I have been on 13 cruises, but I have never cruised on any Royal Caribbean ship.<BR><BR>Assuming that I am only interested in cruising to the Caribbean (East/west/southern) which RCCL Ship is the best. <BR><BR>I have enjoyed the bigger, newer ships that I have been on (such as Carnival's Pride). <BR><BR>Regarding that ice rink and rock wall, are they available only on a few RCCL ships (maybe just voyager and explorer of the seas?)<BR><BR>Thanks in advance for any tips/ideas.

The Voyager and the Explorer would work for you.<BR><BR>Yes, RCCL is the only cruise line with the rock wall and ice rink.<BR><BR>They are both excellent ships with great food, service, and decor, so you would be happy with either ship.<BR><BR>The least expensive time to go is the fall- September to the first 2 wks in Dec. There are still some great last minute specials running around, though.<BR><BR>If you are not in love with a certain cabin type (I am a cabin snob and have to have a balcony), I highly recommend the atrium view cabins- they over look the 300 foot long street in the middle of the ship. Though the windows don't open and they are only 168 sq feet, the people watching is great! You will also have great views of the two parades they hold each week.<BR><BR>Good luck deciding!

Also consider the Adventure of the Seas as it too is a Voyager class ship and does the Southern Caribbean out of Puerto Rico - great itinerary. The East and West on the Explorer and Voyager have more sea days.

The Navigator- a sister ship to the Voyager will debut in Jan. The Mariner will follow at a later date. I have read some positive reviews on the new Brilliance as well. Not as large as the Voyager, but quite lovely. I've always enjoyed RCI.

Ginger,<BR><BR>I was considering an Atrium view,(great prices) but wanted to know can you hear the noises from the promenade? Also, can people see you in your rooms?<BR>I'm sure these cabins are better than the inside cabins?<BR>Thx!!

The atrium cabins are quiet unless there is a parade. Yes, passengers can see you. Best to get a cabin at the top of the atrium since no one likes to look up that far. You will note that the cabins across from you can see in your cabin but the times that I was in the atrium cabins most others had their drapes closed. Very few had them open. Why, I do not know. Seems like a waste of an atrium cabin.<BR><BR>Paul