First Cruise - Vision of the Seas

[Cruzin1616]

My family and I are considering taking cruise first ever cruise on Vision of the Seas (4night) next year. There will be 7 of us, two of which are teenagers.

Any advice on activities, drink packages, food, voom wifi, etc would be great.

I have searched through the boards and not alot of recent things on the Vision of the Seas that I could find.

Thank you

[dplusd]

Welcome to cruise critic and to the wonderful world of cruising! Vision is one of the smaller, older ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet and lacks many of the bells and whistles of the newer, larger ships. For a couple's first cruise I think the Vision would be a terrific introduction to cruising. But, I think the teenagers would enjoy a larger ship (Voyager class or higher).

[Cruzin1616]

Welcome to cruise critic and to the wonderful world of cruising! Vision is one of the smaller, older ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet and lacks many of the bells and whistles of the newer, larger ships. For a couple's first cruise I think the Vision would be a terrific introduction to cruising. But, I think the teenagers would enjoy a larger ship (Voyager class or higher).

 

Our only options during the time we “all” can go are RCI’s Vision of the Seas or Carnival Valor. We are leaning toward going with Royal.

[bighairtexan]

I recently got a freebie thru the casino for Vision of the Seas. I almost didn't take it b/c it was an older ship. I've been on 70+ cruises and I have to say it was one of the best cruises ever. The ship was in very good shape. The Captain (Marek) was one of the most present and engaged Captain's I've ever come across. And b/c of that the staff and crew were also engaged and happy and very anxious to please. I was talking to a few of them and they said that the captain was as present and engaged w/ the crew as with the passengers and most of the people working would go all out to please him.

For me this replaced any bells and whistles that were missing. The vibe was so much FUN and just HAPPY. Go for it!

[Cruzin1616]

@bighairtexan

Thanks for your input, on it being the best time. Its not always about the bells and whistles to us. Its about a good fun family time.

 

Trying to figure out if certain things are worth it, like drink packages (non-alcohol ones) and wifi.

Also any advice and pointers would be greatly apprecatied too!

Going to visit with a travel agent next week.

[clearlake_cruiser]

We also agree with the shout-out regarding the excellent Captain Marek Slaby and outstanding crew attitude on Vision of the Seas. Probably our favorite ship (followed closely by Capt. Liz on Jewel.)

[Kelli0927]

@bighairtexan

Thanks for your input, on it being the best time. Its not always about the bells and whistles to us. Its about a good fun family time.

 

Trying to figure out if certain things are worth it, like drink packages (non-alcohol ones) and wifi.

Also any advice and pointers would be greatly apprecatied too!

Going to visit with a travel agent next week.

I would say if you want good, quality family time, don't bother with wifi. We never get it and I love not being attached to my phone. You can access wifi in ports to get your fix if you need it. However, I do understand that there are situations that may require connectivity.

 

As far as drink package, you just have to price out whether it's worth it. We get the deluxe package for shorter cruises, but do not for longer, port intensive cruises. We are still deciding about a soda package for our alaska cruise. A girl needs her diet coke [emoji6]

 

Sent from my SM-G955U using Forums mobile app

[cb at sea]

I think, for a 1st cruise, this will be perfect! A good way to get familiar with cruising without all the distractions of a "mall-like" experience! There will be plenty to do for all.

[Cruzin1616]

Thanks for your inputs. We meet with our travel agent tomorrow. Can’t wait going on a cruise has always been my dream!

[kalliekae]

My daughter and her husband sailed on Vision a few months ago. It was his first cruise, but she has been on several including Oasis. They had a great time! There was plenty to do to keep them busy and the service was outstanding. They would definitely cruise Vision again. It was a shorter cruise so they felt they did not need to buy the drink package or wi-fi. If you decide to sail Vision, please come back and tell us about your cruise.

[musiccity2008]

Just got off of a 12 night Med cruise on Vision. It was the best cruise experience we've ever had. My wife and I have been on several of the RCCL ships, small and large and definitely prefer the smaller ships. However I agree with one of the earlier posts that teenagers might prefer the additional activities on the bigger ships. But on Vision there is a rock climbing wall, pools, jogging/walking track, shows, teen club, movies, etc. I also agree with the other posters about the Captain--very visible, engaged and the crew/staff were equally engaged. We would go back on Vision anytime, you won't be disappointed!

[Esilef]

We have cruised on rhapsody and are doing the med on the vision in September.

 

The friendly & happy atmosphere on rhapsody really made it the best cruise & I am hoping vision will be the same.

 

Will less passengers everyone tends to get to know everyone else on the cruise this includes the staff.

 

It’s a great ship to try cruising on.

[Desert Cruizers]

I can't offer any comment on the Vision as I have sailed the Radiance Class & Freedom class. As far as the drink package, it really comes down to how much you will be drinking each day. My husband drank beer so it was best that I buy him the Deluxe Package. I never buy the wifi as I could text the daughter and family and don't bother with emails while on a cruise. I am to busy enjoying the trip.:)

[jcc1025]

We have also sailed a lot and our first RCCL ship was even smaller than Vision. I think that there might me something to be said for starting off on a smaller ship. You will get the pure cruise experience and have a great time. A larger ship could overwhelm you on the first cruise but if you like us be prepared. Once you go, your hooked. Have fun, we would love to hear how it goes.

[Ladysilver]

Our only options during the time we “all” can go are RCI’s Vision of the Seas or Carnival Valor. We are leaning toward going with Royal.

 

Good for you! We were on the Vision in December. We loved the ship, the service, the food, the room, and Captain Merek! The Vision is the perfect size for us. Not too big and not too small. No lines and not too many people. :hearteyes:

[Cruzin1616]

Cruise is booked. Can't wait!!!! Going on Vision in March.