Voyager of the Seas
Eastern Caribbean
Jan. 20-27, 2007
By Mary & Vincent Finelli
There is an old saying that the third time is a charm and this, our third cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, was definitely charming. We call our January trips "Anniversary Cruises" since we were married January 26, 1969. So this was our 38th anniversary and along with us to help celebrate the occasion were our son Marcello, his lovely wife Paige and their son Marcellino (almost 5 years old). Thus, we were treated to a view of cruising through the eyes of a child. It was a whole new angle for us and we learned a lot about how wonderful Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is to the next generation of cruisers!
The Voyager Class of ships includes the Explorer of the Seas, the Adventure of the Seas, the Navigator of the Seas, and the Mariner of the Seas. All constructed between 1999 and 2003, they were the largest RCI cruise ships afloat until the launching of the Freedom of the Seas in 2006. It is the most innovative class of ships and architect Njal R. Eide has designed contemporary interiors which far surpass the openness and impressiveness of any ships which came before. The Grand Promenade for Mr. Eide is influenced by the "Town Center." Here there is a small town atmosphere where parades, music and shops all meld together to create a "Main Street" effect far beyond any other ship board sensation. The four deck promenade creates an immense open space which is also found in the three tiered dining rooms. Mr. Eide designed these huge open spaces to be awesome and they are. The grand chandelier beautifully radiates golden light over the diners.
EMBARKATION
Port of Miami is just off I-95, a busy interstate which is not too crowded on a Saturday at noon. We decided to leave our Jeep Commander in the Port Parking Garage, so we didn't need a limo or two cars to get to the pier. Five people, luggage and a wheelchair all fit comfortably. Boarding time was listed at 2:00 pm, but we were on by 1:15 pm. Check in was well organized and we had wheelchair assistance all the way to our suites.
THE SHIP
Having recently sailed on the Freedom of the Seas, currently the largest ship in the world, we were happy to be back on the Voyager of the Seas. The Freedom has everything the Voyager has, but only more of it. Yet, the Freedom's size can be a bit daunting and the number of passengers are so many more. For Crown & Anchor Diamond members, the Freedom's evening Cocktail Parties were a "Crush of Cruisers." It was almost like a New Year's Eve Celebration every night. We find each class of ship has special qualities to be enjoyed. The Voyager has both the Concierge's Lounge and Cloud Nine on Deck 14 hosting evening Cocktails for Suite occupants and Diamond members.
Organization on board is terrific. We first saw this at the Welcome Aboard buffet where passengers were directed to areas less crowded, and we avoided long lines and easily found a nice table with a view of Miami. Our grandson Marcellino was tagged with a wrist band as soon as we boarded. He was told that he was part of the Youth Evacuation Program (YEP) and that whenever and wherever he was in the Ocean Adventure Program, he would be taken directly to his parents' Assembly Station. Once he understood the importance of his green bracelet he was happy and proud to wear it. That same evening he was registered to the Adventure Ocean Program. Marcellino was enthusiastic to go to these programs all week long -- mornings, afternoons and evenings were all for free. He enjoyed the crafts, face painting, games and especially loved the "Cars" night and the movie; moreover, he was happy to win some prizes in games and competitions. There was also baby-sitting available. The family ate together at meals, but had independence during the rest of the day and night.
The Voyager was built in 1999 and refurbished in 2004 and she is in excellent condition. She is 138,000 gross tons; 1,020 feet long and has a beam of 158 feet. Her passenger capacity is 3,835 and a crew of 1,179. She is extremely beautiful and loaded with over 4,000 pieces of art. Her Roman style Solarium with pool and hot tubs is decorated with tasteful classic statuary.
FOOD & SERVICE
The Voyager of the Seas has the advantage of the RCI homogeneity in food. Across its fleet RCI has striven for equality in both offerings and presentation. The breads were well cooked and a nice variety of both white and whole grains and specialty (banana bread, corn muffins, ciabatta, sourdough and savory rolls). The salads are varied and crisp. The appetizers are many and tempting. Entrees include meat, fish, fowl, vegetarian and pastas. All steaks and prime ribs are succulent and cooked to one's preference. The Cod fish is exceptionally good. The children's menu is very nice with chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, hamburgers, the best and crispiest French Fries, fresh fruit cups, and chocolate milk, all Marcellino's favorites. Desserts are many and interesting: Melting chocolate cake, soufflés, pies (some sugar free), profiteroles, baked Alaska, ice creams and, of course, RCI's special huge cookies.
Executive Chef Ivo Jahn took us on a wonderful private tour of the Galley. This is truly the heart of the ship and daily from here over 15,000 meals are made and served, plus snacks, hors d'oeurves and cakes for parties. On our first night we dined on Deck 3 at a huge table for 12 at the rear of the dining room. We went to our assigned table early, while Mary stopped to see Maitre D' Paulo; he said that he would have a smaller table for us the next night, near the entrance. We don't enjoy disturbing other diners every night going through the dining room with the wheelchair. Paulo was besieged by people that night, including an unreasonable woman who held up the line demanding the impossible, immediately. We had a wonderful meal the first night too, but true to his word Paulo had a table for us the next night, right near the door on Deck 5, The Magic Flute dining room. At table #538 we had excellent service from our waiter and his assistant. The h ead waiter was both cordial and enjoyed speaking with Vincent in Italian. Of course, Marcellino was treated like a Prince with special chocolate milk, Jell-O, cookies and even an impromptu puppet show, etc.
As usual the best meal on board is always at the Captain's table. The combination of the traditional walk down the triple staircase in procession and the stately dining room all aglow is very grand. Mary and Vincent took the elevator. We had a nicely paced meal and excellent conversation. Maryland Crab Cake, New England Clam Chowder, Captain Charles' Salad (Lobster arranged in a natural avocado bowl and dressed lightly), and choice of Salmon, Lamb or Pork chops were the order of the night.
Service throughout the ship is friendly and quick. We had breakfast in our suite each morning and it was full American: eggs, bacon, hash brown potatoes, fruit, cereal and hot coffee and chocolate. It was always punctual and excellent. Room service was definitely superior. Marcellino enjoyed eating at Johnny Rockets (the 1950's diner). We did too, the Juke Box music, the dancing wait staff and not to mention the great hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings and chili ($3.95 per person) gave us a trip back down memory lane. There is also Portofino's upscale Italian Restaurant ($20 per person).
CABIN
Suite # 1270 on Deck 10 is a large suite with an excellent floor plan. The bathroom has granite cabinet tops, a huge medicine chest with a double sink, and bathtub. There is a king size bed with a tufted floor to ceiling head board, two reading lamp sconces, and night stands. The floors are travertine and marble and blue carpeting. There is a mirrored vanity/desk. Entering on the left there are mirrored armoires with hangers, then a granite bar with refrigerator. The cabinet wood is light maple with dark mahogany trim. There is a sleeper sofa, two comfortable upholstered chairs, an end table and a large coffee table, both of light maple with glass tops. The drapes are gold and blue like the chairs. There is a drape to separate the bedroom from the living room. The far wall is all windows and a sliding door to the double size balcony with a recliner, three chairs and a table.
Our steward made us feel at home and always anticipated all our needs. His service was so outstanding that we didn't want to leave the ship at the end of the cruise.
ENTERTAINMENT
Cruise Director Kirk Detweiler is an accomplished musician, (composer and singer) who leads the entertainment on board. He adds to the upbeat ambiance during the cruise. We were happy to see him once again. The La Scala Theater presented top comedians and production shows like "Music in Motion" and the rocking "Beatle Maniacs" who do a great show entitled "The Complete Beatles Experience." Excellent! "Broadway Rhythm and Rhyme" is another of the spectaculars. The Latin Beat of El Gaucho Dario Alberico is very exciting.
The highlight of the Voyager Class is the ice skating show. This time it was no different with the "Ice Odyssey Showtime." The cast was terrific on the 30 by 60 foot rink.
There are a multitude of activities from Trivia, Bingo, Casino Games to ping pong, ice skating, in-line skating, golf simulator, volleyball, shuffleboard, basketball, the Rock Climbing Wall, Sports fitness, Spa offerings, etc. There are Exploration Tours in Ports of Call and programs for Aqua Babies (under 3 years old), Children and Teen activities with qualified educators. There is something for everyone to "Get Out There!"
PORTS OF CALL
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Day 1. Port of Miami Depart 5:00 pm
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Day 2. Nassau, Bahamas -- An interesting tour is a visit to the Atlantis Hotel and its beautiful aquarium on Paradise Island.
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Day 3. At sea
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Day 4. St. Thomas, USVI -- This Island is one of the best shopping places in the Eastern Caribbean. "Mr. Table Cloth" is Mary's favorite for linens.
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Day 5. San Juan, Puerto Rico -- A city tour with visits at Fuerte San Cristobal and El Morro gives an historical perspective to the visitors.
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Day 6. Labadee, Haiti -- Here the passengers enjoy a picnic on the beach and several water sports: Wave runners, Parasailing and snorkeling.
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Day 7. At sea
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Day 8. Miami, Arrive 7:00 am
DISEMBARKATION
Although we were warned that security clearance may take hours, the ship was cleared for disembarkation at 8:30 am. First off are those who desire to carry off all their own luggage. We prefer to locate our luggage on the pier, just prior to customs and have a porter assist us. Our color was called at 9:00 am and we were through customs and headed for the parking garage by 9:15 am and on I-95 headed home at 9:30 am. Excellent!
CONCLUSION
This was our 67th cruise and we enjoyed everything; however, some cruises are better than others. This cruise was one of the better ones, since we love the ship, but most of all we love to see our family members, especially our grandson, have a lot of fun and be happy, and we all had a lot of fun! The last family cruise was in Oct. 2003 on the Explorer of the Seas which we enjoyed, but this one was better since our grandson is now approaching 5 years old and is socially able to participate in children's activities. We feel that the Voyager class ships offer more activities for passengers of all ages, thus it was the right choice for this family cruise.
Happy Cruising!
Royal Caribbean Cruise Reviews
