Voyager of the Seas
The first of Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager class vessels, when Voyager of the Seas was launched she briefly held the title of the world’s largest cruise ship. Her contemporary, modern style packed full of innovative technologies saw the cruise-line market change to introduce a new breed of mammoth vessels able to absorb the thousands of passengers.
Like her sister ships, Adventure, Explorer, Navigator and Mariner (of the Seas) she is a “post-Panamax” ship and unable to navigate the Panama Canal or shallow water ports due to her size. This does not discourage her appeal, often described as “a hotel at sea” she is much more than that. With imitating aspects of La Scala Opera House, Madison Square Garden, The Museum of Modern Art, an American style shopping mall and an on-board ice-rink, Voyager has everything and more to keep her passengers entertained during their voyage.
And it doesn’t stop there… Royal Caribbean International has equipped Voyager of the Seas with a climbing wall to challenge both beginners, intermediate and advanced climbers. She has a jogging track on deck 12, a roller-blade track on deck 13, a massive split level Spa and fitness centre, a mini-golf course on deck 14. If an ‘active cruise’ is not what you are looking for, then fear-not there’s still plenty more to do… Voyager offers a variety of shows and performances, relaxed lounge spaces, a card room, a casino and after all that relaxing you’ll probably want to unwind in one of the overhanging whirlpools that look out to sea.
Dining on-board Voyager of the Seas is again, “to suit all tastes”. A mixture of both formal and informal restaurants spread across the ship deal with the many hungry guests. The three main formal dining restaurants (Magic Flute, La Boheme and Carmen) towards the stern are elegant and bright with white marble and gold trimmed finishes. Dining in these restaurants has limited menus but all dishes are cooked and presented to consistent 5-star standards.
For a more informal approach to dining, you’ll want to try Jonny Rockets, the 50’s style American the signature diner that appears on most Royal Caribbean ships – here you’ll enjoy burgers, fries and milkshakes to the beat of popular 50’s and 60’s music. There is also the Island Grill offering some delicious steaks and fish dishes, Windjammer Cafe another Royal Caribbean International signature restaurant offers a buffet style service. Do make the effort to attend at least one of Voyager of the Seas “Midnight buffets” even if you’re not hungry, you may just want to get your picture taken with a fruit sculpture, it’ll be one to tell the grand-kids.
Voyager of the Seas staterooms are bright and spacious; they come with all of the modern amenities that you’d expect from a cruise, TV & Radio, telephone, obligatory hair-dryer, 24-hour room service and shower facilities. Voyager of the Seas does have an excellent space-to-passenger ratio, and most outward facing cabins come with a balcony which is a massive plus for so many passengers. Also, Promenade internal staterooms come with a view of the Royal Promenade; you’ll find yourself people watching with a cup of tea in your hand, a bit like a factory foreman, just far more relaxed.
