Cheap Flights San Francisco - Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas

I admit I was slightly intimidated when I began reading and viewing pictures of the cruise ship. We chose the 4 day cruise that went from Monday to Friday morning. I went with my two best friends. The best vacation I ever have taken was on Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas.

Honestly I felt like I might get lost on a big ship. I went with very little expectations and have to say Wow and I am definitely going again very soon! I just took my very first cruise before Christmas 2007.

We drove 10 hours to get to Port Canaveral. My best friend and his wife went with me and we were all first time cruisers, along with myself. I was totally wrong. Fru's and stuck ups, i had figured cruises were for mostly the fru, granted.

Go through security and checking in, park, we thought for sure we were going to be waiting a long time having to unload our luggage, when we arrived to Port Canaveral (Orlando) Florida to board the ship, first off.

Wrong!

We had our Set Sail Passes signed as well as our boarding pass information and health declaration (while in line). Everyone was so friendly and helpful. They moved efficiently and quickly, however, the lines looked long. From the time we arrived at the terminal to the time we boarded the ship was a little over 45 minutes.

By the time we were on the ship and to the deck where our Oceanview stateroom was located (deck 8) our luggage was sitting waiting on us.

Our stateroom attendant did not take long to show up and introduce himself. It was very clean though. The room was small, yes.

Not everyone usually cooperates and I figured this was going to delay our departure, 000+ guests were on board and I did dread this part because well, of course I knew that over 2. Just before we left the port we had to have a safety drill.

We left port on time (5pm). It was done and over with in about 30 minutes. I was so wrong.

Everyday I seen housekeeping vacuuming as well as using a carpet cleaner, and. It did not take long for it to subside though. Around the second day there was that musty smell from wet carpet, i came to this website to read reviews before going and yes.

We received animal shaped towels on one of the beds every evening, and yes. Our beds were made up and the carpet vacuumed, everyday that we used the make up room card (left in our door).

But it was always clean as well, the bathroom is also small, yes.

There are plenty of things to do on the ship so majority of the time you are not in the room anyways, besides! But they made it as comfortable as they can, let me say this much about the room and bathroom: It may be small.

It did not take long for one of the Asian waiters to come over and patiently work with me teaching me how to use the chop sticks! I got Chinese food along with some chop sticks. The food was great and the service was awesome. We ate at the Windjammer for lunch once we got settled in. Eating is not a problem.

The food was great every single night. You don't go hungry on the ship. It was perfect timing, in fact. While that time seems late it really wasn't. Late seating (8:30), our assigned Dining room was the Mirage.

They'll quickly get something else for you ( I never asked for something different), and if for some reason you are not happy.

Our food quickly arrived to us as well as rolls served while waiting, our glasses were often refilled. There were six of us at one table. They quickly remembered our names. Our waiter and his assistant were incredible.

Tables are quickly cleaned so seating is usually right away. But the ones on the ship he absolutely loved, my best friend mentioned the last day of the cruise he doesn't care for hashbrowns! You name it they have it, cereal, pancakes, waffles, french toast, hashbrowns, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy, biscuits. The buffet offers something for pretty much everyone. Breakfast was also awesome.

I attended the Captains welcome aboard party where free drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic) were offered. I also went to his late night show for adults which was just as good as the first one. He was hilarious. I also attended a show in the Follies theater with comedian Steve Smith as the headliner. Dancers which was a great show; i had the opportunity to attend a Welcome aboard show that included the Royal Caribbean Singers &.

When you win any amount you have the choice of continuing with a credit or printing out a coupon to redeem. 25 slots only took cash not coins. It took a little time for us to understand how the machines work as the . We spent a little time in Casino Royale.

Two of the crew were very patient and helpful making sure everyone got back on the Sovereign safely. We had to wait quite awhile to board the ship because the gang plank kept getting pushed up. By the late afternoon they had to limit the times for the tenders traveling back and forth from the ship to the island and vice versa because the water was becoming extremely choppy. Cool and very breezy, the weather was sunny. The second day on board we were out to CocoCay.

You were not standing in one place for very long. It was crowded yet it was moving at a reasonable pace. Helpful and friendly, all of the crew were organized. Checking in and out (going from CocoCay and back) was quick and painless.

We also watched Channel 27 which I highly recommend doing. Our stateroom attendant also left us a cruise compass everyday. Our cruise director) of activities, throughout the day we were informed over the intercom (mostly by Casey.

It felt good to be acknowledged. Anytime we encountered the staff they were always smiling. Throughout the day we were often greeted by Royal Caribbean staff.

I went to the guest relations desk and was taken care of quickly no questions asked. Because of issues with me signing up I did receive a credit. Very slow and the minutes were quickly getting used up, access on the desktops on deck 4 was very, however. They did offer a few packages in which I had purchased the $25 one for 60 minutes worth of access. 50 a minute. I did have some complications with using internet which is quite pricey at .

It worked so much better ! Even though I was told I wouldn't have access to the internet using my laptop in my stateroom my best friend and I tried it out anyways since our room was so close to the Voltage night club which is a hot spot for Wi Fi.

You can expect to hear music throughout the day on the cruise ship or the island. Latin music among various types were played, classics, modern music. The music was so much better than I expected.

Even though the shop was crowded I didn't have to wait very long to checkout. They are pricey though for the shirts offered even though I got two for $30 (on sale). It was disappointing to leave without t-shirts for my three kids. I do wish they offered more t shirts for the younger children. I did a little shopping on board and the stores are okay.

Anytime I had any concerns or questions they were very polite and eager to answer them. Smiling and helpful, the attendant was very friendly. I wanted to check on my onboard credit so I went to guest relations and didn't wait long.

The next time though I want to take my family as well. I loved the atmosphere of the Sovereign. From the first day I had made up my mind I am cruising again very soon.

Weeklong dry-dock before it takes the first Port Canaveral guests for three and four-night Bahamas sailings after the first week of November 2008, the ship will then undergo a scheduled. Monarch of the Seas will be taking her place when it departs Los Angeles on a 16-night Panama Canal cruise to Miami. The last day though I was saddened to know that the Sovereign will only be cruising through the end of October 2008 and then she heads to Europe.

It was the best one ever for me and the service was awesome. It was truly the vacation of a lifetime. I want them as well as others preparing or considering taking a cruise with Royal Caribbean to experience what I did.

Here are some words of advice and tips:

-Parking for the 4 night cruise cost us $48 (2007)

-Have all of your paperwork ready before you step in line in the terminal

-Take an extra change of clothes in a carry on bag when boarding

-Be prepared for the security as your carry on items go through the x ray machine

Standing in line but it doesn't take too long, going up escalators, -You will do a lot of walking.

-Lunch is offered onboard the ship the day of arrival!

Desk has a few drawers but luggage can be stored under the beds and closet space has shelves, -Rooms are small,

-There is an outlet by the desk and in the bathroom

; gratuity was 15% for each drink we purchased from one of the guys walking around at CocoCay or around the pool/Windjammer Café. Dining room or one of the lounges, be prepared for paying a gratuity on top of the price of the drink unless you get it at the pool bar, -If you get drinks other than the drink package offered!

Make sure you save money for this! CocoCay or in Nassau, tipping is customary whether on the ship. -Sovereign of the Seas offers the gratuity package which ended up being $39 per person in our stateroom.

Internet as well as drinks with cups we kept, gratuity package ($120), (The three of us spent approximately $515 in four days on souvenirs. You can redeem them for onboard credits on your SeaPass card. -I recommend purchasing gift certificates ahead of time whether for yourself or another guest cruising with you or just as a gift for someone.

Majority of the time people on the elevators are generous to make room. The elevators can be slow and at times crowded! -Be prepared to use the stairs much of the time.

Etc) , blue, tan, everyone had various color coded luggage tags (red. The line was long but it went very fast. We ate breakfast early and then prepared to disembark. They will tell you to have your luggage tagged and out in the hall before midnight. Remember to keep out a change of clothes the night before disembarking!

We had to sort through similar ones and wait for 10 minutes for all of our luggage. We borrowed my parents luggage that was solid black. Another suggestion is to somehow make your luggage unique in some fashion.

Once again it took us approximately 45 minutes, from the time we got in line to disembark until we loaded up our vehicle.

I am definitely looking in to taking mine on a cruise soon, as a mom to three kids. The staff who take care of the kids are highly qualified. They have plenty of activities for the kids to do while the adults get to have some fun time. I had the opportunity to meet other parents and kids. This is the best one, if you are looking into taking a cruise with children.

You definitely will feel like royalty on board. Royal Caribbean has outstanding service that makes you feel welcomed and appreciated for your business.