Cruise Ship: Voyager of the Seas
Cruise Destination: Eastern Caribbean
Cruise Dates: January 20 - 27, 2007
Guest Contributors: Mary and 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.
During this cruise we met old friends such as the following: Hotel Director Gordon Shenk, Cruise Director Kirk Detweiler, Maitre D' Paulo Alves and Concierge Martin Sanchez. We also made some fantastic new friends including the very competent Captain Charles Teige (Norway) and the youthful Executive Chef Ivo Jahn (Germany). Returning to RCI is always like coming home.
Embarkation on the Voyager of the Seas
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, by the very friendly Victor, all the way to our suites.
The Voyager of the Seas Cruise 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 under Hotel Director Gordon Shenk. 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.
Page 2 > > Voyager of the Seas Cruise Review > >
