We Took a Cruise on a Royal Caribbean Ship Built in the 1990s - Was it as good as a New Ship?

Join us on Explorer of the Seas to discover if a cruise on a 1990s ship can stand the test of time!
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Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas was built in 1998, so it's much older compared to newer Royal Caribbean ships. We take a look at things such as dining, features and entertainment and compare them to the latest modern cruise ships. Join us as we unravel the secrets of whether this seasoned gem can still hold its own against its modern counterparts, and if the allure of cruising on older ships remains as captivating as ever.
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00:00 Intro: Exploring the Evolution of Royal Caribbean Ships
00:30 Difference Between Old and New Royal Caribbean Ships: A Comprehensive Comparison
07:25 Destinations: Contrasting Ports on Royal Caribbean Ships
09:20 Entertainment on the Old Royal Caribbean Ships
11:00 Old vs. New Cabins on Royal Caribbean Ships
12:15 Dining Experiences
18:18 Facilities: A Detailed Look at Onboard Amenities
19:45 Internet on Older Royal Caribbean Ships
20:30 Comparing Royal Caribbean's Old vs. New Fleet
21:29 Who Chooses Older Royal Caribbean Ships?

[@Cruisewith]

Head to squarespace.com/benanddavid to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code benanddavid

[@bodyloverz30]

Explorer is my favorite ship in the fleet. There is enough space for everyone to go to Ice Shows, without reservations. The main dining room, is not as cramped as other ships. The Diamond Lounge is outstanding, as is the Service aboard. Bigger is NOT better!

[@msdove61]

I prefer the smaller ships I think they are more personalized, the bigger ships seem to busy and crowded. I like the feeling of being on a ship and not like I'm in a theme park or a busy mall.

[@ameliaerin1544]

Amen, these cruise ships and resorts are too big!

[@danieldumas7361]

@@ameliaerin1544 But Perfect if you're in the Witness Protection Program....🤪

[@hansgustaf540]

I even go "lower" - booking the familiar "old treasures" of the Vision and the Radiance class with the cozy Centrum and R bar on deck 4 (instead of the Royal Promenade) and the light flooded decks. I booked the Explorer for autumn and a m so glad they have a lot of windows (light inside), too... 👍👍👍

[@purplepeoplesparty2368]

Sold me on 'less kids'. 😊

[@Duchess_of_Cadishead]

For me, one of the main points of cruising IS THE SEA. I like to see the ocean while dining, relaxing etc. The inside areas on the big ships are definitely amazing, but I can see that kind of thing on land. Give me sea views any day.

[@kathybrem880]

Me too

[@brianb2837]

What I really like the most about Ben and David is how detailed all of their reviews are on even the smallest details on every ship they travel on

[@ozymandias7940]

One of the attractions of cruising is that you are going on a cruise, on a ship. The huge ships like Oasis class, Icon, etc, are so big that they have become a destination in themselves and honestly, if you didn't look out the window, you wouldn't even know that you're on a ship. The older ships, even the Voyager class ships, still move around in the swell when out at sea, which adds to the charm of cruising. Gimme that old school charm any day. Personally, I love the Radiance class ships, even the Vision class such as Rhapsody of the Seas. Much more homely feeling and personalised experience. The crew are even friendlier. You can keep your giant floating cities.

[@hansgustaf540]

We love the same "old treasures": My heart belongs to Jewel, Rhapsody and Vision of the Seas. Oasis, Icon? Never ever. 😉

[@kathybrem880]

Agreed

[@tanyafitzgerald2683]

We prefer the smaller ships, more personal, and LOVE having more windows and natural lighting

[@EagleRockers]

This makes me feel ancient when you say Explorer is an old ship. Then again, I took my first cruise before you two sweet guys were born! This was an excellent video, thank you! - Martin in La La Land

[@Tiza126]

I prefer the smaller ships. I can be a little more spontaneous when it comes to shows. Don't want to have to reserve all of the entertainment ahead of time. I like all the windows and outdoor scene-watching spaces too.

[@ErikTheAndroid]

The pub on that ship has so much more charm than a lot of the "pubs" you guys show on the newer ships. I find that modern design is often about making things visually appealing on the surface, but devoid of soul and charm once you go past the initial wow factor.

[@janloewen3404]

I think the smaller ships are more for my taste. I’m not so keen on all those people. And having to wait in line for things.

[@dollladie]

We most definitely love the older/smaller ships. The service is personal and it's just nicer and less flashy. Our favorite gem is Celebrity's Summit. It's just sweet and comfortable ❤

[@jseverance7248]

Been on the Celebrity Summit. Love it! Great service & food and very relaxing type of cruising. Good music & we love the Silent Disco.

[@brentshuffler1234]

Ben and David, thanks for previewing one of the ships that I have yet to experience and am looking forward to seeing in the near future. With nearly 4,000 passengers (capacity), this is a LARGE ship, but being much older than the megaships means lots of advantages: e.g., fewer/shorter queues, less crowding, easier to bond with staff and other guests, easier to get seats at shows, easier to navigate the ship, easier to get a space in restaurants and activities. The adults-only areas on these ships are a wonderful oasis away from small children, noise, crowds, etc.,....and the older ships give the best bargains, especially in the Caribbean. Why pay thousands for a week or less on a megaship....when that same money can pay for 2 to 5 weeks on another ship? Excellent value for money overall!

[@happycruiser]

We are Celebrity fans, but always like the older ships and only sail on them. We don't care about the look of the ship, nor do we care about activities. We like the lower passenger numbers on the smaller ships, and you are almost guaranteed less than a dozen children onboard. We love that Celebrity trusts you with towels, they are on all the loungers, piles and piles to take from a trolley. And the big bonus...older ships usually cheaper.

[@BanburyandBanburyToBe]

Forever being jealous of your guys adventures! I’ll just live my life through you if that’s okay 😊

[@Cruisewith]

Of course, it's totally okay! We're happy to have you along for the ride and share our adventures. 😊🌍🚢

[@AronRoss72]

Haha! Same here, but If I cruised as much as they do, I would gain sooo much weight!! I'd have to constantly exercise!

[@brentshuffler1234]

@@AronRoss72 It is completely avoidable if you choose wisely. E.g., I see so many wonderful fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and ground foods....When I fill my plate with these wholesome things, I have no space of appetite for the junk and the fast food.....You can have hearty meals of these real foods, rich in fibre, and not gain weight. Plus using the stairs instead of the elevators, all the walking throughout each day to and from everything, and free unlimited access to the fitness-centre, are some of the ways that moderation and weight-management blend easily.

[@AronRoss72]

@@brentshuffler1234 I absolutely agree with you, and if I cruised that much, I would have to force myself to eat that way. And of course incorporate a lot of exercise. My wife and I probably cruise two times a year max, and I always insist that we take long walks around the ship after a meal.

[@dollyc4314]

We enjoyed the Explorer of the Seas back in the day. Nice to see she hasn't changed all that much. I'd rather be on the smaller ships, not as crowded, and tend not to be a carnival sideshow instead of a real cruise experience.

[@vedalively3447]

I love the older/smaller ships!

[@susanbentley9055]

We did 42 nights from Australia to Southampton in 2019 on Explorer and we loved it. We had a great time and that was before the last upgrade so no water slides etc but it was still great. Love this class of ship and definitely prefer them to the latest massive ships. Nice to see round her again so thank you for showing us x

[@RariettyC]

I love the 90s maximalism aesthetic that older cruise ships seem more likely to have. The newer ships have *more* but the decor and use of materials are definitely a lot more subdued (and, honestly, they often feel cheaper for that reason). Same goes for hotels built in the 80s or 90s vs. hotels built more recently; if I'm paying luxury prices, I prefer ultra-themed chaos over minimalism

[@charlesbuck2419]

My family has sailed on Liberty twice this year out of Bayonne. Yes Liberty is showing it’s age and the lack of outlets isn’t keeping up with a changing world. But I paid rock bottom fares so the value outweighed the smaller inconveniences. Despite the crowds at every elevator and outside the dining area, we seldom had an unreasonable wait. On two separate occasions my wife and I were sharing the adults only section with less than 10 people. We had a great experience and are booked for two cruises, one on Liberty and one on Vision. We can’t wait. Thanks for your videos. Even though we’ve been on about 15 cruises I learned many things from your videos. Much appreciated.

[@donnamiller2916]

I just got off Liberty of the seas a week ago and was surprised that we never had a problem getting an elevator. I love the ship. Took my grandson, as I have taken each one with just grandma, and he had a ball. There was so much to do. Chairs by the pools were usually pretty full but I always managed to find a vacant one. I love Royal Caribbean. Every crew member was wonderful, friendly and helpful.

[@plmcknn]

We took our first cruise, our honeymoon on this ships sister, Adventurer and we LOVED IT !!!!! So much so we booked 2 years later on the same ship. We have since sailed on the NCL Epic, and Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas.....would not want to go on anything bigger. Yes more bells and whistles but OMG so many people, crowds and lineups everywhere. To each his own, but we prefer to avoid the big ones.

[@suenetting7865]

Love the more traditional ship. Love to see the sea as much as possible and enjoy less people being about xxx

[@danielwilson4544]

I love the smaller, older shops. In fact, even smaller that that one. Glad you had a good cruise!!

[@andoru]

You’re lucky that Explorer didn’t get the full upgrade… on the other Voyager class ships they took out the whole gym, indoor whirlpool and free thermal suites and replaced all that with more cabins. Even if you didn’t use those things, the ship is more crowded.

[@jillmcaboy7000]

I’ve only been on the smaller ships, but have heard from friends that it is harder to relax on the bigger, newer ships.

[@ChristineShelley]

I’ve been on Explorer twice, for my honeymoon in 2004 and then out of NJ in 2007. We went through 40’ seas and 70 mph sustained winds and 120 mph wind gusts going down the coast to the Caribbean. A lot of people were seasick but she didn’t even flinch. I felt safe on her the whole time. We had waves crashing on our deck 7 balcony, and we weren’t even really near the front! I’d love to go on her again.

[@ND-nt6yw]

🤢 I like some motion but not like that. Kudos to you for not getting seasick I am jealous

[@lori.imhoff]

My first Royal Caribbean cruise was 30ish years ago on Viking Serenade and the Majesty of the Seas (both now sold). I have been on Radiance class (3), Voyager class (2), Freedom class (1), and Oasis class (1). They each have their pros and cons. The smallest ships have AMAZING views inside the atrium. But they can have fewer activities. The bigger ships have a ton to do, but can feel a bit crowded. I truly love them all!

[@michelemarcus9154]

Omg! I remember that ship! She was gorgeous in her day and the Majesty! Service was outstanding, the food amazing- they seemed so large at the time. I miss them.

[@LONESTARINDIE]

I love the older ships, my fave ship is Liberty of the Seas, my 2nd fave is Explorer’s sister ship Adventure OTS, It’s awesome because it has a peak a boo bridge, you can watch the crew on the bridge, it’s amazing, i wish all ships had that feature

[@kellybowe354]

So happy to hear about Liberty! We cruise on her in a few weeks. 🎉

[@sherrjo]

Explorer has that too. 😊 I have a picture of it

[@katiepierce2198]

Oh the peek a boo into the bridge! I miss that feature

[@swimminINh20]

i love how honest you guys are. we just got off Oasis. Pros: There was so much to do for my 4 year old and 21 month old. We must have ridden the carousel 100 times, loved the water show, Adventure Ocean had a playground and fun activities, and the splash pad for diapered kids was necessary. Cons: Crowds were insane. Lines for everything, I almost witnessed a fight break out at the buffet. And speaking of food... oof. Food was edible for the most part, but it was not good. Not winning any sort of awards for food quality. Overall, the ship is definitely showing its age. On lower floors I feel like I smelled sewage. The cigarette smell from the casino was vile and permeated everywhere. Rooms were old and musty. It needs a refurb badly.

[@TVHouseHistorian]

I felt the same way about the food when I went this last April. It’s gotten very “school cafeteria’y.” The Oasis was my very first cruise, and I found the food back then to be astounding. Nowadays? At best: edible. At worst: yeah, I’m just going with another cruise line… 😅

[@blissfuljoy6049]

I'm just so sad about this. I keep hearing that the food is not that great anymore and it's almost unbelievable. One of the reasons we want to go back on Royal is because the food was really good. I guess WAS is not what is.

[@TVHouseHistorian]

@@blissfuljoy6049 I know exactly what you mean. When I booked a voyage for this past April, I knew the menus had changed, and there were mixed reviews, but somehow, subconsciously, I was expecting the amazing offerings I had in 2019. Totally not the same. Totally disappointing. Royal used to be the BEST in the food department, and now they're pretty near the bottom, IMHO. And I know I'm not the only one who feels that way.

[@brentshuffler1234]

@@blissfuljoy6049 I can tell you that the older ships have very good food generally and much better service. The more that I hear about the megaships, the less I want to go on any of them. Meanwhile, the likes of Rhapsody of the Seas gives that great combination of shorter/fewer queues, less/no crowding, better service, easier to be recognised by the staff, oases of peace and quietness such as an excellent library and an amazing adults-only half-deck Solarium with its own cafe, fitness-centre, swimming pool, heated Jacuzzis, spa, etc! Excellent value for money!

[@colleenmiller1219]

Kids should stay home!

[@rosacanela3169]

Sundays are for Ben and David ❤❤

[@elainedavis902]

For me I like the layout of the older ships but the freshness of the newer ships. 9:22 I like the older ships for all of the areas outside to roam and relax. I also love all the windows that the older ships have. The thing that keeps me away from the older ships is the smell. The sewage smell for me is too overwhelming. I have a hard time relaxing on the older ships because of this. So I did miss the openness and the glass everywhere when I sailed RC Odyssey of the Seas a month ago. Although it was newer and fresh smelling ( which I love), I felt boxed in whenever I left my room. There was such a small outdoor area, that me as an older adult with no children, had nowhere to just sit outside and enjoy the sea. For me the entire layout of RC Odyssey of the seas was very boring, and the accessible areas were small and not inviting at all. I’ve sailed on RC Liberty of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas when they were new ships and they were much more open and inviting.

[@The_Original_LBSwanson]

Yes! The windows! I did not enjoy the one trip we took on RC Oasis of the Sea because it was like living inside a mall without windows.

[@Cruisewith]

We totally agree! Love sea views.

[@russellbenton2987]

I feel old now ! My first ship was the Splendour of the seas at 69000tonnes . Then the Voyager came out and she was huge . They were the mega ships of their time . I’m just off the Explorer sailing from Ravenna and I have to say I really didn’t notice much difference in the state of the ship from my original cruise on her in 2005 . RCCL maintain their ships well . Lots of woods and superb views carrying on design styles from the vision class ships . I think these are superb . You are right on the internet though … very patchy . The buffet wasn’t closed down much on our visit (occasionally one side closed off) but it was extremely busy . I’ve never had to queue to get into the Windjammer or MDR for breakfast but we had to this cruise . Things did get better as the cruise went on and overall it’s a small thing . If you are a family and have cruised on an Oasis style ship it may be more difficult to go back to the older ships . But I certainly prefer them for the “cruising experience” . You can see the sea and know you are on a ship as opposed to a large resort that moves from day to day !

[@brentshuffler1234]

Yes, russellbenton2987, it is amazing to realise how many years have passed and these older ships are still serving us well. To learn that Explorer of the Seas, for instance, is from the 1990s and has capacity for nearly 4,000 passengers!!!!....means that it was the 1990s equivalent of the current mega-ships. I have never gone on cruise-ships with more than 2,000 to 2,500 passengers, and even they are large compared with most ships in the world and in history....

[@crystalBcruisin]

"Princess Consuela's sweaty banana hammock"😅 Where does Ben come up with these😂 I like the older, smaller ships because of the traditional cruise experience it gives...but I also like the big, newer ships because of the smooth sailings the stabilizers offer and of course all of the fancy, shiny decor. Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@user-eb4vg3by8p]

I’ve been on several sailings, but I ALWAYS learn something new from your videos. Information to the audience is your priority, and we appreciate that. I’m thankful for your videos ❤️

[@ronaldboonstra4834]

Older,older,older and the older ships. Floating theme parks...not in a million years. Thanks for the vid again.

[@hansgustaf540]

Gimme 5! Radiance and Vision class only 😉

[@lolal1026]

Oh Ben, sometimes you say the naughtiest things ! As always you & David are entertaining. I personally like the smaller ships for me less people are ideal. As long as they properly maintain them & update the technology keep them around.

[@Ariadne147]

While I prefer the newest and the largest, I do appreciate the wider staterooms in the older ships as well as the ostentatious design and decor. The older ships are just gorgeous and as you said, have more varied itineraries. I enjoy taking shorter cruises on the older ships.

[@findingmiriam581]

I prefer the older smaller ships as long as they are clean and well cared for. I don't care whether the decor is modern or not. I prefer the outdoor space, not being sandwiched with 6500 people, and not having to walk a zillion miles to get around.

[@alisong2328]

I've never been on a cruise, but I feel like I'm cruising vicariously through you! I so enjoy your videos - your enthusiasm is contagious! 🌊🛳️🛟⚓️🗺️🏖️🍽️🍹🍷☕️🥗🍕🌮🌭🍪🎶❤️

[@GinnyBrideau]

Oh! You should try a cruise. These guys have done a great job showing the best, good, meh, and grab my pearls horrifying. ❤

[@Divaoftheseas]

Great video guys! I love both classes for different reasons! Thanks for sharing! ❤

[@deirdrekokora8680]

David had some amazing blue eyes! Just noticed them in this video when he was walking outside! Wow!!

[@user-mb5yv9kb6w]

I am 79 years old and I am going on my first cruise in April on the independence of the seas. This is my bucket list a cruise. I’ve been watching you for two years now waiting for this opportunity to come up that will be my 80th birthday I don’t think I can keep up with everybody. I will try my best. I hope the meal situation improves. My family is taking me on this vacation. You are my favorite guys to watch. I watch cruises all day long but you’re my favorite. Hope I won’t fail😂

[@normamejias6587]

Guys I really love watching your ships walkthroughs. It really helps when planning a cruise.❤🙏

[@captainpanda5533]

Explorer was my first Royal Caribbean ship, and we had a blast! It was immediately before the lockdowns started, and before she went in for her refit, so she was showing her age, but she was just about the right size in terms of capacity and fun things to do.

[@DST975]

That was a really great, honest and unbiased review 🙏 - never been on a cruise but would love to try at least once. The choice out there for cruise newbies is a bit overwhelming tbh but your reviews are certainly helping me to narrow things down a bit…. I don’t think I could cope with 7k people on a super ship, how on earth do they cater for so many people! The logistics must be mind boggling 😱

[@davidwalden9363]

I authentically loved this video. Thank you. You guys and your team are vanguarding brilliant new ways to host older cruise ships 😊 starting a trend ?❤

[@scottmanley8068]

I just got off the Anthem of the Seas sailing out of Southampton. It is the best buffet, Coastal Kitchen and Main Dining I have experienced on a Royal Caribbean ship. I have been on every size Royal Caribbean ship and the food was BY FAR the best on the Anthem. Better variety, better taste, always hot. They did a great job with Gluten Free in the main dining restaurant. I highly recommend doing a cruise on the Anthem.

[@diannebuehler8663]

Love the older ships. Smaller and more intimate. We're retired and like the larger super ships for our grandkids.

[@FraserAtSea]

I’ve very recently cruised onboard Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas (one of the oldest), and I absolutely LOVED it! I do think the big ships are excellent, but the smaller and older ones are perfect for the more intense itineraries!

[@stevenz2234]

Well Well, Ben and David, that was a wonderful view and review of all that is good and fun on the "seasoned" ships.

[@robg1234]

I did a cruise on Harmony a few years ago. Love the Oasis class but Mariner will always be my favorite i think. Been on her 3 times.

[@darnellhenderson2170]

Thanks for a great video. Lots of good information.

[@joecichlid]

If you ask me, every ship is better than the others. Depending on what you are doing. The newer ships are very lacking when it comes to places to sit and just watch the scenery go by unless you have an outside facing balcony. The newer ships have a lot more activities available onboard than the older ships. If you ask me it all boils down to what you want from your cruise, do you want to do a lot of things aboard the ship or are you going for the destinations? :)

[@Cruisewith]

You've got a great point there 🛳️🏝️😊

[@joecichlid]

@@Cruisewith You two covered it all very well! I need to wait until the end of your videos to comment as we think a lot alike. ;)

[@kiddlesk]

Our first cruise in 2001 was on Voyager of the Seas. Our last RCI cruise was out of Venice on Rhapsody, much smaller of course but actually preferred it. That said, I can't see us ever going on RCI again, just feel we've 'grown' beyond that style of cruising.

[@HowardT1879]

so happy you guys did this..

[@maryanncapece2623]

Hi Ben and David. I like both the larger and smaller ships. I love being able to sit back and watch sea and waves. That's why we cruise. Love being on the water. As always thank you for all your hard work and bringing us along with you. ❤❤

[@Cruisewith]

We agree!

[@vanbrendle]

Great presentation in pointing out the differences between the ships. I found it very helpful for future planning. Thank you.

[@Cruisewith]

I'm really glad you found this video helpful for your future cruise planning. Happy planning and happy cruising! 🚢🌟😊

[@loreleilawson5296]

I enjoyed your review immensely! My first cruise will be on Explorer in January, and I chose this class for many of the factors you have highlighted. I can't wait for my first sailing ❤🎉

[@Cruisewith]

I'm so glad you liked the review . I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time on your first sailing - enjoy every bit of it! ⚓🚢❤🎉

[@MelanieBright-gg8yb]

Love your honest feedback, as always! Do prefer the smaller and cozier atmosphere but you do lose some of additional attractions of the newer and bigger ships.

[@DawnalynForrest]

Darlings!!! I enjoyed this video! Have a great week! ❤

[@karenglaicar5486]

Great info. After watching this I would prefer the older ship. Like all the outdoor space. This looked like a really nice older ship. Not so crowded. Thanks and take care.

[@theuglydog8044]

We took a cruise on Explorer earlier this year from Miami to Civitavecchia. This class is our favorite. We've been on this and Navigator many times for Transatlantic and Caribbean cruises as well as cruises from Oz. The newer ships are like being in a hotel and without a balcony cabin you almost never see the ocean. My favorite thing on this class is being able to go out onto the heliport, it's so peaceful and quiet, just like the sailing ships of the past. Also at night it's dark enough to see the stars like you can't in most places in the world anymore. To us, it's not a cruise without the ocean. We took Ovation out of Sydney this year as well, we missed being able to see the Southern Cross as we've been able to on all of our other cruises from OZ. We love your channel. thedog

[@josephpisciotta2094]

Taking a cruise on the Explorer in October from Venice to Rome for 7 days and was a little apprehensive about its age. So thank you for the tour and comparisons. I feel much better about the ship and am looking forward to the cruise even more now. Thanks for your programs and your style of review. We really enjoy your programs every week. Thanks again,

[@sherrjo]

You'll love her Explorer is the perfect size ship. Deck 4 on sea days take one of the chairs, hang your feet outside the railings and enjoy 😊

[@patti1044]

Our first RCCL cruise was on the Grandeur in 1999 and loved that size . Plenty of places with sea views, particularly the Schooner bar. Have sailed every class and now we are choosing cruises for itinerary and sailing smaller ships. Biggest issues when we sail the older ships is the number of windows in public areas that are damaged and cloudy. When we take our grown kids the choice is different.

[@dianagroppa8971]

I don’t mind a smaller older ship as long it’s been refurbished within the last few years but the new ships are very nice. It’s good to have options 😊

[@jeffreylevin9616]

Well done fellas. Just watched this on my TV. I got to tell you. I just watched Alana Zingano last night do a tour of the Independence. And I must say, I like the colors and the decor a little bit more on the Explorer. There seemed to be more clashing patterns on that ship the Independence .Okay then. Go have another bite of your lemon marangue that the other guy ate. Tally Ho.

[@limitedtime5471]

Not the sweaty banana hammock😂 you fellas are the best to do cruise videos! Thanks for taking us along your adventures ❤

[@kennethtchir4358]

Ben and David again love your video's. My first cruise was on Mariner of the Seas 2012. Been on Navigator and will be on Adventure of the seas next Sept. Love this class of ship like you say it's a cruise. Been on Symphony, Allure, Oasis and Ovation these remind me of a mall / amusement park vibe . Symphony reminded me of an ikea look and vibe. Also Been on Radiance, Serenade and Jewel love these they give you that adventure of cruising nostalgia and simple relaxation. Independence is like a bigger brother of the voyager class also love that ship.

[@jeannebasanez7427]

Great video! This is all so true.

[@MrFroglips69]

Another very groovy episode as usual. Informative, lighthearted and quite funny and cute. Stay safe and stay groovy.

[@suzetteperrin8223]

Love those traditional promenade decks too!

[@theresamm21]

I like the new megaships. Lots of venues and options for dining, recreation and entertainment 😊

[@janaynmelis5250]

I sailed the Empress of the Seas in 2019 and enjoyed it. The entertainment and service was amazing and it felt like everyone remembered your name. I've only ever been on the Voyager and navigator classes for 'big' ships but I like the smaller to mid sized ships so far.

[@davidgrant5066]

Watching this on Harmony of the seas sailing from Coco cay as looking for our next cruise.

[@katebooth3256]

Keep it coming you guys . 🎉

[@adamsaldana5462]

My first was voyager just this year. Cruising was way better than I expected, and it was way more than I expected. Yes, older ships are fun and intimate.

[@Cruisewith]

That's really cool that your first cruise on Voyager turned out even better than you thought!

[@chrissyjames3982]

Hi Ben and David, I love your videos and listening to your cruise experiences. I have been on the Rhapsody and then the Harmony a back to back cruise this year and both were really great the Harmony was amazing and both ships have their own unique charm. I love Royal Caribbean ships and been on the Navigator and Explorer. Keep cruising xx

[@Cruisewith]

Oooo that's a tough one. It all depends who we are travelling with. If it's just the two of us, we like the Viking ships. For memories the Disney Magic (it was our first cruise) and we also like the Royal Ships like Independence of the Seas if we are with family.

[@ChristianLehrer]

Was on Explorer for her transatlantic probably just after your cruise! If you think Explorer had windows take a cruise on the Royal class Radiance, much more natural light, even the elevators. Loved Explorer, maiden voyage was 2000, she is 23 years old. She didn’t get the amplification, but she does have the traditional outdoor walking promenade and the ice skating rink and some great shows. Thanks guys!

[@ladyjane8985]

Love your videos❤ thanks for the British sunshine that you impart in your fan's lives! Love your meet cute and wedding story. So touching💕💕

[@Cruisewith]

Thank you for watching!

[@ilenegallo6406]

I like the smaller ships, but I like the convenience of electric plugs by the bed and good Wi-Fi!🥰

[@Cruisewith]

If only they had updated the cabins! It could have been the best of both words.

[@bronniepaterson4694]

Wow this was so good.. You kind of forget about these type of ships,but in there day they were mega.. They have some great features and atmospheric places. Loved this trip down memory lane 👍🇬🇧

[@aidanki2073]

Icon of the seas will be including a lot more windows, even the promenade will have windows

[@eburney68]

Thanks for the review, guys. I've never sailed with RCCL but I'm looking at it for our family's next cruise (in 2024 or '25). We sailed on Carnival Vista in July and although it's a beautiful ship with a great crew, good food and lots of entertainment, it was EXTREMELY crowded. Ship was at full capacity that week (around 5,000 passengers) and it felt like we were in an ant farm. The public spaces were a zoo from sunup to sundown and there were long lines everywhere (especially on Lido). It was hard to navigate and honestly, it added lots of stress to what's supposed to be a relaxing week. While the newer, massive ships are impressive and offer lots of variety, I'm finding myself drawn ships the size of the Voyager and Radiance classes. Plenty to do without the crowds and a little calmer vibe. Videos like this are so helpful. Thanks again!

[@janesmith5740]

RC Radiance class is the BEST for the scenic itineraries! Did Alaska on Serenade, Scandinavia on Brilliance and New Zealand on Radiance - top tier views from almost everywhere on the ship and massive windows in the center!

[@tomcorwine3091]

I remember when Voyager class ships came out. It’s crazy to hear them being referred to as “smaller ships” :)

[@gailharkesellery1929]

We just love sailing on the smaller ships, sadly they are becoming harder to find. Our first sailing was on a RCCL ship that held 745 passengers. On our trip we sailed with 245 passengers and almost double crew. It was great and our best trip ever. Gail

[@ihrtkevin92]

I’ve been on Quantum class and Freedom class so far with a cruise on Wonder next September. So far I’ve really enjoyed the Freedom class! Not too big or too small 😊

[@sharicupples-hj4wb]

After recently experiencing a ship with nearly 5000 on it I prefer the smaller ships. They just feel more relaxed and personable.

[@danieldumas7361]

Positive: As Blue Eyed David mentioned, smaller ships can access more smaller ports, which could be why there are less activities on board since most passengers would probably prefer to spend their day ashore.😊 Negative: The WY-FY reception will naturally be much more efficient on the Bigger ships as they are newer & don't suffer from signal interference caused by the massive Sails found on the older ships.🤣

[@KevinBenskin]

Could it be a tactic Royal Caribbean is doing to make passengers utilize more of the other options like specialty dining with all the cut backs and price add ons?

[@CH_Warrior89]

You will see Jordan Bauth performing as well in the ice show, she is a skater who vlogs her contracts and life as crew on the ships and her current contract is Explorer now :D

[@svenjanssen08]

The old vessel looks beautiful! Well maintained! Little bit less fancy, still good 👍

[@Lauratherose]

I remember when the Voyager class first came out. So weird to think of them as old. They were so big! I'd love to see yall travel on one of the smaller Vision or Radiance class ships. How are they holding up?

[@xanpagebrown]

The only cruise I’ve ever been on was on independence of the seas back in 2013, loved it so much. This ship reminds me a lot of indy

[@KStephon]

I like all of the Royal Caribbean Ships! Especially the ones who can execute food preparation and service satisfactorily.

[@alk61695]

I sailed on the Explorer, and it is amazing to think she is considered small now. She is still a large ship when you are on board.

[@327Erich]

Great video, gents. Nice, fair assessment of old vs. new. I see some people complaining on social media that 25-yr-old ships lack features that last year's model has, as if the cruise lines need to upgrade all of them to be essentially the same experience as the mega ships each time one comes out of the shipyard. I enjoy both types. I love the personalized experience on the smaller ships, but I do have a soft spot in my heart for Central Park and the Aqua theater on the Oasis class. BTW, that $25 towel charge is just a deterrent to keep people from stealing them or leaving them wherever. I don't think Royal is trying to pass that off as some sort of fair valuation.🤣

[@annterry9194]

I don't understand why larger, more modern ships seem to be ''ashamed' of the sea, with everything turned inside. Well yes I do understand it's to make people spend more, rather than sitting and watching the ocean which sea views encourage. Why do people go on cruises just to ignore the sea? Crazy. Love your videos Ben and David you keep this old lady in touch with cruising now that age and disability have slowed me down and restricted my choices. Hopefully, I'll manage one more.....

[@bronniepaterson4694]

We’ve only ever been on the smaller ships..however soon we are going Arvia…a medium bigger ship..? Great tour and informative too…👍🇬🇧