Is Sovereign of the Seas boring?

[EverybodyLovesCruising]

I'm 29, and my husband is 31. We were going to go on Sovereign of the Seas, but while researching, it looks like this is a boring ship for people our age. I saw a daily planner on webshots and the events listed included bingo, digital camera demonstrations, and art auctions. Not exactly us. It just looked like there's not much going on, and when there is, it's kind of lame. Are there all-day events that I'm missing somehow?

 

We looked at Carnival (Sensation, specifically, but really any of their ships), and it looks like a blast! Are these fair statements? Does anyone have any insight on either or both that they can share?

 

It also seems that w/ Sovereign, we'll be paying extra for too many things. I thought all the main things like food and entertainment are supposed to be covered on a cruise, and with Johhny Rockets and Ben and Jerrys, etc. having charges, it doesn't seem very economical. I really don't want to be on a ship where I have to wish I could afford to get the full experience. This will be our honeymoon, and I just want to have a great time - non-stop fun where we can throw away all our stress for a few days (we're both in grad school and have a child - lots of stress to throw away :) ).

 

I know everyone's taste is different, so I welcome your thoughts. Please let me know your age if you don't mind, as well (age range, whether you're close to our age, much older, whatever....)

 

Thank you so much!

[Cruising89143]

Been on both Carnival and RCI and as far as activities go, it is what you make of it. There are plenty of things to do for all ages on the Sovereign. One can be as active as they or lazy as they want.

 

You also do not have to pay for hamburgers. They have them in the Windjammer and pizza is free also. They also have two soft serve machines on board so a trip to Ben and Jerry's can be skipped.

 

I have found that the shorter cruises are about the same regardless of which line you choose. They seem to draw in the same type of cruiser.

[kdgteacher]

The Sovereign of the Seas is really not that bad. My husband (31), sister in-law (25), and I (32) all went on this cruise last Spring Break. The three of us are teachers so we were looking for something fun to do during our time off. We really had a GREAT time. We actually met a group of people on a bachelor/ette party and hung out with them in the dance club one night. We also got off the ship in Nassau and went to Senor Frogs (that was a bit CRAZY). During the day there were plenty of things going on pool side and we played the slot machines in the casino at night. We also participated in the Quest game show with a group of people we met and actually came in 2nd place. Trust me, you will find things to do.

[kruzerci]

Well, I have been on both Sovereign and the Carnival Imagination (sistership to Sensation,) and I will tell you Carnival's advertising builds them up much higher than they really are. The Sovereign is a larger ship, by a little, it is classier than Sensation, and IMHO, the food and entertainment is much better on RCI than Carnival.

 

Royal Caribbean does charge for some things such as Johnny Rockets, but Carnival would too if they offered it. We usually go to Johnny Rockets once or twice, but the food in the Windjammer and dining room is great anyways.

 

I agree with cruisinggator, I believe all short cruises are going to attract somewhat of the same crowd.

 

We were on Soveriegn for our first cruise, went to Carnival, and came back to Royal Caribbean, if that tells you anything!

[Aquahound]

You have to remember that those little things they charge extra for on the Sovereign aren't even offered on the Sensation. Besides, Johnny Rockets is $3.95 - not that expensive - but it's nothing more than an alternative dining option. Of course, you'll hear alot of RCI cheerleading in this forum. But truth be told, I would never recommend one of Carnival's ships in that class over RCI's Sovereign Class. They are comparable by age only. By the way, I'm a very active 32.

[Iamthesea]

My DD 21 and BF 26 had a wonderful time on the Sovereign. DD has just about sailed on all the ships listed in my signature.

[wolfcathorse]

you must have missed the advertising for the dancing poolside under the stars with the buffet. There's dancing late into the night in Boleros, pool deck, Viking Crown lounge, and at Voltage (?), you have to go see Quest, Love and marriage, battle of the sexes. Do the trivia, name that tune, etc. There's dance classes (salsa, line dancing, etc). All this you don't pay for. Sovereign was a party happening all the time when we were on her the end of April.

[kruzerci]

Aquahound, just looking at your pictures and they look great. I just saw the picture of the Celebration, it's looking BAD!!! It looks like its about rusted through. It kinda reminds me of what the old ship looks like if you have ever seen 'Ghost Ship'.

 

http://image55.webshots.com/155/1/95/64/2789195640080150150IlchNe_ph.jpg

[moesyk4]

We went on a 4 day cruise on this ship and I have also been on a 4 day cruise on Carnival. (I am 24 and my husband is 26). I agree that most ships with this sailing are about equal, you can find stuff to do on all. I will say that I spent a lot less on RCI and I was able to do everything I wanted to do without feeling like I missed the whole experience (I worry about this on our next cruise with some of these bigger ships with all the "alternative" dining experiences and "select" services for upper rooms). Overall, I think RCI is a step above Carnival in all areas, including entertainment. My husband and I are not big partiers and we had a blast. In the end, it's all what you make of it. If you want to be bored, you will be no matter where you are at.

[yogimax]

Yeah, Carnival excels at exciting entertainment....

 

... the hairy legs contest

... the belly flop contest

 

Seriously, Carnival has the exact same stuff...

 

- art auctions

- bingo

 

Activities are almost identical on both lines, with the exception of RCCL's Voyager Class ships and the Freedom. They feature

 

... rock wall

... miniature golf

... ice skating shows

... surf rider

 

I'll take ice skating to hairy legs (or is it hairy chest?) and day!

[Sue L]

I am older than you are (won't say how much) but believe me you won't be missing out on anything of the whole cruise experience by not getting a hamburger or a Ben and Jerry's ice cream cone.

 

We just went on our 10th but our first on RCCL and would definitely would reccommend RCCL if for nothing else the service, ambience and wonderful crews. I think everyone likes being catered to, pampered and made to feel special no matter the age and you will definitely get that more on RCCL

[dlong1969]

We went on the Sovereign for our honeymoon last Sept. I am 37, wife is 28... We also took my brother and his new wife with us... for THEIR honeymoon (Long story..), and they are 26 and 24...

 

We had a blast. There is no shortage of things to do. You can get wild, or get mild... depending on your attitude and mood. I think for a first cruise, this particular ship and itinerary can't be beat. One day at a beach, being lazy, soaking up the warm Caribbean sun, warm ocean, beautiful views... One day in Nassau.. the sky is the limit there... you WILL be tired at the end of the day. Senor Frogs is a must.. fun fun fun.... then a day at sea, right before you go home, to recover and unwind from a full day at Nassau.

 

Did we like it? Yep. Booked Sovereign again... same week... same cabin (and I am NOT a creature of habit), taking other friends with us this time....

[bickee]

I'm sure that I'll get flamed for this but...here goes.

 

I have been on the Sovereign and the Sensation and surprisingly to me...preferred the Sensation. I felt they were both smaller, older ships but Carnival had more evening entertainment. I've sailed on Carnival, Princess, and RCI and fully expected to think that Carnival was the trashiest of the three. Not so. While I prefer Princess...I really had a great time on the Sensation! There was no difference that I could see in the clientel with both the Soveriegn and the Sensation. NONE! So it came down to entertainment, and IMO Carnival won. Hubby agreed. We are 32 and 30. Just my opinion of course so take it for what it's worth. Good luck!

[bickee]

Yeah, Carnival excels at exciting entertainment....

 

... the hairy legs contest

... the belly flop contest

 

Seriously, Carnival has the exact same stuff...

 

- art auctions

- bingo

 

Activities are almost identical on both lines, with the exception of RCCL's Voyager Class ships and the Freedom. They feature

 

... rock wall

... miniature golf

... ice skating shows

... surf rider

 

I'll take ice skating to hairy legs (or is it hairy chest?) and day!

 

Actually we also had belly flop and sexy legs competitions offered on the Sovereign as well. So you wouldn't be missing out on the "exciting entertainment".

[Iamthesea]

bickee - Sure hope you don't get bored on the Grandeur! :D it's going to be a lot like the Sovereign.

[barbarah33]

I have done both lines and would tell you to try RCCL over Carnival - especially for your honeymoon. RCCL is a nicer, classier line and the Sovereign has been totally redone: she looks great. (I was just on her a week ago.) Both lines will offer similar activities like belly flop contest, hairy legs, basketball, etc. Royal Caribbean can also offer rock climbing, etc.

 

We really enjoyed going to Johnny Rockets and didn't mind paying the $3.95 cover charge to eat there but there is nothing that says you have to. You can get a burger and fries brought to your room 24-hours a day from room service for nothing if you would like. Johnny Rockets is just there as an alternative. The same is true for Ben and Jerry's. Being from New England we have B&J's all over so it didn't appeal to me and I actually prefer the soft serve which is available all the time for no charge.

 

And, Royal's private island is a wonderful day to relax, play beach games, rent watercraft, have a BBQ, etc. I don't think you'll be disappointed with either line as a cruise is a wonderful honeymoon but I think you would be better off giving RCCL a try.

[Host Caroline]

IMHO only (having sailed both ships this year) SOS is much much better cruise than any Carnival cruise out of Port Canaveral..I've been on over 30 cruises but Carnival was DH's first cruise and Sovereign his third.. For a short cruise you can't beat Sovereign (although I'd love to try Century if it was closer).. Ship is nicer, there was a ton of stuff on sea day (pool games, etc.), private island is awesome and the disco with Felipe was fun every night. Dueling Pianos are a great show, Quest is fun = I do not see how you could not have a good time!

Food, etc. much better than Carnival.. Only thing better about Carnival was the sushi before dinner every night and the cabins are bigger..oh, and there was a lot of smoking on Carnival in nonsmoking areas. Carnival = been there done that, not goin' again for us.. too many other ships/lines we do like.

[cb at sea]

A cruise is what you make of it! If you need to be entertained 24/7, then you will probably be bored anywhere. We never partake of the "planned activities", like bingo or art auctions, yet we have never been bored! We read and sun during the sea days, we're ashore on port days. At night, we get a buzz going, eat, party, etc...

It's entirely up to you what kind of experience you will have!

[Bookish Angel]

lectures, good international and indie films, etc. on my May, 2006 cruise to the Bahamas. Fortunately, I brought a couple of excellent books and my Nano so I was in no way bored.

[LLindaC]

Is there any way you can upgrade to a 7 day? They are so much nicer on certain ships with many more amenities and activities. The Sensation was one ship I couldn't wait to leave. 10 RCCL cruises, liked them all. Liked the Sovereign okay, but if it were my honeymoon, I'd spring for the Navigator or Mariner. Also, flame me if you must but on the shorter cruises, you get lots of bubbas. Many more on Carnival. If you HAVE to do a short cruise, I think the Enchantment wins, hands down

[StormGoddess]

I sailed Sovereign in beginning of January. Had a blast and booked it again. In fact, just got off her again this morning and looking for another run. She is a great weekend get away. There was everything from a 3 month old baby to a 90 something woman. And everyone was doing something somewhere, what they enjoyed doing...whether it be partying or sitting by the pool or one of the many activities. Honestly there were more activities than we could fit into the day.

 

And yogi... there's rock climbing I think on all of RCCL's ships now, but definitely on the SoS.

 

Oh, and I am 33.

[kruzerci]

Is there any way you can upgrade to a 7 day? They are so much nicer on certain ships with many more amenities and activities. The Sensation was one ship I couldn't wait to leave. 10 RCCL cruises, liked them all. Liked the Sovereign okay, but if it were my honeymoon, I'd spring for the Navigator or Mariner. Also, flame me if you must but on the shorter cruises, you get lots of bubbas. Many more on Carnival. If you HAVE to do a short cruise, I think the Enchantment wins, hands down

 

I agree 100% with this post. I would not chose Sovereign for my honeymoon cruise, but it is a great ship for a partial week of relaxation.

 

We went on the 4 day back in 2000 and fell in love with cruising. After cruising on some brand new, huge ships, I can see that Sovereign really is an aging, smaller ship, but she's great for what she is used for.

 

When we were on the Imagination, I was SO ready to disembark when we got back to Miami. I was actually turned off by cruising for a few months until I started checking out Royal Caribbean again. I was back in love with cruising by the time we got off Voyager, actually I was addicted :D .

 

We are booked on Sovereign for a 4 nighter in six weeks, but we aren't going into it expecting a cruise like we got out of Navigator and Mariner, it's just a little getaway cruise to hold us over until our next seven day and to see how Sovereign has changed since our first cruise!

 

Try and go for a 7 day on a new ship for a honeymoon, it will cost more, but it is your honeymoon and it will only happen once. Make it a great one!

[gizzy15@iowatelecom.net]

I love to cruise and the SOV is a great ship and far from boring. I can't wait to go again and I am in your age group. There honestly was not 1 boring minute on the ship. Go and have a gerat time you won't be dissapointed.

[buccikulju]

:rolleyes: Um, didn't you say this was your honeymoon? Eighteen years ago when DH and I were finishing up grad school and were married we wanted our honeymoon to be relaxing and calm and romantic. I would think a comfy bed, the sound and motion of the ocean, and 24 hour room service would be perfect!

 

:o

Patty (just 6 days til our first cruise...on the Sovereign.)

[EverybodyLovesCruising]

Thank you all so much for your responses. They really helped. We're going on Sovereign, and we are stoked! And I don't say stoked very often... but we're stoked! :D

 

You all pointed out things that I didn't know about the ship (free burgers, pizza, and ice cream stations - supposedly an advantage of Carnival) and you made some great points (what matters - comfy bed on our honeymoon, etc.).

 

I had seen a Compass on Webshots and it seemed like all the activities were digital camera demonstrations and art auctions. I was a little worried. But it seems like there's much more to it. I've always heard that RC's much nicer, anyway, and there's only one way to find out, right? ;) We can't wait!!

 

I do have something to say to cruisingator2... thanks for your feedback, and roll tide roll! :p