The Wandering Disciple

  Cruise ships are truly more than just a means of transportation; they are meticulously engineered floating cities designed to cater to every member of the family. These massive vessels are packed with a diverse array of activities, amenities, and entertainment options, ensuring that a vacation at sea is an unforgettable experience.  From world-class dining establishments offering everything from casual buffets to fine-dining experiences curated by celebrity chefs, to Broadway-caliber theatrical performances and state-of-the-art cinemas, the entertainment is endless. Guests can find relaxation and rejuvenation in luxurious spas and wellness centers, complete with thermal suites and specialized treatments. For the active traveler, there are fully equipped gyms, jogging tracks, rock-climbing walls, and even surf simulators.  Children and teens have their own dedicated, supervised areas, including age-appropriate kids' clubs, video arcades, and private lounges, allowing par...

The Majesty of the Seas sits at the docks of Key West. The southernmost point of the continental US, Key West was out first port of call during our 2010 Bahamas Cruise on Royal Caribbean.  The Majesty of the Seas was a member of Royal Caribbean's Sovereign-class of ships. Introduced to the fleet in 1992, the Majesty features two swimming pools, a casino, multiple bars and restaurants and the capacity of 2,768 passengers. The ship received a complete refurbishment in 2007. In 2020, Royal Caribbean sold the ship to Greek ferry operator Seajets.  Taken: April 20, 2010 (Key West, FL)

Like a floating pool party in the middle of the sea, the pool deck of the Majesty of the Seas is a happening place.  From belly flop competitions to movies under stars, to a hot body competition to just plain relaxing in the sun, there is plenty of fun to be had in this wet wonderland to help pass the time until the next port of call.  (Photo: April 19, 2010)

Come sail away, come sail away with me. The Freedom of the Seas waits at Port Canaveral for a new ship full of passengers ready to embark on a week long Caribbean cruise. Mega ships like the Freedom are truly floating cities packed full of food fun and entertainment. It's like having a hotel that wakes you up in a new tropical destination each and every day. (Photo: January 24, 2010)

Well cruise ships today are much like floating cities.  Well what city would be complete without a golf course.  Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas features a miniature golf course on the top deck fr those that want to work on their short game or just have some fun while floating in the middle of the ocean.  (Photo: October 21, 2006)

Cococay in the Bahamas is a tropical retreat owned by Royal Caribbean International.  It is one of two island oasis owned by the cruise line to provide an island getaway during Caribbean cruises.  Unlike other ports of call, these destination provide nothing but relaxation and fun in the sun without the hustle and bustle of the busier ports.  (Photo: April 22, 2010)

The Majesty of the Seas sits off-shore of CocoCay during a Bahama cruise.  The Majesty of the Seas is one of many cruise ships operated by Royal Caribbean International, connection cruisers with ports of call around the globe.  (Photo: April 22, 2010)

The sun sets over the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean while on board the Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas. Cruising the open ocean gives you a stunning view of sunrises, sunsets and starlit skies without the light haze of big city lights. (Photo: October 22, 2006)

The Majesty of the Seas passes through the Government cut as it embarks on another Bahama cruise. The Government Cut is a manmade shipping channel that connects the Port of Miami and the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo: April 19, 2010)

Bright blue waters surround the private island of Coco Cay.  Located in the Berry Island chain in the Bahamas, the island was once known as Little Stirrup Cay.  It was purchased by Royal Caribbean and renamed Coco Cay and now is a port of call for Caribbean cruises. It features activities like snorkeling, para-sailing, jet skis and much more for the cruise passengers.  (Photo: April 22, 2010)

The pool deck of Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas is one of the ships most popular features.  The ship has two swimming pools, 2 hot tubs and two stories of sun decks to help passengers relax between ports.  (Photo: April 20, 2010)

Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas and Carnival's Triumph are docked side by side in San Juan. The Port of San Juan welcomes over one million travelers annually to the city and is the gateway to the Southern Caribbean.  (Photo: October 23, 2006)

The bright blue sea of the Atlantic Ocean provides for a spectacular view as Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas travels between St Maarten and the Bahamas.  (Photo: October 26, 2006)

The calm before the storm, the Casino Royale sits quietly while the Majesty of the Seas sits in port in Miami. But once the ship hits international waters, the sounds of slots and excitement will fill the room as the ships passengers try their luck against the house. (Photo: April 19, 2010)

The Majesty of the Seas provides a great backdrop on the sandy beaches of Cococay. Royal Caribbean’s private island of Cococay combines sandy beaches and clear water to create the ultimate beach day. (Photo: April 22, 2010)

Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas is seen docked offshore of their private island Cococay in the Bahamas. Majesty of the Seas is a short trip vessel in the RCI fleet, performing alternating three and four night trips from the Port of Miami. The ships three night itinerary visits Nassau and Cococay while the four night version visits those two ports plus Key West. The Majesty was introduced in 1992 as part of the Sovereign Class of ships. The ship underwent an extensive modernization as part of a four week dry-dock refurbishment in 2007. You can view more photos from the Majesty of the Seas by clicking here . (Photo: April 22, 2010)

Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas sits in port at Port Canaveral preparing for a new Caribbean adventure. The namesake of the the Freedom class of ships, the Freedom of the Seas set sail on her maiden voyage in June 2006. She was the largest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet until the release of the Oasis class in 2009. (Photo: January 24, 2010)

Is it possible to play golf with no land in sight? Well of course it is when you aboard the Navigator of the Seas. Navigator Dunes is a nine hole miniature golf course on the sports deck of the ship. The course provides sweeping views of the great blue ocean and is a great place to have fun while the cruise ship is at sea. (Photo: October 22, 2006)

Dick Gothner with Skyscraper Tours has sent along a good batch of cruise deals from Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Now that the weather is getting cooler and we are on the way out of hurricane season, there is no better time to set sail on a Caribbean cruise. Carnival's Pack and Go Special runs from November 2 to November 4 and has quite a collection of deals. Dick highlighted a few of the following deals in the sale: Carnival Glory sets sail on 11/13/11 out of the Port of Miami on a seven night Exotic Western Caribbean Cruise. The ships calls upon Cozumel, Belize, Roatan and Grand Cayman. Rates start at $349 for an interior and $529 for a balcony. Carnival Fascination departs the Port of Jacksonville on 11/26/11 on a five night Bahamas Cruise. The ships stops at Nassau and Half Moon Cay while spending two additional fun days at sea. Inside cabins start at $179. Carnival Ecstasy embarks on a five night Bahamas Cruise on 12/5/11 from Cape Canaveral. The ship stops at Nassau, H...

Practically a floating city, the Navigator of the Seas by Royal Caribbean provides fun and excitement for all members of the family. The ship features an ice skating ring, swimming pools, mini golf, rock climbing wall, in-line skate track and much more. Combine that with the great food and entertainment alongside popular ports of call and you have a great family vacation. The Navigator of the Seas is seen here docked at St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. (Photo: October 24, 2006)