Public Areas & Facilities

The futuristic atrium, combined with the abundant use of marble and gleaming metal, virtually assured the Sovereign-class ships design longevity. The addition of rock-climbing walls and other features found on subsequent Royal Caribbean vessels, plus sparkling new interior colors, belie the age of both ships.

Restaurants

Two formal dining rooms serve breakfast and lunch in open seatings and dinner in two assigned seatings. The Windjammer casual Lido buffet serves three meals a day, including a casual dinner option. In addition, this ship has Sorrento's Pizza and Johnny Rockets in the Windjammer, as well as Latte-Tudes, a patisserie serving specialty coffees and Ben & Jerry's ice cream.

What Works & What Doesn't

Johnny Rockets is a nice addition. Unfortunately, some remnants of late 1980s design are difficult to overcome, including few balconies and low ceilings in the dining rooms. The rock-climbing walls are certainly impressive but they look like an after-thought, and their awkward position spoils the view overlooking the stern from the Viking Crown Lounge.

Accommodations

Layout: Cabins are comfortable, but standard ocean-view and inside categories are a tight squeeze for more than two occupants. When these ships were conceived, staterooms were viewed as primarily for sleeping and changing clothes, so even the suites are on the small size by current standards. Every cabin has adequate closet and drawer-shelf storage.

Amenities: Light woods, mirrored accents, a vanity-desk, TV, personal safe, and a hair dryer are typical Sovereign-class features in all categories. Bathrooms have shampoo and bath gel.

Suites: All suites and junior suites have a minibar, balcony, and bathtub. Royal Family Suites have a sitting area, dining area, two bedrooms (one with two twin beds and an upper bunk, one with queen-size bed), and two bathrooms.

Good to Know: Third and fourth Pullman beds are found in a variety of stateroom categories, as are connecting staterooms -- a plus for families that require more room to spread out. Six staterooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility.

Cabin Type and Size (in square feet)
Royal Suite	670
Owner's/Grand Suite	446/382
Royal Family/Jr. Suite	371/264
Superior/Standard (Ocean View)	157/122
Interior	119

Favorites

Teen-Friendly: This ship has a bit of an advantage over others, what with it having a teen disco, computer room, private outdoor deck space, and no-adults-allowed lounge.

Best Nautical Spaces: Each ship has a Schooner Bar, Royal Caribbean's signature piano bar with seagoing flair (models of sailing ships and even a smoky tar scent set the tone).

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: The Viking Crown Lounge is not only our favorite place for catching the sunset; we also like the space for the last drink of the day.

Best Way to Stay Connected: In addition to an Internet Center, Wi-Fi hotspots are conveniently located in public rooms, and cell phone access at sea is a hot new feature.