ship. They show up WEEKS later after you’ve forgotten about them, and bring back memories. And you get a exotic stamp collection in the process.
Make your own address labels including your address, phone #, name of your ship and date you sailed. Print out a sheet and take them with you. On the last night of the voyage affix the labels to the colored tags they give you saving yourself the time and trouble of filling them out.
Make address labels for everyone you want to send post cards to (remember to include USA in the address) Take the labels in place of an address book plus save a little time addressing the cards. Microsoft Clip art gallery live (microsoft.com) has lots of free clip art of cruise ships, snorkeling, islands, etc...you can download and use on your labels.
Attach ribbons or brightly colored pom-poms etc.. to your luggage so it is easier to spot when you claim your luggage.
Buy disposable underwater cameras/film before you sail (MUCH cheaper than in port) Cathy and I start months before a cruise. Each week when we go shopping we pick up one or two small items sunscreen, cameras, film, OTC medications, etc...Helps to keep us excited and looking forward to the trip (and you don’t notice it in the budget) We place everything in a “cruise bag”
If you’re into feeding the fish take along a can of cheese-whiz (it’s like crack for fish) or you can get a banana from the boat.
Bring an air freshener from home...just in case (I’ve read about sewage smells on some older ships...never experienced it yet, knock on wood)...glade plug ins make the cabin smell nice & tropical but many times there are no outlets in the bathroom so maybe a traditional gel type for in there.
duct tape...don’t leave home without it....you can fix anything in the world with either a hammer or a roll of duct tape. If only the Capt.. of the Titanic would’ve had a roll...who knows!
bring a couple extra pairs of cheap sunglasses, in case you loose/break a pair. (we sent two pair to sunglass heaven last time)
pack some cokes for your stateroom (they are 1.50-2.00 per can on the ship) there is always ice in your room. Unless you drink an obscene amount of cokes don’t bother with the soda card, It will be cheaper and easier in the long run to buy them individually.
Make sure to bring lots of $1 or $2 bills for tipping guides, porters, room service etc...(told the novelty of a $2 bill is a big hit on most ships)
If you drive down the night before, find a hotel with a free shuttle/parking. Saves the aggravation and expense of parking at the terminal.
copy & paste all the good advice you get from this forum to a document...keep it short a line or two for each tidbit you want to remember try to keep it to a page or so. Then print it and take it with you in case you can’t remember something when you get on board. (name of a beach, location of a shop, etc...)
Cabin:
My husband and I sailed on the Sovereign of the Seas January 5th, 2003. Our itinerary was Coco cay (RCCL’s private island), and Nassau, Bahamas. Our two previous cruises were on Carnival’s Paradise, and the Pride. Remember those were newer ships than the SOS, so that’s all we had to base our experience on. I have to say I was disappointed upon entering our cabin. There were some signs of wear like paint & furniture chipping and scars on the walls. However, I was relieved to see that all the other areas around the ship were kept in wonderful condition. We booked a regular-sized ocean view. We did not know at time of booking but noticed after seeing our cabin that there were some ocean views with a small window (which is what we got), and some with a larger window. We had read that RCCL’s rooms are much smaller than Carnival’s. So the cabin was about the size we expected. Enough storage space but really only room to turn around. For larger-built individuals, I would suggest that you don’t book a regular size inside or a regular size ocean-view room. I am of medium build and the shower was very uncomfortable to me due to its size. I believe there is a slightly larger L-shaped ocean-view.
Food:
Although there was food out most any time, the food in the Windjammer definitely needs to be improved in my opinion, and I am not a very picky eater. However, my husband seemed to really enjoy it. One thing that was bothering to me in the Windjammer was that the food area (the hot buffet pans) was always dirty with food splashed all over. It just wasn’t attractive. The dining room food was SOOO good! The best filet mignon and chicken fettuccine alfredo we’ve ever had. The service there was a little lacking, but could’ve been worse. We had a long wait for the entrees but then we were pushed out so fast. Don’t forget, you can order that same dining room food by calling room service during certain evening hours (like 6-9:30 or so). Look thru the cruise directory in the cabin for menus and info. A wonderful service that is not offered on Carnival!
Entertainment:
The ship’s entertainment is very good overall. Steven Scott, is a comedian we saw; he was hilarious. There was an adult game called “Quest”; funniest thing I have ever seen. A wild game!! And don’t miss the “Love and Marriage” game . Lot’s of laughs at that one. Some say there is a difference between Carnival’s and RCCL’s shows but I didn’t see any. There is a string quartet called the “Rosario Strings”. They play often in the Centrum and are simply not to be missed. Take a minute to enjoy the soothing music they provide. Their CD’s are available in the gift shop for $20.
Ports:
Coco cay was wonderful!! Just like we imagined it. Lots of things to do there. We went snorkeling at the first big beach area on the island. Be sure and make it out to the shipwreck and the plane wreck if you snorkel. You can rent a floating beach mat for $8.00--they are so relaxing. The further out you go along the island less crowded it is. Barbecue -type lunch provided....food wasn’t that great. There are restrooms but no lockers or changing areas. In Nassau the weather wasn’t that great so we decided not to take an excursion. We ended up just shopping. I was surprised, but the island seems expensive. If you don’t want to be haggled over and over again do not go to the famous Straw Market. I was trying to bargain shop, but it’s just not worth it. Some people in the market even quoted us prices higher than some stores we went into. On the main streets you just couldn’t avoid being jumped for a hair braid, a carriage ride, a tour, a taxi. So, unfortunately, my husband and I ended up walking away with Nassau being one of our least favorite ports. It may have been ok had we taken an excursion. Anyway, I learned a lesson. If you see something there you like, buy it right then because you may not see it again. Old Nassau and the
U.S. T-shirt Factory Outlet are about the best all around stores for general souvenir items.
And finally, here are a few things we’ve learned that make our cruises a little more enjoyable....
If you are interested in taking a tour from the ship get a copy of the tours and decide before you go. Carnival has an area on their website, and will e-mail you a complete list offered on your sailing along with prices (e-mail : ) Royal Caribbean has an area on their website that allows you to download a list of tours offered on your sailing.
Take a pack of highlighter markers. Each night go thru the newsletter and highlight the things you don’t want to miss...there is so much it is sometimes hard to keep track of all the times locations etc...This way you can carry it with you and know at a glance when and where to be.
Buy a post card of the ship, write the dates and ports of call on it & start a collection. We also buy a post card from each country and mail it to ourselves from the ship. They show up WEEKS later after you’ve forgotten about them, and bring back memories. And you get a exotic stamp collection in the process.
Make your own address labels including your address, phone #, name of your ship and date you sailed. Print out a sheet and take them with you. On the last night of the voyage affix the labels to the colored tags they give you saving yourself the time and trouble of filling them out.
Make address labels for everyone you want to send post cards to (remember to include USA in the address) Take the labels in place of an address book plus save a little time addressing the cards. Microsoft Clip art gallery live (microsoft.com) has lots of free clip art of cruise ships, snorkeling, islands, etc...you can download and use on your labels.
Attach ribbons or brightly colored pom-poms etc.. to your luggage so it is easier to spot when you claim your luggage.
Buy disposable underwater cameras/film before you sail (MUCH cheaper than in port) Cathy and I start months before a cruise. Each week when we go shopping we pick up one or two small items sunscreen, cameras, film, OTC medications, etc...Helps to keep us excited and looking forward to the trip (and you don’t notice it in the budget) We place everything in a “cruise bag”
If you’re into feeding the fish take along a can of cheese-whiz (it’s like crack for fish) or you can get a banana from the boat.
Bring an air freshener from home...just in case (I’ve read about sewage smells on some older ships...never experienced it yet, knock on wood)...glade plug ins make the cabin smell nice & tropical but many times there are no outlets in the bathroom so maybe a traditional gel type for in there.
duct tape...don’t leave home without it....you can fix anything in the world with either a hammer or a roll of duct tape. If only the Capt.. of the Titanic would’ve had a roll...who knows!
bring a couple extra pairs of cheap sunglasses, in case you loose/break a pair. (we sent two pair to sunglass heaven last time)
pack some cokes for your stateroom (they are 1.50-2.00 per can on the ship) there is always ice in your room. Unless you drink an obscene amount of cokes don’t bother with the soda card, It will be cheaper and easier in the long run to buy them individually.
Make sure to bring lots of $1 or $2 bills for tipping guides, porters, room service etc...(told the novelty of a $2 bill is a big hit on most ships)
If you drive down the night before, find a hotel with a free shuttle/parking. Saves the aggravation and expense of parking at the terminal.
copy & paste all the good advice you get from this forum to a document...keep it short a line or two for each tidbit you want to remember try to keep it to a page or so. Then print it and take it with you in case you can’t remember something when you get on board. (name of a beach, location of a shop, etc...)