Within the past three months, I've sailed on two of Royal Caribbean and Disney’s oldest ships: Vision of the Seas and Disney Magic. Though both ships launched in 1998 just months apart, they couldn’t be more different. From the onboard amenities to the cabin experience, one is undeniably better than the other—at least in terms of modern-day appeal.

Royal Caribbean and Disney are two of the leading family-friendly cruise lines in the industry. While Royal’s fleet is larger, there’s something special about embarking on a ship with classic Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy.

Both brands cater to families, but Disney goes above and beyond in creating immersive, magic-filled experiences for guests of all ages. Being in my mid-20s and childless, I was worried that I might feel out of place and overwhelmed by the younger kids onboard. 

However, I was immediately brought back to my childhood within seconds of stepping on the ship. In fact, Disney Magic was the first-ever ship I sailed on in 2005! 

Still, I loved my time onboard Vision of the Seas. Having primarily sailed on Royal Caribbean's larger ships, I wondered if I'd enjoy the more intimate experience that Vision offered. And to my surprise, I did! The Main Dining Room's food was delicious, and I grew fond of the spacious, enclosed Solarium. 

However, Vision caters to guests seeking a quieter, more traditional cruising experience. While there are still activities and entertainment for families, Disney Magic takes the cake when it comes to family-centric experiences. 

I stayed in interior cabins on both cruises, the cheapest stateroom available. These no-frill accommodations had basic cruise ship cabin amenities, including an ensuite bathroom, television, vanity area, and closet. 

The price of my 5-night sailing on Vision of the Seas in September 2024 was $1,396.76, while my fiancée and I paid $1,585.78 for our 3-night cruise aboard Disney Magic to the cruise line's new private destination in The Bahamas: Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. 

On Vision, the price felt like a good value for what we received. Though older, the amenities, activities, dining, and service were solid. However, my experience onboard Disney Magic justified the higher price. 

While the cruise was shorter, we felt like we got more out of every moment, whether waiting in line to meet a character or attending a Broadway-style musical in the Walt Disney Theater. Plus, visiting the relatively new Lookout Cay was a standout. 

Here's my comparison of the cheapest cabins on two of Royal Caribbean and Disney's oldest ships.

Read more: 8 cruise ship cabin rules to follow — Plus 1 to break

Price

The difference between the fare of both cruises, including gratuities and port fees, was just $189.02, or $94.51 per person. 

This wasn't too shocking, as Disney Cruise Line is known for some of the highest fares in the industry, even on its oldest vessels. Additionally, with Lookout Cay welcoming its first guests in June, I knew we'd be paying a premium to visit the private destination within its first few months of operation. 

However, Disney's base fare is slightly more inclusive than Royal Caribbean's. For example, soda is included with meals in the main dining rooms, as well as at several beverage stations throughout the ship. 

Moreover, in addition to utilizing Disney's Wi-Fi to connect to the app for free, you can stay connected with friends and family back home through iMessage and WhatsApp for no extra charge. 

Read more: I spent 5 nights onboard one of Royal Caribbean’s oldest cruise ships. I liked the amenities but didn't enjoy the inconsistent buffet

Cabin overview

Inside cabins are typically cozy, so I wasn't taken aback by the snugness of my stateroom on Vision of the Seas. Measuring just 132 square feet, cabin 3543 was compact but functional. It also felt more spacious than it was, probably because we separated the beds to create a small walkway in the middle of the stateroom. 

In comparison, my stateroom on Disney Magic, 5633, measured around 185 square feet. No inch of the cabin was wasted either, from the plush couch that could be converted into an additional bed to the shower-tub combination in the bathroom. 

Both cabins are over 25 years old, so it wasn't surprising to find signs of wear and tear, particularly in the bathroom. However, my stateroom on Disney Magic felt newer, or at least more refreshed. 

To start, there were far more outlets than I anticipated. The vanity area alone had eight outlets, including two USB ports, five standard American plugs, and one European outlet. 

That wasn't all, either! There were three additional American outlets beside the bed, making it easy to charge our phones at night. Because of all the charging options, my European adapters went unused, unlike my experience on Vision of the Seas. 

The 26-year-old Royal Caribbean ship had just four outlets in the entire stateroom, all near the vanity. Plus, only two were American, so if you didn't bring European adapters, you'd be limited to just two outlets for the voyage. 

When I sailed on Vision, I used my portable charger at night to keep my phone near the bed. Otherwise, I would have had to leave my phone on the vanity. While minor, having bedside outlets made Disney Magic seem newer, even though she's the same age as Vision of the Seas. 

Storage

The nightstands in my interior cabin on Vision had more storage, whereas the nightstands in my Disney stateroom had just one drawer each. 

Still, neither cabin skimped on providing enough space for clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other miscellaneous items. The closet space on both ships was comparable, and plenty of cabinets were located throughout helping to keep our belongings concealed. 

Read more: The 1-item upgrade for a better cruise ship cabin experience

Royal Caribbean definitely provided more bathroom storage, but I appreciated the size of Disney's shower-tub combo, though it still had a clingy shower curtain. 

With just one hook on the bathroom door, I was glad I brought my hanging toiletries organizer, which helped keep all my products within reach while getting ready. 

Bathroom

Speaking of the bathroom, both had their strengths and weaknesses. As mentioned, Disney Magic's lacked storage, whereas my bathroom on Vision had built-in shelving next to the sink. 

However, the tub-shower combo on Disney was far superior to the tiny capsule shower on Vision of the Seas which was more functional than comfortable. And while cruise ship bathrooms aren't known for being luxurious (unless in a top-tier suite), the bathroom on Disney Magic felt more spacious and well-designed. 

In addition to the tub-shower situation, Disney provided better toiletries, including liquid (yes, liquid!) hand soap. There was also body lotion and separate body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. It felt so nice to have actual body wash instead of the shampoo-body wash hybrid that's standard on Royal ships. 

Though the upgrades on Disney Magic, including the liquid hand soap and tub-shower combination, were a nice touch, my bathroom on Vision of the Seas wasn't far behind in terms of cleanliness and functionality. It was evident Disney and Royal Caribbean put a lot of thought into the practicalities of their bathrooms. 

Location

I loved my location on Disney Magic and Vision of the Seas! While sailing to Bermuda with Royal Caribbean, my inside stateroom was in the front of the ship on Deck 4, making it easy to access many popular amenities like Cafe Latte-tudes, the Main Dining Room, Masquerade Theater, and Casino on Decks 4, 5, and 6. 

Though my interior cabin on Disney Magic was located towards the back of the vessel on Deck 5, it was also in a prime location. Families with younger children would especially love it since it was on the same deck as the youth clubs, including Disney's Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, and "it's a small world" nursery. 

Not only that, but it was a short walk to the atrium, Buena Vista Theater, Animator's Palate, Lumiere's, and D Lounge. With only three nights onboard, I appreciated how fast I learned my way around the ship. I was feeling like a Disney pro on night one! 

Final thoughts

Inside staterooms aren't for everyone. Growing up, my family only sailed in balconies; however, as I've begun to fund my cruising addition, I've learned that inside cabins have their own advantages, despite lacking natural light and ocean views. 

Cruisers who love to stretch their vacation budget as far as possible will love the value of interior rooms. They come with the same standard amenities as ocean-view and balcony cabins. Plus, you can enjoy the same onboard amenities, from multi-course meals in the Main Dining Room to production shows, youth programming, and more. 

While I had pleasant experiences in my staterooms on Vision of the Seas and Disney Magic, the upgraded features, from the multitude of outlets to the spacious shower, made the cabin on my Disney cruise stand out the most. 

However, because of Disney's price point, I'd argue Vision offers better overall value. Combined with my Diamond Crown & Anchor benefits, sailing with Royal, even on an older ship, is a great way to travel without breaking the bank. 

For cruisers seeking a no-frills vacation with good dining, quality entertainment, and friendly crew, you can't go wrong with an interior stateroom on Vision of the Seas. At the end of the day, though, I prefered Disney Magic's inside cabin over Vision's. 

Growing up, I primarily cruised on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships. However, within the past year, I've started branching out to explore what makes their older vessels appealing. 

After spending 5 nights onboard Vision of the Seas, I discovered a level of intimacy that the larger ships lack. Still, not everything about this 20+ year-old ship was perfect. 

While I appreciated the overall atmosphere, some areas showed the ship's true age, such as the cabin's bathroom, which I found to be dated compared to the sleek, modern design of newer vessels. Plus, the entertainment options were more limited. I missed the Broadway-style shows and the AquaTheater's high-diving spectacles. 

That said, the charm of Vision of the Seas captivated me. It was reminiscent of a different era of cruising, where the focus was connecting with the sea and fellow passengers, rather than flashy attractions. Royal Caribbean ships didn't always have FlowRider surf simulators, water slides, and ice skating rinks onboard! 

Ease of embarking from Baltimore

Many cruisers—including myself—limit their searches to popular ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Galveston, Seattle, and Cape Liberty. However, Royal Caribbean also deploys ships from smaller ports, such as Tampa and Baltimore. 

Though smaller, sailing from Baltimore is convenient for those who live in the DMV area, with the Maryland Cruise Terminal just 40 miles from the heart of Washington D.C. The Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is also only 10 miles away, so it's easy to access if you're flying in. 

Earlier this year, I had a horrible experience embarking on Carnival Elation in Jacksonville, Florida. I was worried I'd have a similar experience in Maryland, with both ports being outdated compared to newer terminals in South Florida and even Galveston. 

Thankfully, the Maryland Cruise Terminal was efficient, clean, and well-organized. After clearing security, the port agents checked our travel documentation, and we were onboard Vision of the Seas in less than twenty minutes, akin to the time it has taken to board larger ships in modern facilities. 

We found disembarkation to be just as easy. Our assigned group was scheduled to be called off around 9:00am; however, the process went faster than expected, with all groups receiving clearance at 8:45am as we finished breakfast in the Main Dining Room.  

Once off, locating our suitcases was easy, and I was impressed with the terminal's rideshare pick-up area. Instead of pulling up to the sidewalk, all cars were instructed to pull into a parking spot, effectively reducing congestion and helping keep the area organized. 

Read more: 30 cruise ship embarkation do's and don'ts

Impressive main and specialty dining

Compared to recent sailings on Quantum and Freedom of the Seas, Vision's main and specialty dining experience didn't leave much to be desired. Izumi, in particular, was a standout. 

Everything was drool-worthy, from the edamame to the creamy firecracker shrimp rolls, savory miso ramen, and tender champagne lobster roll. In my opinion, it was worth the $40 per person upcharge (note the price includes the pre-cruise Cruise Planner sale and gratuity). 

Aside from one meal in Hamilton, Bermuda, the remaining nights were spent in the Main Dining Room. Prior to the cruise, I advised my friend not to expect anything mindblowing. While I've found included cruise food satisfactory, it's rarely exceptional. 

To my surprise, a few dishes in the MDR were that good, such as the French Onion Soup, Rustic Chicken Korma, Crispy Coconut Jumbo Shrimp, and Tirasmu. 

Though Vision doesn't have as many venues as larger ships in the fleet, what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality! 

Read more: I spent 5 days eating on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Here’s everything I ate, including some dishes I’d skip

Activities and amenities 

Vision of the Seas might not have some of the WOW factors that have come to define the Royal Caribbean brand (i.e., the Perfect Storm water slides, FlowRider surf simulator, AquaTheater, zip line, and more), but you won't be bored during your cruise. 

On embarkation day, we decided to attend the silent disco in the Centrum. It was a lively activity that was more popular than I thought! After dancing the night away, we worked up an appetite and headed to the Park Cafe in the Solarium for some pizza. 

While the next day was more relaxing, I loved the enclosed Solarium. It proved to be the perfect retreat, as most of our cruise was plagued with poor weather. 

Additionally, it was steps away from the complimentary sauna and steam room in the Vitality Spa. This made it easy to switch from lounging in the peaceful Solarium to relaxing in the sauna and letting the heat work its magic whenever we wanted. 

Whether we wanted to attend a trivia session, watch a production show, listen to live music at the Schooner Bar, try our luck at Bingo, climb the rock wall, or participate in The Crazy Quest, there was always something to keep us entertained.

Read more: All about Vision Class cruise ships

Basic cabin

My inside stateroom on Vision was like a time capsule. 

The soft lighting and furnishings were simple yet inviting, and I appreciated the functional layout with plenty of storage, a small seating area, and dual nightstands with extra drawers. 

That said, the most disappointing aspect of my cabin was the clingy shower curtain. No matter how hard I tried, it always seemed drawn to my skin, making showering a bit challenging. Because of this, more water would escape from the shower than I'd like. 

Read more: I sailed in tiny interior cabins on old Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships. I'd only book one again

I also wish Royal Caribbean would update its older cabins to feature more charging options. When I cruised on Carnival Elation, a ship roughly the same age as Vision, I was surprised to find multiple outlets, including USB ports beside the bed. 

Thankfully, I came prepared with European power adapters, so we could use all four outlets (two American and two European) at the vanity. I'd also recommend bringing a portable charger if you want to charge your phone in bed, as there aren't any outlets near the bedside. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean banned outlet extenders on its cruise ships. Its change started a debate about what's allowed

Inconsistent buffet

My least favorite thing about Vision of the Seas was the buffet, particularly during breakfast. I enjoy a simple breakfast, typically eggs for protein, fruit, and a hashbrown patty, and throughout my 5 days onboard, the quality of the Windjammer's breakfast varied greatly. 

On the first full morning, my eggs were cold—though I liked the small avocado toast. The eggs were again cold the following day, but the hash brown patty was perfectly crispy. Things went really downhill from there.

Deciding to mix it up, I grabbed a hardboiled egg instead of scrambled eggs, but the heat lamp made the shell too hot to touch. By the time I finally removed the shell, I found the hardboiled egg to be overcooked, rubbery, and dry. 

Additionally, the hash brown wasn't as crispy as the day before. Instead, it was on the soggy side. After a few disappointing breakfasts in the Windjammer, we decided to carve out extra time each morning to eat in the Main Dining Room, where the quality of the food was consistently better. 

Read more: 11 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet

The food is one of the best parts of any cruise, and I was looking forward to the dining experience onboard Vision of the Seas. 

Overall, the food on Vision was better than some of the larger ships I've sailed on within the past year, namely Freedom of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas. Izumi, in particular, was out-of-this-world, with the fresh sushi and drool-worthy appetizers making it a must-visit. 

Still, not every meal was a home run. Here's a breakdown of everything I ate during my 5-night cruise aboard Vision of the Seas, including a few dishes I'd skip next time. 

Of note, I'm not a food critic and am not classically trained in anything cuisine-related. Others may come to their own conclusions, as everyone has different taste buds and preferences.

Embarkation Day Lunch

Though I'm no stranger to Royal Caribbean cruises, this was my first time sailing on a Vision Class ship, and I was worried that the buffet would lack variety—similar to my experience on Carnival Elation, a ship similar in size and age to Vision.  

Thankfully, that wasn't the case. While the buffet wasn't as expansive as those on newer and larger ships, I always found something appealing, starting with the chicken curry on embarkation day! It had a nice flavor and was a little spicy, something I rarely say as someone with an above-average spicy tolerance. 

To complement the chicken and rice, I made my own salad and tried a few polenta fries. You can never go wrong with a refreshing salad; however, the polenta fries were just okay. Nothing to necessarily write home about. 

The biggest disappointment of the meal was the pineapple upside-down cake. The flavor was nice, but it was dry. 

After sailing away, my friend and I headed to Park Cafe for some pizza to hold us over until dinner.

Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but Royal Caribbean's pizza is just fine. I've had better cruise ship pizza on other lines—namely MSC. 

Embarkation Day Dinner

My favorite, and I mean favorite, meal on Vision of the Seas was at Izumi. It was the only specialty restaurant I ate at, and it did not disappoint. Everything was mouthwatering, from the refreshing edamame to the creamy firecracker shrimp roll and savory miso ramen.

Since we pre-booked through the Cruise Planner, we had the option of one appetizer, two large plates, and one dessert. If you're more interested in a light meal, you can always order à la carte. 

Between the spicy miso ramen and champagne lobster roll, the latter was my favorite. 

It was unlike any sushi roll I've had before, and I appreciated how the flavors came together. The blanched lobster was tender and sweet, perfectly complimented by the champagne sauce. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean changed the sushi roll sizes for its fixed price menu

The spicy miso ramen was tasty, but I'd probably skip it next time in favor of another sushi roll. 

The noodles seemed slightly undercooked, but the broth had that expected rich umami flavor that's always comforting. 

For dessert, I went with the crispy sesame balls. Served warm, the outer layer was perfectly crispy, giving way to the soft red bean paste filling. It was both sweet and savory.

Breakfast Day 2

Unfortunately, I woke up feeling a little seasick the next day, and my motion sickness patch hadn't kicked in by the time we went to breakfast. We were sailing through some pretty choppy waters, with the Solarium pool drained and closed the entire day. 

Since I wasn't feeling great, I went with a lighter breakfast consisting of eggs, some fruit, and a small piece of avocado toast. As expected, the eggs were standard cruise ship buffet eggs. They were a little cold, but I attribute that to our late arrival ten minutes before closing. 

The fruit tasted fresh, but it was the avocado toast that stood out the most. The avocado topping was creamy and ripe. 

Lunch Day 2

Despite the pool being closed because of the rough sea conditions, I spent the greater part of the first sea day in the Solarium. It made for a convenient setup, especially after learning the sauna and steam room were complimentary. 

For lunch, my friend and I didn't gravitate far, joining the line at Park Cafe shortly after it opened. Compared to my salad in the Windjammer the day before, I was much happier with my new creation. Honey mustard dressing is so underrated! 

I also got the signature Kummelweck sandwich with spicy mustard and horseradish. The roast beef was perfectly cooked, and it was a great complement to the salad. 

My mid-day sweet treat wasn't as disappointing as the pineapple upside-down cake. The pistachio pound cake was so moist with a subtle pistachio flavor that wasn't too overwhelming. 

In fact, I thought it was so good I got it again that evening as a late-night snack before bed. 

Dinner Day 2

For dinner, we went to the Main Dining Room. At first, I was a bit weary of dining during the 5:00pm seating, but it worked out, as it allowed us to work up an appetite for pizza after enjoying the evening entertainment. 

I started with the French Onion Soup, and do I really have to say anything else? I don't think the soup has ever left something to be desired. It really is just that good. 

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for my entrèe. I tried the Seafood Linguine earlier this year on Quantum of the Seas, and I should have learned my lesson then. 

Though the sauce was creamy and the shrimp was cooked well, everything else about the dish was pretty bland. Next time, I know to go with the Roasted Beef Tenderloin. 

The Warm Apple Cobbler is one of my go-to desserts. 

I'll usually debate switching things up and ordering the Cappuccino Chocolate Cake or Toasted Almond Creme Puffs, but there's something so satisfying about warm apples and cold ice cream. 

Read more: How Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room works

Breakfast Day 3

The next morning, I was feeling much better and eager to arrive in Bermuda! The weather, however, still wasn't in our favor. Despite the yucky conditions, we made the most of our time ashore, venturing to Hamilton and exploring the local stores. 

When it comes to breakfast, I'm a bit predictable and tend to avoid the sugary stuff. As such, I went with scrambled eggs, the tried-and-true hash brown patty, and peaches. 

This was my favorite breakfast in the Windjammer. Though the eggs were a little cold again, the hash brown patty was crispy, and the peaches were juicy and sweet. 

Lunch Day 3

Since we didn't arrive in Bermuda until around 1:30pm, we decided to fuel up with lunch from the Windjammer buffet before making our way onto the rainy island. 

Overall, I was happy with my lunch! While the veggie sandwich could have had more than two small pieces of cooked squash on it, the slathering of pesto mayo made up for it with a burst of flavor. 

Not only that, but I found the stir fry to be tasty, too. I will say, however, that it wasn't as good as the made-to-order station on Celebrity Ascent. Nonetheless, it was still satisfying, with a variety of vegetables and small bites of chicken. 

For dessert, I went with a small Oreo treat. It was only after my friend tried it and said how delicious it was that it caught my eye. After the first bite, I was hooked—the fluffy filling was nicely balanced with the crunch of the crumbled cookie bits. 

Dinner Day 3

That night, we decided to have dinner off the ship, maximizing our time ashore. We stumbled upon a small restaurant in Hamilton offering $35 lobster rolls. 

I don't think my New England-born-and-raised fiancèe would have approved, but I thought the dish was decent for the price—especially considering that Bermuda is known for being pricey.

Breakfast Day 4

It was back to the Windjammer the next morning. Unfortunately, this was perhaps the most disappointing meal onboard. 

The heat lamp made the shell of the hardboiled egg almost too hot to crack. When I finally succeeded, I didn't take more than two bites, finding it overcooked, dry, and rubbery. The most upsetting part was the hash brown. I was looking forward to the satisfying crunch. Instead, it was on the soggy side. 

That said, the fruit and chicken sausage were pretty average, and I tried a bite of my friend's banana streusel muffin that was surprisingly good. 

Lunch Day 4

I was worried our shipwreck snorkeling excursion would get canceled due to the inclement weather. However, luck was finally on our side. It didn't start storming until sail away! 

When we got back onboard, we had worked up an appetite and headed straight to the Solarium for lunch at the Park Cafe. 

Once again, I went with a custom salad topped with honey mustard dressing, and as I'm writing this, I'm thinking it's something I need to purchase!

I also ordered the tomato, mozzarella, and pesto sandwich. 

While the tomato was juicy, embodying the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, I wish the sandwich had been toasted a few seconds longer. The mozzarella was strangely warm and cold. 

Dinner Day 4

When we sat down for dinner, I advised my friend that the Crispy Coconut Jumbo Shrimp had never been a letdown. 

She decided to go with the Asian-Style Pork Bao Buns, and after trying one of my shrimp, she immediately flagged down our waiter to get an order. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Menus: Main Dining Room, Specialty Restaurants, & More

For my entrèe, I was torn between the Stuffed Grilled Eggplant and Rustic Chicken Korma. Both sounded intriguing, albeit with very different flavor profiles. In the end, I went with the Chicken Korma and was happy with my decision!

When it arrived, I was struck by the fragrant aroma of the spices. Each bite of chicken was tender, and the rice soaked up all the flavors of the curry. 

The dish was served with a side of crispy poppadum and raita. 

The Blueberry Cobbler was the perfect sweet treat. The vanilla ice cream added a nice contrast to the tart blueberries. However, I wish it had been served a little warmer. 

Breakfast Day 5

After a few disappointing experiences in the buffet, we decided to try the Main Dining Room for breakfast. The overall ambiance felt a world apart from the bustling buffet. 

I ordered a classic Eggs Benedict, a dish I find indulgent and comforting. The presentation wasn't anything worthwhile, but it tasted great! 

I was, however, displeased with the hash brown. Even in the Main Dining Room, it wasn't as crispy as I would have liked. 

Lunch Day 5

Once again, we opted to have lunch at Park Cafe. I went with a turkey wrap and the same salad creation as the day before. 

I found the wrap pretty dry; the lack of a creamy dressing or juicy tomato left something to be desired. 

Dinner Day 5

Before we knew it, we were heading to our table in the Main Dining Room for one final dinner. The menu on Day 5 was Italian, and I settled on the Golden Polenta Fries, Lasagna al Forno, and Tirasmu. 

The polenta fries were much better than the ones from the buffet on embarkation day, but despite the description on the menu, I didn't find the dip spicy. It tasted more like standard marinara sauce! 

Out of all the entrèes in the Main Dining Room, the Lasagna al Forno was the most disappointing. 

I had high hopes for a comforting dish layered with rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese, but what arrived felt lackluster. 

While the flavors were decent, the sauce was a little bland and could have used extra seasoning. 

That said, the BEST thing I ate in the dining room was the Tirasmu. The layers of coffee-soaked cafe and creamy mascarpone melted in the mouth!

Disembarkation Breakfast

We skipped the buffet on disembarkation day, as we weren't in any rush to get to the airport for our 3:30pm flight. Instead, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in the Main Dining Room. 

The scrambled eggs were served at a much better temperature than those in the Windjammer, but the hash brown patty was a different story. Instead of a golden, crispy patty, I got a sad, soggy one. 

The fruit cup was a great complement to the meal, though. It included a mix of watermelon, pineapple, grapes, and cantaloupe. Each bite was refreshing! The pineapple, however, was the true star. 

Recently, I sailed on my first-ever Vision Class cruise ship and stayed in the cheapest stateroom possible: a standard interior cabin. 

Costing just $1,396.76, my friend and I jumped at the opportunity to book a 5-night cruise to Bermuda from Baltimore, Maryland. Not only was this our first time visiting the beautiful island of Bermuda, but it was her first cruise in general! 

My travel agent assigned us Cabin 3543, a category 2V interior stateroom located in the forward of the ship, extremely close to the elevator bank. 

I remembered my motion sickness patches at the last minute, and I'm glad I didn't leave home without them! Since we weren't in the middle of the ship, we felt quite a bit of movement from our cabin. In general, our sailing was quite rocky, with the Solarium pool being closed for the first two days! 

We boarded a little later than usual embarkation day, enjoying a quick lunch in the Windjammer before making our way to our stateroom to drop off our carry-on bags. 

Overall, I was impressed by the size of the cabin. I assumed since Vision of the Seas is an older ship, the cabin would feel tight and cramped. To my surprise, it felt more spacious than some interior cabins I've had on newer vessels, namely Symphony of the Seas and Carnival Celebration!

Though certain aspects of the cabin certainly felt dated, I wouldn't go as far as saying it felt like it was a 26-year-old ship. However, you may think otherwise if you're used to sailing exclusively on Oasis Class ships. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean ship classes ultimate guide

In particular, there wasn't a mini-fridge. While not a huge deal, I was disappointed that I didn't have a place to chill my wine. 

In retrospect, we could have asked our cabin steward for ice; however, I'm so used to having a mini-fridge in my cruise ship cabins that I forgot this was an option. Hindsight is 2020, though. 

Read more: 16 things to ask your cruise ship cabin attendant

Personally, I found the storage space to be pretty average, especially for an older vessel. We didn't struggle to comfortably unpack for our 5-night cruise, and my suitcase weighed over 40 pounds! 

There was just one closet, but it came stocked with more than enough hangers for our clothing. 

I'm thankful for the amount of floor space, too. My suitcase was a little too large to fit underneath the bed, so I had to keep it in the closet during the cruise. 

Had the floor space been tight, I would have had to squeeze it between the loveseat and my bed, and that became my favorite spot to store my shoes for easy access. 

That said, while the closet lacked built-in shelves, there were enough drawers to help keep our stuff organized. 

Read more: 115 item Ultimate Cruise Packing List

However, one of the drawers in the nightstand lacked a proper back. We were afraid if we stored anything that it might accidentally slide out. 

Moreover, the top drawer of my nightstand had issues staying shut—though this could have been caused in part by the choppy seas. 

On a positive note, I appreciated how there wasn't anything taking up space on the nightstands. This became a catch-all place for our books, water bottles, glasses, etc.

Each bed had a wall light placed directly above our heads. I didn't use mine too often, but my friend utilized it nearly every evening to read before bed. 

I appreciated the small light, as I could fall asleep unbothered while my friend was winding down from the day's adventure. If the overhead light had been on, I'm sure I would have had more issues drifting off. 

I've stayed in a few inside cabins—mostly on Carnival Cruise Line—without a small couch, and I hate having to sit on the bed in my dirty clothes. Thankfully, that wasn't a concern in my stateroom on Vision of the Seas. 

Throughout the 5-night cruise, the couch became another catch-all place. Truthfully, we were too lazy to put our souvenir bags and raincoats away, so they found a home on the small loveseat before being packed away in our suitcases. 

Read more: 15 Royal Caribbean boarding process tips for a fast embarkation

The vanity area was standard. There were two hidden compartments behind the mirrors that we used to store jewelry, sunscreen, and other miscellaneous things. For an older ship, the lighting was pretty good, too. 

As expected, there were limited outlets in our cabin, with just two American and two European plugs near the desk. Perhaps this is one area where I'm more fond of Carnival's older ships, as many have been outfitted with extra charing options near the bed, whether an American outlet or USB plug. 

Still, it wasn't an issue, as I brought three (not two!) European power adapters, so we could take advantage of all four available outlets. 

Above the television was a cabinet that housed the safe, which is where I immediately put my passport, wallet, and other important valuables on embarkation day. 

Read more: How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

The vanity area was also where the cabin's telephone and thermostat were found. 

On embarkation day, I was worried we'd have issues with the temperature, as the room stayed relatively warm, even after we set sail. Within a few hours, the room had cooled down substantially, though. 

In addition to the absent mini-fridge and lack of outlets, the cabin's true age was evident in the tiny bathroom. Although it served its purpose, I really, really (did I say really?) despise clingy shower curtains.

I have no complaints about the showerhead or pressure. In fact, when comparing my experience on Carnival Elation to Vision of the Seas, well, there's no comparison! 

The showerhead on Carnival Elation was, for lack of better words, completely and utterly disgusting. It desperately needed to be replaced months before I stepped on board. 

Not only that, but the showerhead broke during my cruise! The small piece that attached the showerhead to the rod fell off. It took over a day before it was fixed, so whenever we showered, water went everywhere! 

Read more: 4 things I loved about Carnival Elation (and 4 I didn’t)

Since the bathroom was slightly more compact than those on newer ships, there wasn't as much storage. 

That said, between my hanging toiletries organizer and my friend's ability to pack light, we didn't need to use the cubbies beside the mirror! 

Read more: 7 bathroom hacks to use in your cruise ship cabin

Overall, our inside cabin was the perfect home away from home during our short getaway to Bermuda

All in all, it was your standard interior stateroom. It was functional and practical, allowing us to cruise on a budget and splurge on a fun shipwreck snorkeling excursion in Bermuda, as well as a specialty meal at Izumi. 

I would have preferred a location that was more midship or closer to the aft, as we spent the majority of our time in the Solarium (which, yes, is located in the back of the ship on Vision of the Seas!). Those are just minor complaints, though. 

Being on Deck 3 meant we were close to many important venues, such as the Main Dining Room on Deck 4, the Casino on Deck 5, and—most importantly—Cafe Latte-tudes on Deck 6. Since we had the Cafe Select Coffee Card, Cafe Latte-tudes was our first stop every morning while onboard. 

Read more: 2024 Royal Caribbean Drink Package Prices, Tips, Pros & Cons

Would I book another interior cabin on Vision of the Seas? Absolutely! In fact, I was a bit hesitant to sail on such an old ship, loving the variety of dining options and Broadway-style entertainment on newer vessels. 

However, the experience completely surprised me. Everything from the dining to the relaxed Solarium and friendly staff made me understand why these small ships remain a beloved favorite within the fleet.

The first cruise ship to leave the Port of Baltimore since the Key Bridge collapse has set sail on Saturday.

Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas welcomed passengers onboard on May 25 for a 5-night cruise to Bermuda, and it's an important symbol of Baltimore's recovery since the Key Bridge collapse.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse severely impacted logistics and the economy of Baltimore, and the clean-up effort to open up maritime commerce was an immense task.

 Royal Caribbean said in a statement, it "looks forward to returning to the Port of Baltimore once again."

On Monday, May 20, the Dali container ship that crashed into the Key Bridge at the end of March, was escorted by tugboats to a marine terminal 2.5 miles away.  It had remained stuck under the bridge wreckage until Monday.

Last week crews demolished the largest remaining steel span of the bridge using explosives.

The removal of the steel span and moving of the ship were some of the final steps to allow cruise ships to restart sailing from Baltimore. 

The collision brought down the 1.6-mile long steel structure, killed six construction workers on the bridge and severed access to critical shipping routes in and out of the Port of Baltimore.

Officials have vowed to rebuild the bridge – but the exact cost remains unclear. A spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute has estimated the bridge alone could be worth more than $1.2 billion.

Earlier this week, the Port of Baltimore celebrated the restart of cruises with a post on social media, "Get ready…the Port of Baltimore is ready to cruise once again! Royal Caribbean International's Vision of the Seas will depart on May 25th for a fantastic 5-night voyage from Baltimore to Bermuda."

Royal Caribbean had temporarily moved its operations south to Norfolk, Virginia to offer cruises in April prior to the ship going in for regularly scheduled maintenance. 

The drydock session came right after the bridge collapse, leaving less sailings impacted by the closure of the Port of Baltimore since there were no scheduled Royal Caribbean cruises during the refurbishment.

The 1997-built ship went to Grand Bahama Island in Freeport, Bahamas for its drydock work.

The dry dock work done on Vision of the Seas was limited to maintenance work, upkeep, and general "under the hood" type work.

Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas sails out of Maryland, offering cruises to the Bahamas, Southern Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada/New England. 

Vision will offer cruises of five- to nine-nights to Bermuda and the Bahamas.

Then in November, Vision will transition to offer cruises that visit just the Caribbean and Florida. 

Carnival is next

Following Vision, Carnival Pride will resume its homeporting in Baltimore on Sunday.

Pride will sail a 14-day voyage to Greenland when she departs on May 26.

Carnival had shifted to Norfolk as well, but plans on resuming their original ship itineraries through spring 2026.

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said of the efforts to reopen Baltimore, "We are extremely grateful to the officials and incredible first responders in Baltimore, who’ve shown great leadership and resolve in this difficult time, as well as our supportive partners in Norfolk, whose rapid response allowed us to continue to deliver our scheduled sailings for our guests."

Royal Caribbean's restart plans in 2021 have hit another snag, as a second ship is having her entire summer season cancelled.

The cruise line announced Vision of the Seas' summer season from Bermuda in 2021 is now officially cancelled.

This affects Vision of the Seas Bermuda departures between June 26 – August 28, 2021.

In an email, Royal Caribbean said the past few weeks have been, "tumultuous", and that, "recent conversations have led to promising movement for the cruise industry and are the necessary steppingstones to get Royal Caribbean back."

Royal Caribbean sees the likelihood of cruises returning to the United States getting better each day, "and with that, U.S. travelers are increasingly showing a preference for more direct access to ports of departure."

Those on cancelled cruises have a few choices for compensation:

125% Future Cruise Credit: 125% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) which is based on the total cruise fare paid per guest and will be automatically issued on or before June 18, 2021. Taxes and fees, as well as any pre-purchased amenities or onboard packages, will be automatically refunded to the original form of payment within 45 days from the cancelation date.

Full refund: return the funds paid per guest when selecting this option on or before June 30, 2021. Guests can expect their refund to the original form of payment within 45 days from the cancelation date.

Vision of the Seas is the second Royal Caribbean cruise ship to have her entire summer 2021 restart season cancelled, following Odyssey of the Seas having her cruises from Israel cancelled.

She was scheduled to sail from Bermuda, and offer 7-night sailings down to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

With the announcement, this leaves now just three ships with firm restart plans for summer 2021: Adventure of the Seas from Bahamas, Anthem of the Seas from England, and Jewel of the Seas from Cyprus.

Some travel agents I spoke with seem to think one of the root causes of Vision's cancellation was poor sales, but the cruise line did not specify if that was the case or not.

In an email sent to guests, Royal Caribbean said, "our guests have reached out to us in overwhelming numbers to let us know they're waiting in anticipation for our U.S. debut."

In April, Royal Caribbean began subsidizing flight costs to Bermuda for Vision of the Seas cruises, with fares as low as $99 from New York.

When announced, Royal Caribbean said they were taking the risk of subsidizing fares to get bookings going. 

Official statement

Royal Caribbean issued a statement to the media about why they cancelled Vision's sailings.

"As we return to sailing, we continue to be committed to delivering memorable vacations informed by valuable feedback from our guests and travel partners. The likelihood of cruises setting sail from the U.S. this summer is greater each day, and with that, U.S. travelers are increasingly showing a preference for more direct access to ports of departure."

"The decision has been made to cancel Vision of the Seas’ summer season from Bermuda. While we are no longer homeporting from the island nation, we still look forward to bringing our guests to Bermuda with several ships across the Royal Caribbean fleet as we have for many years. As we get back to cruising, our close partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Bermuda Tourism Authority is still focused on working toward the common goal of getting the community back on its feet by helping revive local tourism."

"We are reaching out to guests and travel partners impacted by this change to assist with their options. This cancellation does not affect any other open deployments."

Cruise fans react

The news of Vision's cancellation spread quickly among cruise fans, along with speculation as to why the decision was made.

On the RoyalCaribbeanBlog message boards, CGTLH thinks the decision makes sense given the logistical issues facing this itinerary, "Sailing north-south along the Atlantic during hurricane season. Just seems to be a recipe for sailing delays and cancelations. Add to the mix the implied need of Freeport for provisions and fuel loading. Just seems too many bits that could have gone wrong."

twangster thinks there is more than meets the eye with the change, "The cruise lines all appear to be convinced that a US restart is imminent.  They know something we don't."

Have a cruise on Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas? There is plenty onboard to enjoy for guests of all ages.

Like all cruise ships, there are a few good tips and tricks to maximize your time and money onboard.

Here are my best tips for someone sailing on Vision of the Seas.

Park Cafe is a must eat spot

There is plenty of good food onboard Vision of the Seas, but a great spot for complimentary food throughout the day is Park Cafe.

Located in the Solarium, you can find some of the best quick grab-and-go food choices here. Soup, sandwiches, dessert and more are available.

Be sure to try the famous roast beef sandwich here at least once!

Park Cafe is also a great alternative to the Windjammer on embarkation day because it will be far less crowded.

And yes, kids are allowed to go to Park Cafe, even though it is located in the adults-only Solarium area.

Don't miss the events in the Centrum

Throughout the day and night, Royal Caribbean hosts events at the base of the Centrum.

The large open space is where you will find live music, demonstrations, game shows and more.

The great thing about seeing shows in the Centrum is you can quickly see what is happening from one of the overlooking decks.  If it interests you, pull up a chair and enjoy. If not, you can move on to somewhere else onboard.

Read more: Cruise Compass archive

Free sauna and steam room

The fitness center locker rooms have a free sauna, steam room, and very large showers for anyone to use free of charge. 

The showers are great for families, and the sauna and steam rooms are lesser-known amenities open to guests on Vision of the Seas.

Restaurants included with your cruise on Vision of the Seas

Wondering where you can eat with no additional cost on Vision of the Seas?

Here is a list of options:

• Windjammer (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Main Dining Room (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Cafe Latte-tude (Early morning until late night)
• Park Cafe (afternoon and late night snacks)

Read more: Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Save money with a specialty dining package

If you plan on eating at more than 1 or 2 specialty restaurants while on Vision of the Seas, you probably should invest in a dining package.

Specialty dining packages offer a fixed cost for some, or even unlimited, specialty restaurants during your cruise.

There are three specialty restaurants on Vision of the Seas that are included with the packages:

• Giovanni's Table
• Chop's Grille
• Izumi

Be sure to buy dining packages before your cruise to save even more money.

Keep in mind there may be some extra cost items at these locations, and Chef's Table is not included with the specialty dining package.

Overnight in Bermuda

Just for summer 2021 cruises, Vision of the Seas will not only sail from Bermuda, but also offer guests an overnight to explore Bermuda’s culture, history and cuisine.

The ship will offer an overnight stay in Bermuda, which means the ship acts like a floating hotel, where you can come and go as you please to provide plenty of time to enjoy everything Bermuda has to offer.

An overnight stay in any port is a special experience, and allows much more flexibility in making plans, as well as being able to enjoy the nightlife of the island.

Read Cruise Compass to see entertainment each night

There will be nightly entertainment around the ship, so be sure to read about what is offered in your Cruise Compass.

Each evening, your stateroom attendant will deliver a new copy of the next day's schedule.  You can also find the schedule in Royal Caribbean's app.

It is a good idea to read about what is coming up, so you can plan ahead for the must-see shows.

Download Royal Caribbean's app

Royal Caribbean's app has gone from "nice to have" to "must have" quite quickly, and it is your key for a smoother experience overall.

Not only does Royal Caribbean's app allow for a smoother and faster embarkation process, it makes managing your schedule super easy.

Royal Caribbean has even said that its app is required, so download the app before you leave home and ensure it is set up prior to arriving.

Read more: The Royal Caribbean App: Everything you should know

Register kids for Adventure Ocean on the first day

If you have kids, there is complimentary kids programming that is supervised and a lot of fun.

Children are separated into different age groups to ensure programming is appropriate:

• Aquanauts: 3-5 years old
• Explorers: 6-8 years old
• Voyagers: 9-11 years old
• Teens: 12-14, 15-17 years old.

Adventure Ocean is run every day, but you want to register them on the first day of your cruise.

There will be an open house held (usually in the early afternoon) of the first day of the cruise, so be sure to go up to meet the staff and meet the staff. Plus, it will save you time later.

Read more: Cruising with kids on Royal Caribbean

Make plans for your visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay

Summer sailings on Vision of the Seas will stop at Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay, and it is a must-see destination.

The key to having an amazing day here is to pre-purchase any add-ons you want to try.

CocoCay has so many great things to do, including a water park, zip lines, cabanas to rent, beaches, and even a giant pool.

Read more: Perfect Day at CocoCay prices and costs

Be sure to check out what is available to book before your cruise.  If something is of interest, you should absolutely pre-book it to secure a spot. Many amenities can easily sell out, or cost more if you wait to book onboard the ship.

You should also know that there is plenty of great things to do at CocoCay without spending a dime extra. The island's beaches and pool are included with your cruise fare, along with most of the dining establishments.

Read more: Top 10 Perfect Day at CocoCay secrets and tricks

Royal Caribbean really wants people to book a cruise on Vision of the Seas this summer.

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Vicki Freed, hosted a webinar for travel agents on Wednesday where new discounts on flights for Vision of the Seas from Bermuda this summer were announced.

Royal Caribbean Senior Manager Renee Didier said that Royal Caribbean has renegotiated new airfare rates for these Vision of the Seas cruises, while also subsidizing fares if booked through the cruise line's airline booking service, Air2Sea.

Rates are now as low as $99 per person roundtrip from Newark or LaGuardia airports in New York City.

"Your clients can now fly out of LaGuardia or Newark and pay $99 roundtrip."

There were no example fares provided for other cities during the webinar, but it was inferred that lower rates could be found from other markets as well.

Comparing flights in June and July from New York to Bermuda on Flights.com, the lowest price per person shows up as $335 per person.

Rates for the Vision of the Seas cruises from Bermuda with airfare included could be as low as $649 per person, and less than $600 per person for third and fourth in the same room.

Ms. Freed added that Royal Caribbean has "taken risk" with these subsidized fares to get bookings going. 

Beginning in June, Vision of the Seas will be sailing from Bermuda through August. 

Vision's sailings will include lots of time in Bermuda, as well as a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean has also been working with Bahamasair to offer better prices and more opportunities for its Bahamas cruises on Adventure of the Seas.

How to look up airfare through Royal Caribbean

Guests can book their airfare through the Air2Sea website directly, or through their travel agent.

There is nominal service fee to use Air2Sea. Royal Caribbean International charges a service fee of $15 USD per person for travel within North America, and Canada, and $25 USD per person for International destinations. 

Besides the subsidized rates Royal Caribbean is advertising, the other compelling reason to book airfare through Royal Caribbean is the cruise line will assist in getting you onboard the ship should a travel delay impact your ability to get onto the cruise.

Bookings can be made via the Air2Sea website, as well as calling 844-278-9745, or speak to your travel agent.

Royal Caribbean will be sailing from new homeports this summer outside the United States, but in order to get there, you will need to complete a health visa.

In addition to having a passport, the government of these countries where Royal Caribbean's ships are sailing from requires international visitors provide a health visa that proves they do not have Covid-19.

Getting a health visa is a mere formality, but it is an additional step that never existed before in the repertoire of cruisers.

In each case, expect to incur a little bit of time and money to get it all done right before your sailing.

Adventure of the Seas

The Bahamas requires a travel health visa that you can start filling out now.

The health visa is available online, where you can first create a profile for everyone traveling.

Similar to Royal Caribbean's online check-in, you will add your name, information and even upload a photo of your passport.

Bookmark the site, and then plan to get a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test taken no more than five (5) days from collection date (date of test) to date of arrival.

Test results must be uploaded to the Bahamas Travel Health Visa portal and presented upon arrival. 

The cost of the health visa and PCR test are not included with your cruise, so it is a cost you will have to incur.

Vision of the Seas

Bermuda requires the Bermuda Travel Authorization to be completed by cruisers prior to their arrival on the island.

Guests sailing on Vision fo the Seas will have to have a negative PCR test result before traveling, testing upon arrival into the country and filling out appropriate entry forms.

Visitors must take a PCR COVID-19 test and obtain a negative result no more than five days before arrival. The day of testing is day 0.

According to Bermuda, guests must complete one to three days before departure the Bermuda Travel Authorisation process online which gathers important information for the island’s health and immigration officials; a $75 fee per traveler is required, which includes the cost of all COVID-19 testing in Bermuda. 

Each passenger must have a form completed regardless of age. Children 9 and younger do not have to be tested at any point, and their Travel Authorization fee is $30.

Bermuda has arranged an option for testing with AZOVA, where you can get PCR tests at Costco, or even an at home test.

Jewel of the Seas

Getting to Cyprus means you must fill out the Cyprus Flight Pass before you arrive.

It is not clear exactly what will be required for guests traveling to Cyprus yet. Royal Caribbean says "it is likely" that a RT-PCR test will be required prior to boarding and obtain a negative result.

"Royal Caribbean will update booked guests via email and text message, in the 30 days prior to sailing, to reinforce the latest requirements for the designated departure port."

Royal Caribbean's second cruise ship to sail from North America this summer is now available to book.

Vision of the Seas reservations are open for booking by guests on its website, as well as by calling or booking through a travel agent.

The new bookings are available to book immediately, beginning with the June 26 sailing. Sailings between June and August 2021 are open for booking.

Guests of any nationality or residency may book these sailings, but all guests 18 years or older must be fully vaccinated by the time of sailing.

The requirements to book a Vision of the Seas cruise from Bermuda are:

• For guests 18 years of age and older, proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19
• Proof of a negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test result for entry into the country where you are sailing from (age requirements vary by jurisdiction)
• Completed Royal Caribbean Health Questionnaire, available in the app 24 hours before sailing
• Typical travel documents, including passport or any visas as required by the departure country

Prices for Vision of the Seas sailings begin at $514 per person.

The sailings will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas before returning to Bermuda to offer an overnight stay in Bermuda.

Just like Adventure of the Seas from The Bahamas, Vision of the Seas will sail from Bermuda as a means to get around the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) ban on cruise ships.

Other ships scheduled to sail this summer include Jewel of the Seas from Cyprus, Odyssey of the Seas from Israel, and Quantum of the Seas from Singapore.

In December 2021, Grandeur of the Seas will begin cruises from Barbados.

Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount in the United States to get the CDC to lift its ban of cruise ships, or at least open a pathway for cruises to restart sailing.

A series of statements from local and state officials have come out lately in support of getting cruise ships sailing again, given the massive double standard in policy they are facing.

The cruise industry is also asking travel professionals and cruise fans to step up and tell their leaders to pressure the CDC as well.