Sovereign of the Seas Review
Editor's Note: Royal Caribbean announced that its Sovereign of the Seas, once quite a revolutionary "big ship" back when it was built in 1988, will be transferred out of the fleet. The 73,192-ton, 2,276-passenger ship, lauded this summer by USA Today as a top 25 travel milestone for its role as the world's first mega-ship, will head to Pullmantur in October 2008.
What happens when you take a perfectly serviceable, ultimately seaworthy and older but beloved ship, and refit it for the 21st century? Does the ship lose out? Are the details that made it special lost in the refurb? Or do the passengers win?
Royal Caribbean's 17-year-old Sovereign of the Seas, a smaller vessel than most of the lines' others (it's roughly half the size of its Voyager-class ships!), was once the largest and most elaborate cruise ship at sea. In fact, the ship in 2007 was lauded by USA Today: In a "Top 25 Travel Milestones" feature, it noted about Sovereign of the Seas that "Royal Caribbean reinvented the cruise business in 1988 with the launch of what is often billed as the world's first mega-ship. It featured unprecedented resort-like amenities and carried a then-astounding 2,852 passengers."
A few years ago, Sovereign of the Seas, alas, was showing its age, not only in the normal and expected wear and tear of an older ship, but also in its amenities as well. The expectations of the cruising public have changed so much over the past decade or two that what used to be considered top of the line is now regarded as tired and passe.
But, rather than retire the Sovereign or sell it off to a European tour-and-cruise company, Royal Caribbean decided to give the ship a more-than-major facelift, in the process upgrading its public rooms, adding areas that are popular on its more modern ships, and expanding its teen and children's programs.
Indeed, there is no question that the newly reborn Sovereign of the Seas has a whole new look and a young, vibrant attitude. Big verandahs were added to 62 of its cabins, the dark and closed-in buffet area was scooped out and expanded, soft goods were replaced throughout the ship, lounges were rearranged to maximize space, some a la carte food options (Johnny Rockets, Seattle's Best Coffee, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream) have been provided, and two incredible teen and children's areas have been created.
Sovereign now sails three- and four-day Bahamas itineraries from Royal Caribbean's handsome new port in Cape Canaveral, and is a shining example of what can be accomplished in a successful ship refurbishment.
 Read Complete Sovereign of the Seas Review
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