Ships On Which I Have Sailed
S.S. Universe Explorer - 2003
In 2003 I voyaged on Semester at Sea during the summer semester.
The Steam Ship Universe Explorer was a small and old ship, and it was home. It seemed luxurious in its own way, and the shipboard community was knit from a cloth not found in other settings.
Dimensions:
- Built: 1958
- Tonnage: 14,208 GRT
- Length: 574.5 Feet
- Beam: 88.19 Feet
- Draft: 27.25 Feet
- Speed: 23 knots
- Passenger Decks: 6
- Capacity: 557 passengers
- Wikipedia: SS Brazil
Deck Plan
Dimensions:
- Built: 2001
- Tonnage: 24,318 GT
- Length: 590 Feet
- Beam: 84 Feet
- Draft: 24 Feet
- Speed: 30 knots
- Passenger Decks: 5
- Capacity: 836 passengers
- Wikipedia: MV Glory Sea
Deck Plan
MV Explorer - 2008
I was able to take advantage of the SAS alumni "Enrichment Voyage" during the summer of 2008 and experience the program's new ship, MV Explorer.
A much more modern and amenity filled vessel. It was also built using a military frigate hull design and capable of high speeds which we experienced when a passenger was injured on our leg to Grand Cayman.
Enchantment of the Seas - 2011
In 2011 we took a cruise deal that sailed straight out of Baltimore for a winter getaway. Embarking without having to fly somewhere first is great!
The ports of call weren't the most enchanting I'd seen, but the temperature was headed in the right direction. This cruise was my introduction to the ship as a destination in itself.
Dimensions:
- Built: 1997
- Tonnage: 82,910 GT
- Length: 988 Feet
- Beam: 106 Feet
- Draft: 25 Feet
- Speed: 22 knots
- Passenger Decks: 9
- Capacity: 2,446 passengers
- Wikipedia: Enchantment of the Seas
Deck Plan
Dimensions:
- Built: 2009
- Tonnage: 121,878 GT
- Length: 1,041 Feet
- Beam: 121 Feet
- Draft: 27 Feet
- Speed: 24 knots
- Passenger Decks: 11
- Capacity: 2,850 passengers
- Wikipedia: Celebrity Equinox
Deck Plan
Celebrity Equinox - 2012
The Enchantment voyage must have whetted out appetites, because soon after we flew to Italy to embark on the Celebrity Equinox. This was a big ship and while its multiple pools and diversions were a treat, I still did miss the intimacy of disembarking a less imposing vessel
However itinerary completely outdid the ship. Just amazing places along the Mediterranean Sea.
Empress of the Seas - 2019
It's been a while but we're set to sail again this summer on the Empress of the Seas to Cuba tourist traps in Mexico.
- MIAMI, FLORIDA
- KEY WEST, FLORIDA
- PUERTO COSTA MAYA, MEXICO
- COZUMEL, MEXICO
The Empress is a smaller ship again (though still double the tonnage of the MV Explorer) and we're hoping that the ports in Cuba will prove enticing.
Dimensions:
- Built: 1989
- Tonnage: 48,563 GT
- Length: 691.63 Feet
- Beam: 100 Feet
- Draft: 23.29 Feet
- Speed: 19.5 knots
- Passenger Decks: 9
- Capacity: 1,840 passengers
- Wikipedia: Empress of the Seas