Probably the only reason to choose this ship is because of Cuba. The ports in Cuba is small and doesn't support big ships. In fact, The Empress of the Seas is actually the biggest ship that is allowed to dock in Havana, Cuba.

Embarkation at the port of Miami was the fastest that I've ever experienced. I arrived at 11:30 and literally waited 5 seconds in line before I saw the check-in desk. 5 minutes later, I was on the ship. Little bummed that the rooms weren't available til 1pm, but I can't complain that it took me 5 mins to check-in and board.

Even though this is the oldest and smallest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, it is the most updated and best well kept ship that I've been on. The Empress must have been recently refurbished, because everything was flawless. Read more