Objective opinions about Sovereign of the Seas

[kingsgirl]

I might book a short cruise on her and I have heard good and bad.

 

Any thoughts, experiences you would like to share would be wonderful. I'm not looking for horror stories or stories out of a fantasy world!

 

Thanks ;)

[Grandiva]

I took my mother (1st cruise) to the Bahamas on the SOS in October 2006. I have cruised the Enchantment. I read a lot of bad things about her so I was nervous. I thought for a short (4 day), economical cruise, the SOS was perfect. She is not a bad little ship. Of course she does not have the WOW effect of the newer, bigger ships. The only thing I found to be true from reviews was the "odor" on board. Parts of the ship did not smell fresh. Although the smell was tolerable. Food was good, service was great, entertainment was enjoyable. I would sail on her again for the price. Room was on deck 3. It is hard to believe that in 1988 she was the biggest ship at sea. Sail lady SOS and have a good time.

[verodoodle]

Kingsgirl, we have been on the SOS twice in the last year. The crew and staff are the nicest and friendliest we have ever sailed with. The ship is smaller and older, but, clean and pretty. I think you would enjoy it, you have been on the majesty, which is basicly the same ship.

Gail & Dave

[JanineM]

We sailed on Sovereign in January after sailing on Mariner 3 times, and X Constellation once.

 

We had a "deluxe oceanview stateroom". It was very small with only a bed, vanity, television, bath and closet. The weather was poor when we sailed, and I missed having an easy chair or loveseat. However, for a three day cruise it was okay.

 

Our stateroom and some of the bars really smelled of cigarette smoke. Next time I will bring a bottle of Febreeze.

 

The ship doesn't have the grand Promenade areas, but the entry has its own charm. It is definitely smaller than other ships we have sailed, but I didn't feel that it was lacking ... for a ship we only spent three days on! I don't think I could do a week on her.

 

The dining room was fine; food was as good as on any other RCCI ship. We liked the pizzaria at the top of the buffet. Buffet was crowded, but only if you didn't realize there was an entire serving station at the back. The theatre was comfortable, and there were several choices of bars.

 

We ate in the dining room twice and buffet once. Didn't try room service, and stayed away from the pool deck except for the midnight buffet.

 

The other passengers seemed to be either Floridians who wanted a weekend away, or those from the north who were wanting a cheap/quick/introductory cruise. People were much more casual in dress and decorum than on a 7-nighter. But we didn't see any wild drunks or anything like that.

 

My "subjective/objective" opinion is that this ship is great for a weekend cruise; but if you have very high expectations then it may not be the right ship for you. If you're wanting to build your C&A credits, or want a quick weekend away and get a good rate, then I'd say go for it!

[cb at sea]

Sov. is a great ship for a short cruise. The cabins are small, but well-planned out. The service is great! If this is a first cruise, you will be awe-struck when you board. If this is not a 1st, you will still have a fabulous trip.

[sdear]

I took my mom on SOS on November 30th of this past year. For an old ship, she was very well kept. I had only been on Liberty, Freedom , and Explorer so I was a bit nervous about "stepping down" to a small older ship.

 

It was a great 3 days ! Very relaxing...no urge to feel rushed......and like one of the other posters said, I think it was the best service I had received on any of the other RCI ships ! Our stateroom attendant was the best I had had on any ship !

 

After being on the larger ships, it was kind of nice to be able to get from here to there very quickly.

 

I like the casino anywhere I go lol..and the staff in the casino were outstanding.

 

I am not usually a show goer...but since my mom was with me, we went and they were very good !

 

For us, living in Florida, it's a perfect weekend getaway. I love the Viking crown lounge on this ship....very relaxing in the evenings.

 

Sue

 

The food was the usual.

 

We were on deck 9 and I didnt notice any weird smells.

 

Yes..the ship is older...and as you can see I am doing her again. My hubby and I are going for a quick 3 day get away....and it's perfect for that !

[OhJoy]

Our first cruise was on Sovereign. We took our granddaughter as a graduation gift. All I can say is we could not wait to book our second cruise, and as you can see, we leave Sunday.

 

I kept hearing the talk about the small cabin, but we had plenty of room to get around (and we are big people). We enjoyed the shows and different activities, but liked relaxing the best of all. We are not gamblers and do not drink, but had no shortages of things to do. There were lots of things that we did not get to do even tho it was a small ship.

 

We absolutely LOVED Coco Cay, but if we took that cruise again we would probably not even get off the ship at Nassau,

 

All I can say is that the ship hooked us, and the price was super. Just like a land vacation, sometimes you pick a big resort and sometimes you pick a small hotel.

 

Have fun if you go!

[Tanker4]

We've sailed on Sovereign quite a few times over the years as PC is only a couple of hours from where we live. As previous posters have said, she doesn't have all of the 'bells&whistles' of the newer ships but she's a great ship if you don't need all of the extras to keep you entertained. She will always be special to us.........:)

[sandytoes03]

It's a smaller ship, so you won't have all the bells and whistles of other ships, but, since it's a short cruise, you might not miss those things. We had a great 3 night cruise on her.

[cruz1234]

Another thumbs up for SOS. I have been on it 5 times and have another trip in April. I like to book Deck 8..the view is obstructed but still lets light in and it's the cheapest O/V cabin. It's also a good location.. we use the stairs all the time...

It has alot to offer..while the larger ships may offer more..there are also alot more people. It has just enough shopping aboard, plenty of lounges, lots of activities.

The cabins are small but we were on Voyager and the rooms were not huge either. It had a bit more room, but SOS is very doable for a short 3 or 4 night cruise.

The Ship is still very pretty and has alot to offer.

We will miss it when it leaves Port Canaveral next fall :(

[Tanker4]

Another thumbs up for SOS. I have been on it 5 times and have another trip in April. I like to book Deck 8..the view is obstructed but still lets light in and it's the cheapest O/V cabin. It's also a good location.. we use the stairs all the time...

It has alot to offer..while the larger ships may offer more..there are also alot more people. It has just enough shopping aboard, plenty of lounges, lots of activities.

The cabins are small but we were on Voyager and the rooms were not huge either. It had a bit more room, but SOS is very doable for a short 3 or 4 night cruise.

The Ship is still very pretty and has alot to offer.

We will miss it when it leaves Port Canaveral next fall :(

 

We've sailed on her quite a few times over the years and and will also miss her when she leaves next fall.:(

[Merion_Mom]

We've sailed on her quite a few times over the years and and will also miss her when she leaves next fall.:(

 

Well, you *are* getting the Monarch to replace her! :eek: :cool: :)

[cruz1234]

Merion_Mom..has the Monarch been refurbished? When I asked RCCL agent about her they told me she has not had balcony's added and I wonder what kind of condition the ship is in. I know SOS is old but she was still in good condition...Will Monarch go in for refurb before settling in Port Canaveral?

[Tanker4]

Well, you *are* getting the Monarch to replace her! :eek: :cool: :)

 

Yes, and we'll look forward to checking the Monarch out. As for Sovereign, except for a couple of cruises on NCL back in the mid 80's, a 7 day on Sovereign in 1989 started this whole mess for us.:D Lot's of great memories on board her since........:)