Plenty of Vision on RCI’s Newest Ship

Vision of the Seas, the last of Royal Caribbean International’s six Project Vision vessels, made its U.S. debut in Boston last September after a sellout summer season in Europe. Dubbed “the ships of light” for their acres of glass walls and windows, the six, beginning with Legend of the Seas in 1995, introduced a number of features to cruising, from miniature golf courses to lavish spas.

Fast--with a cruising speed of 24 knots instead of the usual 20 or so--and nimble, these ships can offer more ports of call during a seven-day cruise than competitors. And because they’re slightly smaller than the line’s earlier mega-ships--Sovereign, Monarch and Majesty of the Seas--and the next series of behemoths, the massive 142,000-ton Project Eagle ships, the Vision vessels can venture far afield from RCI’s usual Caribbean itineraries.

Even as passengers flock to two giants too big for the Panama Canal--Carnival’s Destiny and Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess--it’s hard to imagine something as vast as RCI’s upcoming Voyager of the Seas, a record-setting behemoth that will carry 3,114 passengers on 15 decks.

Back in 1988, pundits said the same thing about Royal Caribbean’s Sovereign of the Seas, with the then-astonishing capacity of 2,744 passengers. But the dozen ships currently in service, and the anticipation of 16 ships with 34,250 beds by 2002, don’t seem to quell the company’s building thirst.

Adam Goldstein, Royal Caribbean International’s senior vice president, marketing, and line president Jack Williams explained the RCI vision aboard the American debut of Vision of the Seas. The Vision ships, they said, make up a fleet of fast, versatile, destination-intensive vessels, while the gigantic new Voyager of the Seas and its sister will bring the focus back to year-round Caribbean itineraries.

The company’s new Royal Journeys program will be a 160-day series of 10 cruises that visit 41 ports in 19 countries. Comparable to other lines’ around-the-world cruises, the Royal Journeys will take place aboard Legend of the Seas, first of the Project Vision ships, beginning Nov. 1. Overnight land excursions will be offered in Israel, Egypt, India, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the architecture and the shipboard art collection of the new Vision of the Seas dazzle.

The large, lush spa has its own solarium pool under a retractable roof, and the spacious deck areas offer an outdoor pool flanked by four Jacuzzis.

Kids have video arcades, a play area and a teen center; adults will find multiple lounges. Complementing the double-deck dining room and theater are a big casino and a second cabaret lounge.

This winter, Vision of the Seas sails the Panama Canal between San Juan and Acapulco on 10- and 11-night itineraries. Fares range from $1,999 per person, double occupancy, for an inside cabin to $7,499 per person, double occupancy, for the lavish Royal Suite. Air fare is extra.

Families should consider booking one of the four Royal Family Suites with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, private veranda and walk-in closet, sleeping four in luxury or eight in relative comfort by using two pull-down berths and a sofa bed. The fare for four would come to about $1,258 a day, while eight would pay $1,614 a day, or about $200 apiece.

For a free color brochure, ask a travel agent or call (800) 327-6700.

Slater and Basch travel as guests of the cruise lines. Cruise Views appears the first and third week of every month.