The thought was running through my mind as I read another cruise site. They were talking about the new Nation of Why Not marketing theme Royal Caribbean is using.

Obviously they are pushing the features of the Voyager family of ships very hard, as they should. But it leaves me wondering when, or if I will fall back to cruise on a Radiance or Vision class.

What is it like for some of you to cruise on a smaller RCI ship after being spoiled with the larger ones?

My first was Navigator which I really enjoyed and had Independence forthcoming. In-between was Vision and while the crew are all wonderful, I found Vision to be the better size and design. The Royal Promenade, while a great idea, is rubbish when there's something going on because it gets too crowded. It took me more than 10 minutes to get from the dining room to the other end when the second sitting Captain's party was going on. As for parades, forget it. It's difficult to see anything, especially if you're in a wheelchair as I've seen because they're stuck behind everyone. I love the larger ships but my first choice for another cruise would be a Vision class or try a Radiance class.

We did Freedom then Liberty. We have never been on anything smaller. We figured if we did now, it would be a let down. We could be wrong of course.

I suppose really it all depends on what you like. I've done sizes from Boudicca (28,388 tons) to IOTS and I find the whole atmosphere much better on the smaller to mid-sized ships. Four days after Indy I went on Artemis (45,000) and it was a huge difference. The passengers not being squeezed in like cattle to make money is also a great advantage. In August I'm doing the maiden of Celebrity Equinox, a ship larger than the latest Grand class Princesses but carries less pax. So I can't wait to discover what it will be like. I enjoyed Indy but would rather do smaller when I book RCI in future. However, if they based an Oasis class in Southampton I'd have to go to satisfy my curiosity.

I have gone from bigger to smaller and vice versa. I never liked the "bigger" but always tried the new ones so I am able to make comparisons. It will be a long time before you can take a cruise on the OA from Southampton. And why should you, when instead you can sail the beautiful Celebrity Equinox in Europe next summer?

I look at this way, the odds of something bigger than Oasis is remote, at least anytime in the years to come. So I will feel fine with going "smaller" with a Freedom and Voyager class. Indeed, if life allows, a Radiance and Vision class would fit the bill nicely.

We went on Grandeur, Splendor and Legend before we went on Explorer. We definitely love the smaller ships. We did not like the layout of Explorer. We also found it did not have near enough elevators. We had much more problems getting off the ship for early morning excursions. On the positive side we did enjoy the ice show. But for us we will stick to the smaller ships. Our next cruise is on Jewel of the Seas.
Diana