Largest cruise ship in world starts operating in Janaury
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from August 1987.
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"But SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS isn't big merely to set records. Its size was determined by the vast array of facilities, services and entertainment options Royal Caribbean passengers demanded from a new ship", according to Jim Kissel, Senior Vice president of Sales and Marketing for the Line.
And what makes SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS special are its little touches — facilities, services and amentities for people who want to get away from it all, who enjoy an intimate moment and appreciate the best in personal attention.
Where does one go for a quiet moment on a ship whose main lounge holds 1,050 people? The elegant Champagne Bar is one choice; it holds 50 people for cocktails, caviar, fine wines and, of course, champagne by the glass. A more casual, although no larger space, is the 50-seat French Cafe for a variety of exotic coffees, herbal teas, cold drinks or an after-dinner liqueur.
SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS' Library, divided into three cozy sections, holds as few as ten people for the ultimate escape from other more ambitious and energetic pleasures of shipboard life. Then there is the Schooner Piano Bar, accommodating about 100 passengers who might want to pause between the casino and the Follies Lounge for some quiet conversation and a Gershwin medley.
The Viking Crown Lounge, Royal Caribbean's hallmark perched high above SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS' twelve decks, provides 275 guests with panoramic view of ocean, ports and the ship itself, as well as refreshment, entertainment and even strolling minstrels. There are also two Pool Bars below on pool deck, each a relaxing step away from the action and offering personalized service for those who prefer to take a break in the shade. Other facilities that help create the personal touch include eight intimate boutiques and gift shops including a perfumerie, a jewelry store, a photo shop and a Scandinavian gift shop where passengers can purchase furs, artwork and crafts. A health centre with Bally state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including saunas and a whirlpool bath, provide passengers with a broad range of activities in the atmosphere of an exclusive health club.
Facilities alone, of course, do not create SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS' appealing ambience. Little touches of gracious, personalized service play an important role. Chocolate mints on the pillows, a nightgown carefully arranged, a basket of fresh fruit in the cabin all contribute to a sense that the specific needs and wishes of each passenger come first, despite the size of the ship. All cabins have been carefully designed to provide the lates in soundproofing techniques, making them the quietest afloat! A concierge deck features even more personalized services and amenities for its passengers, including mini-bars in each cabin and a la carte room service. In some of the larger public rooms such as Finian's Rainbow Lounge, "Nice and Easy" hours devoted to informal conversation create a welcoming, friendly ambience. A wine appreciation hour provides the opportunity to sample wines and cheeses from around the world in a cordial, unpretentious atmosphere. Even something as simple as a different table setting each evening, including a mind-boggling variety of napkin designs, reflects the determination of the ship's staff to make every guest feel comfortable and welcome.
SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS will have all the advantages of the world's largest ship and at the same time, the small touches to make the passengers feel at home.
SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS will offer seven-day cruises year-round departing from Miami every Saturday calling at Labadee (the Line's exclusive destination on the secluded north coast of Haiti), San Juan and St. Thomas. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line currently offers a variety of 7-, 8-, 10- and 14-day cruises year-round throughout the Caribbean and to Mexico's Yucatan on the Song of Norway, Sun Viking, Nordic Prince and Song of America, plus a summer program of 7-day New York to Bermuda cruises aboard the Nordic Prince.
