If you have sailed with Pullmantur, a Spain-based cruise company, for eight years and enjoyed the ocean views and relaxation on the Empress, you will experience a bit of a different emphasis on the new innovation of enjoying the wild ocean instead. However, it may come as a surprise that Caribbean Royal has reintroduced the much smaller Empress to its fleet after spending eight years with the larger and more attention-getting ships, known for their outrageous amenities and constant launching of bigger ships.
Here are 10 facts to be aware of when contemplating a journey on Empress of the Seas.
On Empress, the process of boarding and disembarking is effortless, thanks to a smaller number of passengers and early boarding times. The wraparound promenade on Deck 6 can be wonderfully peaceful at times, and there are numerous seating areas scattered around with floor-to-ceiling windows. Despite its size, Empress never feels crowded. You can reach any area of the ship in less than five minutes, which is particularly noteworthy in the cabins. The interior staterooms range from 109 to 131 square feet, considerably smaller than the average inside cabin, which is closer to 175 square feet. Empress is Royal Caribbean’s tiniest vessel, accommodating 1,602 passengers (at double occupancy) and measuring 48,564 GRT (gross tonnage).
5. There are almost no balcony cabins.
To be punctual for an Empress sailing, it is necessary to be early if you are accustomed to sailing in a balcony cabin. The six genuine two-room suites are the only additional cabins with balconies. On other ships, the junior suites on Empress are marketed as what would typically be referred to as a standard balcony. The majority of the cabins on board Empress of the Seas are interior and ocean-view rooms.
7. But a few Royal Caribbean favorites stand out.
The Adventure Ocean kids club, which is open for young children, is available on Empress. Those who want to stay connected can use Royal’s super-fast Voom Wi-Fi. Onboard, there is Chops Grille, a popular specialty steakhouse, and the Windjammer Cafe, the ship’s main buffet with windows. The Viking Crown Lounge, which has been replaced on many other ships, can still be found on Empress. Empress also has a traditional lounge with a disco floor for late nights and the Schooner Bar, a nautical-themed watering hole, both of which are staple bars and lounges. The Royal Theatre hosts Quest, a hilarious interactive game for adults, which is maintained by Empress along with other classic Royal Caribbean experiences.
2. Empress is also more than 25 years old.
Cruisers on vessels other than the Empress should be mindful of not throwing unnecessary products such as toilets paper into the plumbing system, as it is more sensitive. While using spaces like the outdoor pool and whirlpools, and other areas of the ship such as Boleros lounge, internet cafe, card room, and library, it is evident that some updates have been made following the $50 million revitalization in May 2016 when Empress was relaunched with Pullmantur. After a hiatus from Royal Caribbean, the ship sailed with Estefan Gloria serving as the Godmother. Empress Nordic was first launched in 1990 as the Seas of Empress.
8. Dining options are limited but relaxed.
If you prefer a more casual approach during your vacation, there are no obligatory formal evenings, unlike on other Royal Caribbean ships. Every day, Starlight’s menu varies, and the Windjammer presents a daily “international cuisine theme” to provide additional choices to the usual buffet offerings. Empress solely offers the adaptable “My Time Dining” program, allowing you to make a reservation whenever convenient and opt for a different dining time each day. This is perfect for those who dislike strict dining schedules or planning ahead. Empress of the Seas features three dining establishments: The Windjammer Cafe (included in the fare), Starlight Dining Room (also included), and Chops Grille (additional fee required).
3. Bottomless mimosas are offered every day at lunch.
During days when the ship is docked or when it’s out at sea, you can enjoy complimentary mimosas and Bloody Marys for brunch at either the Windjammer buffet or the Starlight Dining Room. What sets Empress of the Seas apart from other Royal Caribbean ships is its exclusive and distinctive feature.
6. The Royal Caribbean “Wow” factor is missing.
Club Concierge and Diamond Lounge are the missing areas for Club Anchor and Crown, a teen club, and the adults-only Solarium. There are no steam rooms or saunas (the spa only offers treatment rooms), and there is only a tiny swimming pool for kids (no splash pool). Other missing amenities include “amusement park” features like surf simulators, mini-golf, water slides, and ice skating rinks found on other ships. While the ship has a rock climbing wall, it lacks some additional “wow” features that cruisers of Royal Caribbean may be used to, notably those absent from Empress of the Seas due to size limitations.
4. Empress will be Royal Caribbean’s Cuba ship.
Until approval is granted, the ship will continue to voyage on four- and five-night Caribbean routes to Key West, Grand Cayman, Coco Cay, and/or Cozumel through April 2017. Some, but not all, of these itineraries will feature an overnight stay in Havana. The line intends to provide the following options on Empress: Havana, Key West, and Nassau; Havana and Key West; and Havana and the Bahamas. Nonetheless, Royal Caribbean has not yet obtained authorization from Cuban authorities for offering cruises to Cuba on the Empress of the Seas.
9. The smaller size leads to more comradery.
It was easy to become acquainted with people, so every night passengers gathered in the same popular places. Without the overwhelming array of evening entertainment options happening at the same time, you would find it on larger vessels. We took little time to chat or get to know each other, and the crew members on other ships seemed rushed. However, we found the crew on Empress to be friendly and not as hurried as they appeared.
10. It’s affordable.
In the marketplace, Caribbean voyage prices on Empress of the Seas are among the most affordable. Despite the fact that Empress’ upcoming routes have not yet been established, currently, they can be found on the company’s bigger vessels. The brief itineraries (lasting four and five nights) departing from Miami provide a convenient opportunity for travelers to easily embark and experience Royal Caribbean without incurring the expensive cost.