(Daily Mail) The secret to enjoying a cruise getaway at a lower price with more attentive staff and better ports of call has been revealed.
Cruise ship fans shared their tip for bagging bargain breaks with better guest services and fewer crowds – choosing an older, smaller vessel like the 26-year-old Vision of the Seas.
Operated by Royal Caribbean, Vision of the Seas seems to have no chance of beating the world’s largest cruise ship Icon of the Seas, which offers 20 decks with the tallest waterfall, the tallest water slide and the largest waterpark.
With less swimming pools, water slides and restaurants, the Vision might disappoint travelers looking for an extravagant, luxury cruise experience. But many travelers say they prefer a more sedate atmosphere – and the price difference is substantial.
An eight-night tour of coasts in Florida and the Bahamas costs as low as $426 on Vision of the Seas, while a seven-night sailing on the Icon starts at around $2,536.
Cruise ship fans shared their tip for bagging bargain breaks with better guest services and fewer crowds – choosing an older, smaller vessel like the 26-year-old Vision of the Seas (pictured)
With fewer swimming pools, water slides and restaurants, the Vision might disappoint travelers looking for an extravagant, luxury cruise experience
A social media user shared a video of her enjoying facilities on Vision of the Seas
David Di Vito, 34, is among those who have the best time on smaller, older and well-traveled ships, and Vision of the Seas is his favorite.
The sound engineer from Las Vegas told the Wall Street Journal that on the Vision, Wi-Fi was more reliable, staff was more responsive and booking excursions at ports of call was easier.
The Vision’s capacity of 2,050 guests also ensured that he and his fiancée, Marina Vail, were not overwhelmed by crowds like travelers on the Icon, which can host a maximum of 7,000 people.
He enjoyed views of the ocean from different spots on the ship, and Vail had her best time participating in the trivia games and scavenger hunts that the cruise offered.
Mari Marks, a luxury-travel adviser with Protravel International in Beverly Hills, California, said: ‘Each ship has its own personality. Because not everybody is going to love being with over 5,000 of their new best friends.’
Vision of the Seas had its maiden voyage in May 1998 and underwent enhancements in 2013. It offers various sailings to Bermuda, Bahamas, Canada, and New England, all starting below $900 per person.
Both operated by Royal Caribbean, Vision of the Seas seems to have no chance of beating the world’s largest cruise ship Icon of the Seas (pictured), which offers 20 decks with the tallest waterfall, the tallest water slide, and the largest waterpark
Vision of the Seas had its maiden voyage in May 1998 and underwent enhancements in 2013
