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In 1999, when Voyager of the Seas entered service as the largest cruise ship in the world, it was heralded also as the most revolutionary ship ever built, forever changing the world of cruising with such never-before-seen features as an ice skating rink/TV studio/concert arena, rock-climbing wall, in-line skating track, horizontal atrium, and inside cabins with promenade view. The rock-climbing walls are now aboard every Royal Caribbean ship and the ice skating rink and other features can also be enjoyed on the line's other four Voyager-class ships, but Voyager of the Seas is still mind boggling, memorable and exciting -- isn't that what they say about the first of anything? If you sailed on Voyager of the Seas during its inaugural year but not since, you will be glad to know that, fresh from a two-week dry dock in May 2004, the ship is sparkling and looks like new. Little has changed on board: Spinners, the site of a revolving arcade and four-deck-high roulette tower on the Royal Promenade, was underused and has been replaced with a perfume shop. And a Ben & Jerry's shop was added recently, also on the Royal Promenade. Otherwise, everything else is as it was in 1999. | | |  top | | | | Dining
The three decks of the ship's elegant main restaurant are named for famous operas -- Carmen, La Boheme and the Magic Flute -- and feature themed decor including lavish opera costumes, a crystal chandelier and grand staircase. Voyager of the Seas now offers Royal Caribbean's flexible My Time Dining program at dinnertime. Passengers can choose between assigned early (6 p.m.) or late (8:30 p.m.) dining with pre-determined tablemates, or opt for flexible dining, in which you pick a preferred mealtime (anytime between 6 and 9:30 p.m.), but can change your reservations on a daily basis. The food was excellent (including flavorful low-fat selections like grilled salmon teriyaki and at least one vegetarian entree each night) and service was friendly and lively, with waiters bringing a second entree and/or dessert with broad smiles. Portofino is an alternative Italian restaurant serving an array of delectable dishes from antipasto to tiramisu. There's a $20 per-person charge, and reservations are required; reserve early in the cruise -- or online pre-cruise -- or you may miss the boat. Interestingly, Voyager does not have a Chops Grille; Royal Caribbean's steakhouse restaurant was introduced on later Voyager-class ships. Johnny Rockets, the 50s-style diner with red Naugahyde booths, jukeboxes at the tables and Formica counters, was our favorite restaurant for lunch or a snack. It dishes out freshly made burgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches and chili cheese fries, plus scrumptious milkshakes and malts. There is a $4.95 per person charge to eat at Johnny Rockets -- whether you eat in the restaurant or order for take-out. Beverages (such as the fabulous milkshakes) are available for an extra charge. Johnny Rockets has outdoor seating, but sit inside so you can catch the impromptu mini-shows put on by the waiters and cook. The Windjammer Cafe on Deck 11 offers casual, quick-out-the-door, bountiful buffet breakfast and lunch with a side of panoramic ocean views. Casual dinners are served in its aft section, the Island Grill -- ditto for the views. Cafe Promenade on the Royal Promenade is a sidewalk cafe -- great for people watching while you munch -- that serves continental breakfast, sandwiches, pizza and pastries. If you are on a budget but would like to enjoy something cool and creamy, Royal Caribbean does have a free, 24-hour frozen yogurt station, Sprinkles, next to Ben & Jerry's on the Royal Promenade. Royal Caribbean's room service options are available around the clock via 24-hour menus that offer a range of snacks and sandwiches. At breakfast, continental dishes, along with a handful of egg entrees, are available both in cabins and suites. Items off the main dining room menu can be ordered at dinner. There is no charge for room service between 5 a.m. and midnight (though a buck or two gratuity is recommended); late-night orders incur a $3.95 fee. | | | | top | | | | Public Rooms
Punctuated by two atria, Voyager of the Seas' most compelling space is the Royal Promenade on Deck 5 -- a horizontal atrium that has the look and feel of an upscale shopping mall. There are designer boutiques, a sidewalk cafe, a British-style pub and even a red Morgan sports car, which used to belong to Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean's chairman and CEO. A fabulous space, The Royal Promenade is four decks high, longer than a football field and wider than three lanes of traffic. There are no windows, but it's always dazzlingly lit up and sets the scene for street entertainment and festive Mardi Gras-style parades -- complete with stilt walkers, a swaying inflatable dancer, streamers and confetti, and music from New Orleans, Rio and other cool places. A $10-million art collection graces the Promenade, 11-deck Centrum atrium, lounges and other public spaces. A notable piece in the Centrum atrium is The Dancer & The Tutu by Larry Kirkland, consisting of two integrated sculptures of stainless steel, aluminum cable, acrylic, glass and gold and silver leaf with transmitted lights. Our favorite lounges were the nautical-inspired Schooner Bar (a staple on Royal Caribbean ships), the intimate Champagne Bar (seating for 58) for a pre-dinner glass of bubbly, and the Viking Crown Lounge (with seating for 335) up on deck 14 for panoramic views of the sea and port arrivals and departures. The Skylight Wedding Chapel is on the highest point of the ship (to echo the feelings of those using it?) located just above the Viking Crown Lounge. The Aquarium Bar, whose tanks are filled with 56 tons of saltwater, was devoid of its beautiful tropical fish during our sailing as the tanks had undergone maintenance and it would be a couple of weeks before the fish could be returned to it, according to a crew member. The Casino Royale has nearly 300 slots and tables for blackjack, craps, roulette and Caribbean Stud Poker. The two-story library/Internet Cafe charges 55 cents a minute, via Wi-Fi or at a work station, for Internet access, or you can buy packages of 60, 90 or 150 minutes for $28, $38 or $55, respectively. Other public spaces include a card room, photo and art gallery, conference center and a movie theater hidden away on Deck 2. We would have liked to find a self-service launderette onboard, particularly in light of Voyager's new nine-night Caribbean itineraries, but alas there is none, so pack accordingly if you want to avoid laundry service fees. | | | | top | | | | Cabins
With so much to do onboard, chances are really good that you will actually just use your cabin for changing and sleeping, but it's nice to know that if you want to spend more time there, you will indeed be comfortable. Out of 1,557 staterooms, 939 of these have an ocean view (765 have balconies) and 618 are interior staterooms. Twenty-six cabins are wheelchair accessible. A hallmark on this ship's class is the Royal Promenade-facing staterooms (138 on this ship) that overlook that engaging thoroughfare -- these are a step up from the usual inside cabin. A warning however: Privacy is at a premium with these cabins because they do not have privacy glass windows. Also, due to the late-night reveling that goes on, all but night owls may find them noisy. Inside cabins range from 160 to 167 square feet. Outside cabins come in three varieties: regular (180 square feet), large (211 square feet) and family (265 square feet -- it can sleep six with a sofa bed and a small second bedroom with bunk beds). Balcony cabins range from 173 to 188 square feet with 47 to 50 square foot private verandahs. Veranda furniture was limited to two chairs and a table. All standard staterooms are attractively decorated in soft tones with fine light woods and two pieces of artwork on the walls. All staterooms have two beds that convert to queen-size, private bath, phone, interactive TV, mini-bar, hair dryers and air conditioning/heat controls. Bathrooms are on the small side, but functional, and showers have those wonderful, half-round sliding doors as opposed to clingy curtains. Soap and shampoo are provided. Moving up a notch is the Junior Suite. It's the smallest, coming in at 277 square ft. with a 69 square ft. balcony. Just a bit bigger than the standard balcony, the extra perks (beyond space) that come with the Junior Suite include a bathroom with tub and a bigger living room area. All suites get mini-bottles of Royal Caribbean's Vitality shampoo, conditioner and lotion. For those wanting concierge access, the remaining suites, definitely moving into the higher-ticket arena, start with the Royal Family Suite. At 610 square ft., its grand claim is two bedrooms plus a sitting room; the second bedroom has the usual twin to queen bed configuration plus two Pullmans that come down from the ceiling. Balconies are bigger, too, at 234 square feet. The Grand Suite is just a larger "junior," but it's quite a bit larger at 381 square ft. and features a 95 square-foot balcony. The Owner's Suite offers more amenities and features even beyond increased squared footage; passengers booking this category of accommodations get a bathroom with whirlpool, bidet and separate shower, along with separate bedroom and living areas (with queen-sized sofa bed). Measurements are 618 square feet for the cabin and 131 square feet for the verandah. And finally? The piece d'resistance is the Royal Suite, which comes with all the Owner's Suite amenities plus a baby grand piano, a balcony that measures 170 square ft. (outfitted with better-than-standard furnishings, including a dining table); the stateroom itself is 1,188 square ft. All suite-holders are entitled to use the Concierge Club on Deck 9. This windowless room features continental breakfast and a cocktail hour. Upon request, the concierge on duty handles special requests for reservations -- alternative restaurants, spa, etc. Tip: Families should book as far in advance as possible -- a year ahead of time if you can -- to have the best choice of family-friendly staterooms (including connecting cabins), particularly if you are traveling during school vacation periods. | | | | top | | | | Entertainment
Where do you even begin? It can be very hard to relax on Voyager of the Seas -- even on sea days -- because of the head-spinning array of activities that run from dawn to dusk and beyond! The ship's entertainment staff offers an intriguing blend of options, and everyone, from the most traditional passenger to the completely contemporary traveler, will find something to do. Highlights? During the day, you'll find plenty of activities, such as bingo, dance lessons (line-dancing), horse racing, art auctions, seminars (on everything from healthy eating to gemstones), Mr. Sexy Legs contests, rock-climbing wall competitions, bridge play, art and craft workshops and films in the tiny cinema. Poolside, throughout the day, a live band plays a blend of Caribbean and American songs, and parades take over the Promenade's main thoroughfare. However, Royal Caribbean does not offer much in the way of onboard enrichment. Nighttime sees a similar variety of entertainment options. The gorgeous La Scala Theater is a state-of-the-art 1,350-seat show lounge inspired by the legendary one in Milan, Italy. Decor elements include a Murano glass chandelier and a stage curtain in velvet with jewel-like embellishments. Sightlines are excellent. It sets the scene for excellent Broadway-style production shows with a cast of 16 singers and dancers. The revues, including one with the music of Webber, Bernstein, Ellington and other greats, got enthusiastic standing ovations. The ice skating show is not to be missed, not only because of the skill of the cast of nine outstanding international skaters, but because, who in their wildest dreams would have thought that one would ever have a chance to see an ice-skating show at sea? Things are jumping late into the night at The Vault, a two-level dance club with a futuristic theme. High Notes is the aptly named club housed in the Viking Crown Lounge where a quartet played cool jazz until the wee hours. The Rosario Strings, a classical trio, entertained in the main dining room and the piano bar. Pete Wickersham, a one-man-band, entertained in the British pub -- anyone for a sing-along? For those who want to catch the big game, Scoreboard on the Royal Promenade and the 19th Hole in the Viking Crown Lounge area have satellite TV. | | | | top | | | | Fitness and Recreation
Where to begin? There is everything under the sun here. You can practice your figure eights in the ice skating rink; go in-line skating on the rollerblade track; play basketball, volleyball or paddle ball in the full-length sports court; climb to 200 feet over the sea in the rock-climbing wall (if you've never tried it, no worries -- they give you a lesson before you set off); and practice your golf swings at miniature golf and a golf simulator. The ship also has three pools, six whirlpools and a jogging track (five times around equals a mile). One interesting note: One of the pools and a whirlpool have hydraulic lifts for the disabled. The 15,000-plus-square-foot, Steiner-operated ShipShape Center and Day Spa has 14 massage and treatment rooms; a relaxation area with sea views; full-service beauty salon; oceanview workout area with stereo and TV monitors; 66 Reebok machines including 20 treadmills; free weights; and an aerobics area with wood-suspended floor, mirrored wall, two large-screen TV monitors and wrap-around windows. One of the spa's nicest features is its round hydrotherapy pool. The spa offers a full menu of exercise classes including various levels of aerobics (some classes incur a $10 charge). Prices for treatments were on the high end -- a 50-minute massage and/or facial will set you back $120. Adjacent to the spa is the spacious, 10,000-square-foot, adults-only Solarium, one of our favorite spaces onboard. It's themed to ancient Greece with statues and mosaics, a pool and two whirlpools. It is the perfect place for an indolent morning at sea. | | | | top | | | | Family
The ship's Adventure Ocean club rates as one of the finest children's facilities afloat with indoor and outdoor play areas. Indoors, the play area offers computers, a rock-climbing wall, videos, Sony PlayStation systems, books, video arcade, crafts area and more. Outdoors, the children have shuffleboard, deck checkers, tricycles and tic-tac-toe, not to mention Adventure Beach with a pirate ship splash pool and water slide. Teenagers have their own club and disco, Optix. Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean Program is a free, year-round children's program for kids 3 (must be toilet-trained) to 17, organized into five age groups. Aquanauts (the program for ages 3 to 5) may feature activities like "Alphabet Scavenger Hunt," story time and Adventure Theater acting classes by Camp Broadway. Explorers (ages 6 to 8) play backwards bingo, make their own surfboards and engage in basic science activities. Voyagers (ages 9 to 11) play foosball and capture the flag, as well as engage in science experiments that range from earthquakes to hailstorms. Even the teens are divided into two groups. Navigators (ages 12 to 14) have "open-mic" karaoke contests and a rock-wall challenge. And, the coolest group (ages 15 to 17) -- so cool, they don't have a kitschy name -- has its own dance parties and arcade competitions. In addition, Royal Caribbean has partnered with Fisher Price, Mattel and Crayola to offer a variety of kid- and family-friendly games and activities for all ages. Generally, activities at Adventure Ocean cease during lunch and dinner times, but there is the occasional organized meal outing (to Johnny Rocket's, for instance). On sea days, you can leave your kids (ages 3 to 11) at Adventure Ocean for a noon to 2 p.m. lunch-and-play for a cost of $7.95. Plus, new My Family Time Dining offers an option that lets kids finish dinner in the main dining room in 45 minutes, then get escorted by Adventure Ocean counselors back to the kids' club to play (letting Mom and Dad enjoy a more leisurely meal). Group babysitting is available from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the Adventure Ocean center. Cost is $5 per hour per child. Children must be at least 3 years old and toilet trained. In-cabin sitting is available through the Guest Relations Desk and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance with available ship staff members supervising in-cabin sitting. The charge is $10 to $15 per hour, with a two-hour minimum requirement. A soda package for children up to 18 years of age allows unlimited soft drinks (prices vary with cruise length; $20 for a seven-night cruise). | | | | top | | | | Fellow Passengers
Royal Caribbean generally appeals to a broad range of folks of all ages -- but with one characteristic in common: This ship is designed for the activity-minded. It also attracts a high percentage of families. | | | | top | | | | Dress Code
During the day, dress is casual. Evenings are either casual, smart casual or formal. On casual nights, suggested attire is sports shirts and slacks for men and sundresses or pants for women. On smart casual evenings, men should don jackets and tie, with women wearing dresses or pantsuits. On the one or two formal nights per cruise, men can choose from tuxedos or suits and ties, while woman usually wear cocktail dresses. | | | | top | | | | Gratuity
Royal Caribbean recommends $3.50 per person, per day to the dining room waiter; $3.50 per person, per day to the cabin steward (or $5.75 if you're in a suite); and $2 per person, per day to the assistant waiter. Royal Caribbean also recommends $0.75 per person, per day to the headwaiter, but we don't necessarily tip him or her unless the service was special. Gratuities can be pre-paid in advance, added to your onboard bill or paid in cash at the end of the cruise. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar tabs. | | | | top | | | | | Expert reviews are provided by CruiseCritic.com, an award-winning cruise community. This objective information can help you choose just the right ship for your next cruise vacation. | |  | |
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