The first difference I noticed between my two voyages was the size of each ship.
Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas was the world’s largest cruise ship back in 2022. At 1,200 feet long and 210 feet tall, the 235,600-gross-ton ship has eight “neighborhoods,” 18 decks, and can hold up to 7,000 passengers.
On my Royal Caribbean cruise, I learned from the crew that there were roughly 5,000 people on board. Although the ship wasn’t at capacity, it certainly felt like it to me.
Finding an empty chair near one of the three large pools was nearly impossible after 10 a.m., and even though the ship had 24 elevators, there was often a line to take them.
In fact, there was a line to do pretty much everything, from activities to the breakfast buffet. Shows required reservations, which quickly filled up.
The size of the ship was daunting, too. Getting around felt like wandering a maze. By the time I got used to the sprawling layout, the cruise was over.
The intimate ship size meant fewer activities, but I didn’t mind since navigating the decks was easier. There were only two pools, but they were far less crowded, and I had an easier time finding empty pool chairs throughout the day.
While I could make reservations for meals and shows on the Valiant Lady, I quickly realized I didn’t need to. The restaurants often had empty tables, and I could wander into any venue when I heard interesting live tunes. This made my days feel more spontaneous, and the whole trip felt more relaxing since I wasn’t rushing around.
Since I was only with fellow adults on the Virgin Voyages cruise, I wondered if that might create a stuffy environment. But the ship’s child-like seesaws and swings, kickboxing bags, and games like foosball, basketball, and a gigantic chessboard made me feel young again.
I loved having the chance to relax and unwind playfully, and sitting on a swing with an ocean view was way more fun than standing in line for a 30-second waterslide ride.
On my first cruise, I hardly slept. Getting used to the sway of the ship was challenging enough as I closed my eyes at night. But the added discomfort of my bed — two twin mattresses pushed together — made it even harder. And when I did get some shut-eye, I woke up in the crevice between the beds.
On the Virgin Voyages ship, I had one queen-sized bed, which was much more comfortable than the two mattresses in my Royal Caribbean cabin.
Other comforting details made my Virgin Voyages cabin feel fit for a VIP, including mood lighting, a tablet with smart controls, and a private balcony where I could get some air when I felt seasick.
These details made my stay cozy and restful. Getting enough sleep made it easier for me to appreciate the whole trip more than my first cruise.