I've had the desire to sail on SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS ever since she made her spectacular debut in 1988. I finally had the chance last weekend. When SOVEREIGN first sailed into Miami almost 20 years ago she was considered revolutionary. She was not only the largest ship in the world at her introduction, she influenced design trends in the cruise industry that continue even today. Back in her heyday, getting a reservation could prove to be a difficult task. These days it's much easier and you can enjoy a short sailing on SOS for a very reasonable fare. Don't procrastinate though, as SOS will leave the Royal Caribbean fleet in 2008. She will start her second career with RCI's Spanish brand Pullmantur. So what is it like sailing sailing on somewhat of a legend that has faded out of the limelight? Well I can tell you better then I expected. Overall SOVEREIGN has held up very well, and Royal Caribbean has spent a good deal of money to keep her up to date and current. Of course no matter how much make-up you apply to a legendary lady, the wrinkles will always make themselves known and SOVEREIGN is no exception. Rather then write a full review, let me share some observations, comments, and tidbits about the ship and cruise.
- the cabin was larger than I expected (but still very small). I was on Deck 8, cabin 8048 which was an obstructed view. There was really no obstruction. Book this cabin if you can.
- the bathroom was much larger then other ships, such as the Sun Class with Princess and NORWEGIAN MAJESTY for instance. You could actually sit on the john without hitting your knees on the door! I guess I expected it to be super small, but I've been in smaller!
- the exterior of SOVEREIGN is absolutely stunning. To this day she remains one of the best looking modern ships afloat. In the top five for certain.
- the two areas that look the most modern are Boleros and the Windjammer Cafe. They could easily pass on a much newer ship.
- I don't think SOVEREIGN has ever strayed from the Bahamas and the Caribbean in her 20 year career.
- the ship has amazingly large stair landings and foyers. I don't think new ships would be designed with such expansive spaces on every deck.
- food and service were very good, better than expected for a short 3-day cruise.
- the Officers, crew, and Staff are well aware this "old lady" is leaving the fleet, and they seem very proud of the ship and to serve on her.
- there was one Production Show and I thought it was pretty well done. Not bad at all for a three day cruise. The showlounge itself is very retro to the 80's, probably more so than any other lounge on the ship.
- it was fun to see the beginnings of many Royal Caribbean trademarks. Things like the Schooner Bar, Centrum, and large Viking Crown Lounge.
- the Centrum is still a very impressive space, much more so then many brand new ships I have sailed. It's truly the heart of the ship and always full of activity.
- the main foyer with Guest Relations and the Shore Excursion Desk is a huge space. Very expansive.
- a lot of 80's art remains on the ship helping to give away her age.
- there is a wonderful full wrap-around Promenade Deck complete with traditional teak loungers.
- the tiered and rounded aft decks are a rare find in the current age of the 'box boat'.
- I loved the Rosario Strings that played in the Centrum every day. They were excellent.
- the shopping arcade had a large seating area complete with a Seattle's Best Coffee and Ben & Jerry's. It almost reminded me of a mini-Royal Promenade found on the newer RCI ships.
- the ship held our compliment of over 2000 passengers very well. Rarely did the ship feel crowded.
- the Windjammer is one of the best designed buffets of any ship I have sailed. Looks great too!
- above Windjammer is a Johnny Rockets and Sorrento's Pizza. Again, very well designed spaces.
- the pools are large for a cruise ship and the sun deck is huge. This is an area that would be hard to improve upon.
- the spa and fitness center are completely redone and are two of the more modern looking areas on the ship. There is no sauna or steam room.
- the Viking Crown is used as a cigar bar and therefore it reeks of smoke 24/7. Too bad as the views are great.
- CocoCay is my favorite of the private islands I have visited so far. That includes Labadee, Princess Cays, and NCL's private out island. There were tons of lounge chairs for all passengers and plenty of activities and places to explore. The island was very clean and well kept.
- the dining rooms reminded me of Princess. Two single height rooms stacked on top of one another. Tables were very close together.
- my cabin was quiet and kept in pretty good shape. There was some rust in the bath room and the drains were slow. Royal Caribbean's new bedding was in place and it was very comfortable. We were provided robes but never wore them. The cabin was too small to walk around in them! Closet space was decent. There is no safe or refrigerator.
- the shop selection was quite good, much more so then far newer ships I have sailed.
- weather the entire cruise was great and you could barely tell SOVEREIGN was moving most of the time.
Overall I really enjoyed my experience on SOVEREIGN. It was interesting for me to finally sail on this legend many years after her prime. Even though Royal Caribbean has spent a a great deal of money on SOVEREIGN, there were some definite give-aways to her age that were not concealed. Most of the ceilings and light fixtures are original. That means they are a bit faded and dented. Much of the art is original and boy does it look 80's. It seems the elevators, ceilings, some signage, light fixtures, and cabin bathrooms were the details that gave SOVEREIGN's age away. Oh yeah, perhaps the fake dark wood paneled cabin doors as well! 
All in all the left over 80's decor gave SOS some charm and an almost cozy feel. It was fun to imagine how fantastic all that dated decor was when the ship was brand new.
I definitely recommend a sailing on SOS before she departs the fleet. She provides a great value in comfortable surroundings. I also feel that RCI has not cut corners on the product just because it's the short cruise market. In fact the crew of SOS consistently gets rated the friendliest in the Royal Caribbean fleet, and I spoke to many who return to SOS contract after contract.
Below are links to pictures. I hope you enjoy them. Being in Nassau was a treat for a ship spotter like myself and took many ship photos. It's the perfect place to see the all the ships lined up side by side and make comparisons. FYI I felt SOVEREIGN was the best looking ship in port, even over the classic REGAL EMPRESS which is looking a bit tired these days. Surprisingly the COSTA FORTUNA was looking the worse for wear, with rust all over the ship. SOS looked spotless and it's great to see RCI taking such good care of her.
Until next time,
Ernie
Two Pages of pictures can be found at the following link:
Pictures Link
Here is a taste:
Four Mighty Bows
SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS - A beauty!
