Empress of the Seas to North America

Empress of the Seas recently returned to the Royal Caribbean fleet after eight years with the Spanish company, Pullmantur. At just 42,000 tons and carrying around 1800 passengers, the ship is very much the 'baby' in the company line up; a diminutive little jewel in a fleet of giants.

Originally built in 1990, Empress of the Seas features most cabins in the forward part of the ship, while public rooms are mostly layered in the stern of the ship. Both inside and outside cabins are relatively small, though all have been recently refurbished. There is little by way of storage space, but the dress code is smart casual. On these short, port intensive cruises, you won't spend much time in your room, anyway. There are some larger, balcony cabins and suites if more space and seclusion is something you need to have.

There is a stunning, central five storey high lobby that is very much the focal point aboard Empress of the Seas. And, while causal dining is available around the clock at the outdoor buffet, always take the chance to enjoy at least one meal in the main dining room. It's a shimmering, beautifully dramatic space at the stern, two levels high, and with floor to ceiling glass windows on three sides. Many people claim that this is the most beautiful dining room on any ship at sea.

For fun in the sun, there is a large pool deck, complete with hot tubs and bar, plus rows of sun loungers. It's pretty and expansive, but it also gets full very quickly. Empress of the Seas remains a high density ship- the company can pack up to 1,840 passengers onto her for each cruise.

Entertainment continues almost around the clock on this ship, but don’t expect the lavish ice shows and promenade parades of the larger ships. Her size simply does not allow for them. Instead, expect a decent, busy casino, a disco, cabaret style shows, and a hugely popular piano player.

Newly refurbished, this lovely ship is ideal for a short break.