With its Vision class of ships, Royal Caribbean has pulled off an interesting trick. They have successfully convinced people they are an upscale brand, but have kept their prices at mass-market levels. While Royal Caribbean can't compare with its more expensive premium-brand sister company, Celebrity Cruises, it has successfully maintained high levels of dining-room service with its European waitstaff, and steered somewhat clear of the Las Vegas-style glitz of its largest competitor, Carnival Cruise Lines. (There are exceptions, of course . . . CruiseScandinavia recalls that aft pool with an Egyptian motif lined by sarcophagus-emblazoned pillars . . . )

While the layout of all of Royal Caribbean's Vision-class ships is basically the same, there are a few differences: the Sovereign, Monarch and Majesty have slightly smaller cabins; the Splendour features a full-scale mini-golf course on its deck; while the Grandeur and Enchantment feature larger cabins and the above-mentioned aft pool area, which doubles as a solarium with a retractable roof. The Jewel of the Seas is a 2004-built ship.

CruiseScandinavia recommends: The trademark Viking Crown Lounge. With its panoramic views and functional layout, the Viking Crown Lounge has inspired many copycats.