Voyager of the Seas Review 8/27/04

We sailed on Voyager 8/27/04. This link is to my "official" review for cruise critic. http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=6482

I'll be adding the "tidbits" and specific information here.

I'll have to make several posts.

See official review for embarcation.

Our cabin was 7392, AFT Junior suite. The cabin was large- almost the size of a hotel room. Large queen bed, queen size couch that opened to queen bed, two comfy chairs and a glass coffee table. We also had two desk chairs and the far wall had desk space, cabinet space galore. There was a semi walk in closet. We told by friends that JS on side of ship has larger closets. We were only 3, so had ample storage space. Bathroom had tub and shower curtain (good condition). The room and bathroom were sparkling clean. Balcony was very large. Had one chaise, 3 chairs and large round table (dining size). We had breakfast out there almost every morning.

OK what about aft? We did find it rocked more than mid ship. Did we mind? no. Even while skirting hurricane Frances. We did feel vibration everytime the ship's engines were on. There was some kind of motor on deck 5 - we saw it from deck 4. The vibration was especially noticable the first and last nights. We "heard" it when we put our heads on the pillows! Did it ruin our vacation- No! However, we'll stick to mid-ship next time and a smaller balcony.

I'll continue our adventure in my next post.

We dropped off our luggage and headed for the Windjammer for lunch. Took the left side of the line- less crowded and found better choices there the entire week. We sat in the rear, Island Grill. A waiter immediately came by with lemonade and iced tea. Both were very good. We all sampled small portions of food. The salad was very good. The other offerings were ok. The breads, as we find in the main dining room, are excellent. I will say, the lunches we had in the WJ the remainder of cruise were better. We were still excited to be on the ship and we didn't walk away hungry!

We left the WJ and began to explore. We always explore from top down. We went up to deck 13 to see the sports area, mini golf, etc. In great condition. Down to Deck 12- Adventure ocean, beach, JR (not open yet). Looked in A.O to see the 9-11 area- nice set up. We walked fore to the spa. We entered and took a tour of the spa with another family. The spa was beautiful, however it is run by Steiner and the prices are quite high. I had a massage on the Majesty last year, and it was jusk ok, so decided not to use it this year. However, one of our cc Meet and Mingle group is a massage therapist. He agreed about the varying quality of therapist on board. It turns out he was on the spa tour with us! We didn't find out until our pre-meet n mingle later that day. We then saw the exercise machines, etc. All in good shape and quantity. We then walked by the pool area -the only time it was not crowded yet. Solarium area for adults (over 16) and two other pools. All in great condition. We then made our way down to 8 & 7 for Library and Internet center. Ample number of computers, but at 50 cents/min and very slow. I used them to communicate with our son in college later in the week, due to itinerary change. I could not sent a message from AOL nor my cable provider e-mail account, but I could read my AOL and Cable mail. I went to guest services and they removed the charges for the time I was trying to send messages. I also had a Gold C&A coupon for 10 min free Internet. Don't forget to redeem that day (small print- must present to guest relations on same day).

We returned to our cabin to meet Lincoln, our Steward. He was fantastic the entire cruise. He was very friendly to our 10 year old son. I requested robes (we attained Platinum after this cruise), refrigerator emptied, more plastic bags ...He wrote this all down and everything was taken care of after we returned from dinner that night. He also kept the ice bucket we had for the champagne our travel agent sent us -for the remainder of the week. He always provided ice to chill the wine we brought.

It was nearing 3:30, the meeting time for our CC M&M group. We quickly went to deck 3 to see the ice rink and also La Scala (show room) All are beautiful.

We then met our group at the Aquarium Bar. That's when I realized Billy was on the spa tour with us! This was the greatest plan. I'd say about 15 families showed up and we all met eachother(posters) and our traveling groups. The kids made fast friends and so did we. I hope most of you are reading this- I enjoyed meeting and traveling with all of you. Everytime we were at the pool, in the theater, in a lounge, etc we always ran into eachother. We also took two excursions with various group members. Our kids also hung out during the cruise. It was as if we planned a group cruise (without the great rates).

After the meeting, we checked out our table on Deck 4- looked ok at the time. We returned to cabin to get life jactets for muster. No comments on muster.

We were supposed to depart at 5PM. Captain came on to say we're delayed. We had early seating and we did not depart until after 6PM -so we went to dinner. I planned to go on Deck 12 to catch VOS under the V. Bridge -with only 12 ft clearance. I ended up running outside on deck 4, in the middle of dinner to see it. Not as impressive as deck 12. At least I caught it when we returned on 9/5.

OK- dinner- 3ring circus. Sat with a family with two 8 yr olds, a toddler, braggart and wife. The braggart was very condescending to waiters. Waiter caught an attitude. Braggart started annoying us. Just as our son was eating his steak, the toddler barfs on the table. Not small, but like a fountain. Son and I leave (we're both grossed out). Hubby stays- nothing will take him away from his food. We get on a long line (20 people deep) for the Maitre'D to change table. After 45 min on line, learn computer is down. I told Maitre'D what happened. He sat us at another table with a 9 y.o. boy, family and other couple. Very nice group. Hubby still at original table, eating dessert. Had a great server (Name: Patience). Maitre'D came over and wrote down info and said will try to keep us at new table.

Went to Adventure Ocean "show" at ice rink. Introduced staff, sample ice show. Then up to Adv Ocean on 12, with long lines to register. Son began first of many sessions in video arcade. It's a great arcade, but games costly- $1.25-$2.00 per game. Kids can put $ on their seapass from your account -so monitor daily.

We then went to Johnny Rockets for Apple Pie (didn't have dessert in DR)Pie was great. No charge for food- only for sodas and coffee. Milk was free. Great waitress. Left a tip on top of the one included. Then went back to cabin to sleep.

do you know what cabin the women was in that jumped?

Two sea days- Sat/Sun. Had Room Svc for coffee and fruit. Went to WJ for breakfast. IMHO- don't eat pre-made egge. Waffles and French Toast are good when hot- so don't tarry in getting seated. Oatmeal very good. Fruit- melons, etc very fresh and good. Good selection of cold cereal boxes. Omelet station in back at Island Grill - made to order. Coffe was strong but didn't find as bad as some posts indicate. I just added a lot of milk. Juices were free- OJ, Cranberry, apple, grapefruit. I love the raspberry and cheese mini danish. Also had bagel and lox. Lox was better in dining room.

Our Official Cruise Critic Meet N Mingle was at 11:45 in High Notes on 14. Most of the group showed up. It was great to meet those we didn't the previous day. They gave us lanyards that held our seapass and other things and a cruise critic pin. We chatted a while and then Leo, from the CD staff conducted a trivia game. (Ruth, the C&A Loyalty Ambassador, also spoke to us - many of us booked our next cruises with her) I won the trivia game (about RCCL) and got a floating mouse. We then visited Billy's Owner's suite- elegant and large -Cabin 1600 and then toured our aft balcony cabin. The engines were roaring by then, so all felt the vibration - although they liked the cabin.

My son & I ate lunch in the Dining Room - good choice of food. Menu doesn't change all week except for 1 or 2 specials. I had Cobb salad and tossed salad- both were good. My son had the steak - he liked it. The brownie sundae dessert was great that day, but not as good several days later.

Sat at the pool and then Wine tasting in the dining room. It was the usual for RCCL and fun. It was after 4 when we finished, so we looked at some of our ship photos and went back to the cabin and sipped champagne on the balcony, until dinner.

It was formal night- hubby in tux- not many in tux, but in dark suits. Most folks dressed up- everyone looked elegant. We ended up with the same people at our table, but they moved us down to Carmen (Level 3) to free up table for a large group. We ended up with Vilas as our wairer and Christian as Asst. Both are excellent. Always brought multiple portions and other dishes for us to taste. Our table was great- we went to the show with them most nights and the two boys became fast friends, too.

Went to the show- it was a review- very good- broadway show songs.

Forgot to mention parade on 1st night- very crowded- but short (15 min) so it was bearable.(Try crowding 3500 passengers onto the Promenade at one time!).

Second sea day- son loved water slide and "kiddie pool" He felt it was too crowded at main pools. It was. Spent most of the day there (Deck 12, aft). Ate lunch at Johnny Rockets. Good burgers, fries, o.rings. Only paid for drinks. They don't take soda cards there. The waiters sang YMCA- it was fun. Back to waterslide and then cabin for showers and finishing champagne on balcony. Dinner fun and then show- impressionist- very good.

Walked around in Promenade after show and then to bed. Labadee tomorrow.

do you know what cabin the women was in that jumped?

7352

thanks,we will be in 7390 oct.22,do you know if 7390 Balcony is bigger then the ones on the side of the ship?

Took tender at 9:15. Arrived at 9:30. Staff on shore asked where we wanted to go- Barefoot Beach. The chair guy escorted us to the beach, placed 3 chairs in the shade (under trees). We tipped him $5 even though announcements and signs state "no tipping needed". They were Haitian locals and not crew members. We paid them for a service. We were at our chairs, on and off, the whole day. I did not encounter anyone removing belongings from chairs - as in prior reviews. There was ample seating at Barefoot Beach. IMHO- Labadee was beautiful- greenish water, clear, warm... We headed for the water and stayed in for a while. I then had to leave for my Waverunner reservation. Now- I'll tell you, I'm not that young. These things are like motorcycles. It was both exciting and scary. There were 10 vehicles in our group. We were supposed to stay in a line and follow one another. The 2 guys in front of me could not control theirs. They kept slowing down and I had to swerve to avoid them. Plus, I didn't like riding in their wake. Well, 3/4 the way through, they went off course. I almost followed them ,but saw the rest of the group in the distance. Too bad for them, but I finally had a clear path. I wasn't as scared because I did not have the "hazard" in front anymore. Beware- we stopped a few times to make sure everyone was ok. Some young Haitian kids paddled up to us in kayaks trying to sell us crafts. I had no $ with me - was back at seat w/hubby. They were pleading for me to buy. I told them I had no $ and to try someone else. All in all, I'm glad I did it, but never again. It cost $99 -whether for one or two on the vehicle. They had banana boat rides ($10pp) -sign up at Labadee, floating beach mats and snorkeling equipment for rent. We brought our own, but you have to rent a vest for $6.00 in order to snorkle. Lunch was BBQ at one of 3 areas. Burgers, ribs, chix legs, coleslaw, fruit, cookies, punch. OK- but my son didn't like the food. After lunch we met Oscar- one of the pool bar staff, who served me my first of several Coco Locos. We left to get on the tender at 2:30. The line for the tenders was very long (several hundred ) in the blazing sun. Took about half hour to get on tender. Went to WJ as soon as we got back for cool drinks and lunch for son. Showered & dressed for dinner. Show was "Dreamscape" a production number. Well done, but didn't like the concept(IMHO). Went to Karaoke afterwards- boring, so left.

thanks,we will be in 7390 oct.22,do you know if 7390 Balcony is bigger then the ones on the side of the ship?

We were next door 7392. Balcony is longer- more than 2x size. You'll love it. However, prepare for the vibration. If Lincoln is there, tell him we say hi!

thanks alot

Day 5- Jamaica- Ship docked. We left ship at 9:20 for 9:30 private tour with 2 CC families with Phil Lafayette. Phil met us at the pier and escorted us to his mini-bus (A/C, plush seats). He had his associate, Bobby, take us to Dunn's River Falls and said he'd meet us afterward for the remainder of the day. Bobby was great- telling us about what we wre seeing, on the way to the falls (5 min drive). Bobby then escorted us in and when some of us didn't want to do the whole climb, showed us where to enter at mid-point. We were there very early - before the crowds. By the time we left, there were long lines to climb. Kudos to Phil and Bobby. When we finished, we met Phil (they moved out stuff to a new bus). Phil took over. We were headed for River Tubing, but Phil called ahead and it was crowded. We went to lunch instead, at a local restaurant overlooking the harbor- breathtaking. We ran into Oscar (our Bar Server from the ship) eating lunch there. We all said hi. Food was ggod- had fried fish and chicken. We then went river tubing, about a 7 min drive. There were about 17 of us with 2 guides. It was about a 30 min trip downstream. We started downstream from the River Tubing excursion offered by RCCL. That one is 1 and a half hours on the river. In fact, they probably end where we started. The guides were very good- every time we got stuck on the banks or on a rock, they got us going. This is something I'd do again. Then, back on the bus for Phil's tour of Ocho Rios. He gave us the history, pointed out sights and told about national customs, etc. He then took us to a private garden and showed us native trees, fruit, flowers, etc. It was getting late, so he didn't take us to Fern Gully. He dropped us at Island Village at 4:15 (had to be onboard at 4:30). We shopped quickly, buying coffee and t-shirts. Dinner was fun that nite- caribbean nite- waiters carried bottles, etc on head, parading around the room. No production show that nite. Ice show. We went on Friday. Love & Marriage show at 10:00- it was funny.

Day 6- Grand Cayman- Captain announced early change in itinerary due to hurricane Frances. Instead of Freeport on Friday, we're going to Montego Bay on Thurs and Fri and Sat are sea days. Left ship at 8:15- had snorkeling excursion with Nativeways. Met Eldon (owner) at tender dock and waited about a half hour. Were shuttled over to the yacht club and boarded the boat to Stingray City. Water very choppy, due to Frances. There were large swells, even at Stingray City. IT was great to swim with them and the crew made sure we all had a chance to touch, kiss and feed them. We had a videographer on board and he filmed everyone. My son was reluctant to go in the rough water, so the crew brought a ray up to the back of the boat for him to pet and kiss it. We then went to a reef, but it was too choppy to swim out to see it. They took us to a third stop and it wasn't as deep and we saw some nice coral and fish. The crew told us it's rarely that choppy. We were driven back to the pier area after the boat ride (they dropped some on our tour at 7 mile beach- we were too tired and hungry). We did some shopping- rum cakes and jewelry store. ONe store had a free e-mail postcard kiosk. We sent a message to our son in college alerting him to itinerary change. I also bought a bracelet. I feel so bad now- the store was probably flooded out and I hope Nativeway will be back in business - we hope their boats survived Ivan! We recommend Nativeway. We ate lunch in WJ when we boarded- about 1:30. I was in the mood for pizza. The pizza is not NY pizza, but like Pizza Hut. It's good if you get a slice right out of the oven. If you wait 5-10 min- not good. They also had fresh carved turkey. It was great. Out Asst. waiter Christian worked the Island Grill at lunch and we sat there. He was always there to bring a cold drink or clear away our stuff. We showered off in the sauna area and then went swimming in the pool. Dinner great, as usual and then on to the show- a puppeteer. Ok, but all the kids loved him. Spent from 11-Pm- 12:30AM trying to e-mail or IM son in college. No luck. Up early tomorrow for Mo' Bay

Day 7- Mo' Bay- We booked a shore excursion -Shopping Extravaganza and Bob Marley Experience put together by the ship's staff the day before. We had to be outside at 8:15. We got out at 8:20 and the large bus left, so we got a private van with a driver and tour guide :). We drove towards Rose Hall, where we were supposed to walk the grounds. It was too early, since it was only 7:30 Jamaica time and it didn't open until 9:00AM their time. The shopping didn't open until 10:00 their time (11:00 ship time). We had to be back on board at 12:30. We took the "high road" -Queen's hwy and stopped at a lookout/ tourist trap. Overpriced and would not bargain. Our tour guide took us to another gift shop and got some better prices on t-shirts and other souveniers (shirts have since shrunken- no bargain). Also bought more coffee -same price as Ocho Rios. It seemed they were stalling for time until everything opened. When we got to Rose Hall, we were not allowed on the grounds without tickets. So we just drove out and took a picture. The tour guide was supposed to tell us its history, but didn't. Got to half moon bay shopping center before it opened. Waited in parking lot until 11AM ships time. We had 45 min to shop. We shopped quickly!. Bob Marley Experience didn't have first showing until 12PM ships time, so couldn't do it. We left at 12PM and encountered a big traffic jam- a water main break 5 miles up the road. Traffic stopped dead. Luckilly, we were on a ship's excursion. Our driver was called at 12:30 to find out where we wre. We got back to the ship at 12:50 (sailing at 1:00). Went to dining room and had a great lunch of chicken quesadilla and half a tuna wrap. Met some nice folks at our table. Went to pool and hung out with cc friends. Dinner great and show was another production number- very good. I decided to try my luck at slots in the Casino. Sat next to one of the Drifters (they were on our Serenade cruise last year). They were flown into Mo'Bay on Weds. Were supposed to join us in Freeport in Friday. Broke even and went to sleep. Oh- gave written feedback to Excursions desk on disappointment on Mo'Bay tour. We realized that it was last minute, but think there was communication mixup between ships time and Jamaica time. We requested 50 percent refund. The last night of the cruise, we had an envelope in our cabin with a 50 percent credit. Kudos to RCCL. I don't think I would have received a full refund (or anything ) if asked for full. I asked for what was fair, since we did see some sights and shop a bit.

Last 2 days at sea. Son went roller skating. Loved it. Then went to water slide and pool during the day. Relaxed, after the last few days of excursions. They had horse racing that day and had fun watching. Some careless adult smoker flicked ashes onto my son at the pool area and burned his chest. Not bad, but annoying and upsetting for my son. He was fine after some first aid. Fri nite was lobster and more lobster. The first tail was great, second wasn't, but our waiter, Vilas, kept throwing shrimp and carrots (I loved the carrots) on my plate, I was stuffed! Then, we made a bee-line for La Scala to see the Drifters. We got a seat 4 or 5 rows back on the left. They were as great as last year! As a treat, they invited us up to dance with them at the end. My son and I ran up and had a blast. Son and hubby went back to cabin. I went to Studio B for "the Quest". We ended up with a team and cheering section made up of many of our cc group. Billy, Nancy George and I were the team. We had a blast. Aunt Jo saved the day, with one item. We won the quest and got 50's/60's t shirts. Then was rock n roll 70's. Our CD, Richard Spacey (great, great, great) dressed up as Austin Powers and then his staff dressed up as the Village People. We had a blast dancing. I had the most fun on this night! Had my picture taken with Richard on the way out (my son idolized Richard- so he loved the pix).

Next day was upsetting. Our son left room early to get trivia Q's in library down the hall. He came back upset - wanted to know why a room was taped up with yellow and green tape on our floor. We went to breakfast in Dining Room and passed the taped up cabin on the way. Were scared it was Norwalk or another virus. Later on, the "rumor" was a lady jumped overboard. Didn't find out for sure, until we returned home and it was confirmed. Don't know the exact details and don't care. Many onboard were saddened -as we were. The crew was very tight lipped about it. They had a rought trip - between dodging the hurricane and the lady overboard. I walked around the ship- looking at places I didn't get a chance to see. Also sat by the pool in the afternoon for my last bit of relaxation. Every day at the pool and at the shows, Oscar made sure I always had a cold drink (mostly non-alcoholic) and an occasional frou-frou drink- he made sure the bartender made it really good (not xtra booze- just xtra care). Ithink if I had xtra booze- would have to be peeled off the chair!! We invited our tablemates to our suite the last night to help finish last 2 bottles of wine - didn't want to carry off. We ordered cheese plates from room service. What a luxurious end to a great trip- with great new friends. Went to our last dinner- we tipped everyone above and beyond- since that was the caliber of service. Farewell show put together by Richard Spacey was outrageous, fantastic, great...He then shook everyone's hand as we exited the theater. My son finally got to meet him and they chatted half a minute. That made his day (night). We bought the "cruise in review" since we were in it twice. However, our copy skips, freezes and is poor quality. Will contact RCCL one of these days about that.

You canread about the disembarkation mess on my official review- see link on original posting of this thread. Very poor- but Ireally think it was due to delay in investigation. Not worth complaining about, since we drove home. If I missed a plane flight- then I'd be steamed.

I know this was long, but it will give you all you need to know.

Oh- forgot to mention on-board shops- sold the usual gold by inch (bought a bracelet), we bought t-shirts on sale and hubby 2 VOS t-shirts. High prices, but no different than any other RCCL shops. I liked the idea of food available anytime in Promenade Cafe (always stopped for cup of ice water) Very hard to find ice water on ship. The water in our cabin was warm after the first 2 days onboard. The only places were WJ and Promenade. I'd fill up our water bottles at the WJ in the morning. I guess they want to sell that Evian.

My hubby and son bought soda cards. Reallly did not get money's worth, but convenient.

Bringing this to the top for recent post requesting Voyager info.

Hi Sealegs9, I've been waiting for your review as I noticed awhile back (while searching for reviews about 7392) that we will be staying in the same cabin when we go on our cruise to Canada 10/17/04. Glad you had a good time and are back safe. We don't have the same ports but just wonder what you thought about the view when docked from your balcony. Last cruise we took we were always on port side when docked and could watch all of the action when arriving and departing. Thanks for the great review.

SeaLegs - What a terrific review. Thanks! My husband and I were on the Voyager in May and we had an assistant waiter named Christian. Wondering if it could be the same one. He was tall, thin and balding. The reason I am asking is because at the end of our cruise the maitre'd had mentioned that Chris was going to be promoted to waiter. Wondering if this never happened.

Also you mentioned Richard Spacey was the cruise director. On our May cruise Richard Spacey was our cruise director but at the end of the cruise he said that he was leaving and would be doing something else but never elaborated. I'm sure hoping he is back as we loved him. Thought he was the best cruise director we have had in our 14 cruises.

Hi Sealegs9, I've been waiting for your review as I noticed awhile back (while searching for reviews about 7392) that we will be staying in the same cabin when we go on our cruise to Canada 10/17/04. Glad you had a good time and are back safe. We don't have the same ports but just wonder what you thought about the view when docked from your balcony. Last cruise we took we were always on port side when docked and could watch all of the action when arriving and departing. Thanks for the great review.

Since we did the W. Caribbean, can only speak of how we docked- forward first- so the view we got was what you would see looking from shore to the ship. However, we were always on the balcony when we departed port- Labadee, Jamaica, Caymans. The ship turned around, so we had a great view of where we were. We used our binoculars. The balcony is so large that we had breakfast and afternoon snacks/wine there just gazing out. I will say you will see the steel supports, but it doesn't ruin your view. You probably won't get good pictures on the balcony- we didn't even try. Also- the balcony is covered, so you won't get much sun. Perfect for the steamy Caribbean in August- not so for Canada in late October. You'll have to bundle up to go out there. Bottom line- you're usually looking out to the mouth of the harbor. Enjoy! (Next year we are in 7616- port on the hump) and an inside for our kids.

SeaLegs - What a terrific review. Thanks! My husband and I were on the Voyager in May and we had an assistant waiter named Christian. Wondering if it could be the same one. He was tall, thin and balding. The reason I am asking is because at the end of our cruise the maitre'd had mentioned that Chris was going to be promoted to waiter. Wondering if this never happened.

 

Also you mentioned Richard Spacey was the cruise director. On our May cruise Richard Spacey was our cruise director but at the end of the cruise he said that he was leaving and would be doing something else but never elaborated. I'm sure hoping he is back as we loved him. Thought he was the best cruise director we have had in our 14 cruises.

Cruzluvrs- That was the same Christian. He was always scouting us out in the WJ and really made lunch there special (not my favorite eatery on the ship). He even brought over food, etc. We spoke to him at lunch a few times- dinner was too hectic- he assisted two waiters (actually a waiter and waitress). He was not yet promoted to waiter. We spoke to the Maitre'D Asif, and recommended he be- but there is a pecking order on the ship, and it's not his turn yet. He'll do well wherever his career takes him- he really knows customer service!

Richard is a great CD. He is so aloof, so I'm sure he wouldn't let on to his plans! Rumors on these boards were that he was on vacation. What I did hear from Ruth, the Loyalty Ambassador, that Richard is moving to the AOS in November. Don't know why. He was so entertaining and it was great that he met everyone the last two nights of the cruise. His staff was also great- I wonder if Leo and Hamish left after the 9/5 sailing as a previous poster on another thread indicated some CD staff were leaving. Leo was great- he hosted our CC M&M. I also danced with Leo and Hamish 50's and 60's (or was it 70's) night. Richard's videos the last night were hilarious. I hope we have a CD half as good as Richard next year.