Vision of the Seas

The last to be built of the eponymous Vision class of ships, the Vision of the Seas is a mid-sized vessel that offers many of the amenities and features that you would expect from the much larger cruise liners.

As part of the Royal Caribbean International, the Vision of the Seas is one of 42 ships in the fleet. The company has been in operation since 1976 and has become a favourite for first-time cruisers, as well as enthusiasts around the globe - controlling just over a quarter of the cruise market.

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The Vision of the Seas offers a number of different routes in Scandinavia, the Middle East and South America. During the summer, the ship is based in Stockholm and tours the Baltic with ports of call including Helsinki, St Petersburg and Riga.

In the autumn, the vessel's home port is in Istanbul and departs on ten-night voyages around Israel and Turkey. The liner then makes a transatlantic crossing to spend the winter months in South America, where it mainly cruises along the coast of Brazil.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 2,435
Year entered service: 1998
Beam (ship width): 105.6 feet
Draught (ship depth): 24.9 feet
Length: 915 feet
Tonnage: 78,491
Crew: 765
Maximum speed: 22 knots
Number of passenger decks: 11
Number of lifts: 9
Number of swimming pools: 2
Number of cabins: 1,000

Food, cuisine and dining

The main dining room on the Vision of the Seas is called the Aquarius and it is spread over two decks. Both levels boast gorgeous views from floor-to-ceiling windows, while the beautiful grand staircase is a centrepiece of the room.

Aquarius offers open seating for breakfast and lunch, while two dinner services are available. Guests will enjoy a wide range of delicious menu items to choose from and if you have special dietary requirements, those can generally be accommodated easily.

For those passengers who are looking for healthy or lighter meals, be sure to check out the Vitality menu. This option includes a variety of low-fat food, herbal teas and fresh fruit and vegetables - getting you on the road to holistic wellbeing.

There are even workshops that you can attend during the voyage to teach you more about nutrition, weight management and dealing with stress.

If you're looking for an alternative, more casual dining experience, during your cruise the Windjammer Cafe could be the perfect choice. It offers a menu similar to the main dining room, but in a relaxed buffet setting.

There's also the Solarium Cafe, which serves up fast-food items like burgers, pizza and hotdogs, while elsewhere on the ship you can find a Ben and Jerry's ice cream stand and a Latte-tudes coffee shop, which offers a range of pastries.

On-board entertainment and activities

No matter your age or preferences, the Vision of the Seas is sure to provide plenty of suitable options when it comes to entertainment and the range of shows on offer is just one of the many amusements for you to enjoy.

The large Masquerade Theatre is one of the most popular entertainment venues on the vessel. With its comfortable seating and excellent views from anywhere in the house, you'll be able to sit back and enjoy a song and dance cabaret-style show put on by the Wave Revue. Alternatively, the theatre plays host to a number of comedy shows, celebrity performances and other productions.

There's also the Some Enchanted Evening Lounge, a smaller venue that offers various productions like adult comedy. Meanwhile, the various bars and lounges scattered around the vessel boast live musicians. For example, you'll find piano music at the Schooner Bar.

Of course, there's also the kids club, numerous seminars and demonstrations, arts and crafts workshops, a large library, art auctions and shopping to keep you entertained.

To help keep track of everything going on during the journey, passengers will be provided with a copy of the Cruise Compass - an activities itinerary that many guests will find to be an invaluable guide.

Spas and fitness facilities

If you're looking for a bit of relaxation, the ShipShape Spa is the ideal on-board destination. There, you can enjoy a vigorous workout on the exercise equipment or take a fitness class.

For those who like to unwind with some pampering, you could instead opt for a beauty treatment from a trained professional.

Try a new hairstyle or get a scalp treatment, have a facial or get your teeth whitened. Other options include cellulite treatments, manicures and pedicures.

Alternatively, why not head to the sauna or steam room? Or take your pick from your choice of a massage, acupuncture or aromatherapy.

Cabins

With 1,000 cabins in 18 categories and 11 pricing groups, the Vision of the Seas offers guests a wide range of accommodation options.

When selecting a stateroom, you'll need to consider the amount of space that you'd like to have, the number of people travelling with you, the types of amenities you require and whether or not you'd like to have a view or a balcony.

Families may want to opt for the Royal Family Suite, which has room for eight guests and features two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a private balcony. The cabin measures 463 square feet, providing plenty of space for children and parents to be comfortable.

There are also a number of deluxe accommodations that offer sumptuous extras. And if you select a smaller stateroom, you'll still enjoy relaxing in your surroundings. Plus, all rooms are equipped with an en-suite bathroom, a vanity/desk unit and a television.