9 DAY VOS Questions for past cruisers

[Shercara]

Ok I admit it, I am a "Planner" and I like to have a "game plan" before I go on vacation.

I know, I know, I should "chill" it is vacation after all, but I don't want to miss anything, or waste my precious vacation time! (Yes I do plan time to "relax" too!)

So here are my questions for anyone who has returned from the VOS 9 day out of Bayonne. (I know as of today, there is only one group of you, but I'm hoping anyone who returns between now and our cruise will add their input too!)

Here goes:

What time did you board?

Did you bring your own bottle? If so, how did you pack it?

What time were you able to get into your cabin?

Are the pools open as soon as you board?

What time is the "muster drill"?

Is there a sail-a-way party? If so, where is the best place to be when you leave the port?

Do you have to dress for dinner the first night? Is it in the dining room, at you table and with your servers for the rest of the cruise?

What night is the Formal, and semi-formal night. Is there any other theme night, and if so, when was it?

Ok that's it for now... but I'm sure I'll add more later!

Thanks!
Sher [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

<font color=blue>WDW 11/3/02 - 11/8/02</font>
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7/16/04 Voyager of the Sea ~ Bayonne, NJ Cruise

[eswort]

[url="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5500317829"]http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5500317829[/url]

Voyager of the Seas out of NY
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[Shercara]

I guess that's one way to get my questions answered eswort, but I'll pass on buying the answers to my questions. I'd feel like I was cheating on an exam buy buying all the answers!

I guess I'm not as much of a planner as I thought, since I still want to leave some element of surprise to our trip.

Just a kind answer to my questions would be helpful!

Thanks in advance folks!
Sher

<font color=blue>WDW 11/3/02 - 11/8/02</font>
<font color=#FF9900>7 day MAGIC 11/9/02 Western Caribbean!</font>
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7/16/04 Voyager of the Sea ~ Bayonne, NJ Cruise

[fireguy091]

If I was going I'd bid on it. Current bid is only $1.50 what have ya got to lose.


Serenade 10/30/03
Destiny 6/02
Monarch 5/99
Holiday 4/98
Tropical 6/95
Asure Seas 3/93
Asure Seas 5/91
Holiday 3/88
Ms Southward 5/85

[Lillybeth]

You are not the only one wanting answers.....I would love the answers to those questions too...I love to plan and be ready....Formal nights are a biggy...hope you get some answers. Have you found any more reviews of the 9 day sailing?

[eswort]

what time did you board?
it all depends when you get to the terminal, we got to the terminal about 2 hours early, walked right up to the check in counter and went to the waiting area, sat in the waiting for about an hour until our bus # was called, got on bus to ship and went straight to our room, room key didnt work went to desk and found that they had upgraded our room from inside to ocean view

pools open?
i'm pretty sure at least one of the pools was open, a couple of them had nets on them or didnt have any water in them at first

muster drill?
i forget, i dont have the compass with me but i think it was around 4:30ish, before the first dinner seating

sail away party?
i dont really remember any party but definitely be on the highest outside deck forward, when you go under the varaznaro(sp?) bridge its pretty amazing, ship only clears by 20 feet

dinner?
dinner is open in the dining room the first night, of course you do not have to eat there if you do not want, most people did not have their luggage yet so many people were dressed in their boarding attire, yes you sit at the table assigned on your seapass card

Voyager of the Seas out of NY
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[eswort]

heres a pic of the ship going under the varrazano bridge

[img]http://vegas.firstpress.net/sworts/cruise/going%20under%20verrazano%20bridge.jpg[/img]

Voyager of the Seas out of NY
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[marciemi]

Well, I just bid! Have no qualms about cheating on this test! If anyone has kids compasses (9-11/12-14), I'd love to get (or buy!) those too!

Big Red Boat '88,
Fair Princess '90,
Norway '91,
Regal Princess '91,
Carnival Fantasy '93,
Regent Rainbow '95,
Big Red Boat '98,
Disney Wonder '00,
Grand Princess 11/16/03,
Voyager of the Seas 09/10/04
Diamond Princess 12/4/04

<MARQUEE> Voyager of the Seas - 9/10/2004 <MARQUEE>

[jujappers]

Shercara, I will try to help answer your questions, but may not be able to answer them all. Here goes...


What time did you board?
We got to the terminal at 11am. By the time we got our luggage checked in, completed the check-in process at the terminal, waited to board the shuttle bus, and actually got to the ship it was about 1:30pm. We had group number 10 to board the shuttle busses to take us to the ship so some people got to board the ship before us.

Did you bring your own bottle? If so, how did you pack it?
We did not bring any beverages on board with us. We talked to people who did and some packed it in their carry-ons and some packed it in their check-in luggage. Just make sure you pack carefully so the bottles do not spill or leak.

What time were you able to get into your cabin?
We went straight to our cabin when we got on the ship. We entered the ship through the gangways on deck 1 and there was a HUGE line for the elevators so since we had a cabin on deck 6 we decided to take the stairs. If you have a cabin on the upper decks and don't want to wait in the line for the elevators then you may want to pack your carry-ons pretty light so you can take the stairs. By the time we got to our room it was maybe 2pm and we walked right into the room and it was very clean and ready for us.

Are the pools open as soon as you board?
As far as I know the pools were open. I think maybe only 1 or 2 were but I didn't see anyone swimming. If the weather is hot it may be a good time to swim since there was no one in the pool. I think most people forget to wear a bathing suit when they board or to pack one in their carry-on so most do not swim on the first day.

What time is the "muster drill"?
The muster drill was around 4:15 or 4:30. Our station was in the main dining room (magic flute level) on deck 5. We just sat at some of the tables with our life-jackets on for about 20 minutes. Wasn't bad at all. We did see people who's stations were outside on deck 4 so that might get a little hot.

Is there a sail-a-way party? If so, where is the best place to be when you leave the port?
I think there was a sail-a-way party but we decided to book reservations in portifinos the first night so we were eating when the ship finally started to move (sometime between 7:30 and 8pm). I would think the best place to be would be the upper decks when the ship sails away.

Do you have to dress for dinner the first night? Is it in the dining room, at you table and with your servers for the rest of the cruise?
The dress for dinner on the first night is to come in whatever you have on when you board. Most people on our cruise didn't receive their luggage until after 9 or 10pm. We decided to eat in portofinos since we heard the first night is an excellent night to eat there since there are little crowds. Since the ship was running late due to them not being able to load all our luggage on it in time, the captain kept telling us that we would be leaving port in 45 minutes or so. We were dressed in jeans and collared shirts and asked some of the staff what the dress was for dinner and they said come as you are. We talked to the portofino's staff and they said to come in whatever clothes we had on at the time since we didn't have our luggage. One tip here, go to the dining room early and check where your table is located. It will be listed on your seapass card. Most people want to go to the dining room the first night to meet their table mates and we were thinking the same thing but when we went to the dining room we saw that the 4 of us in our family were at our own table so we decided to do portofinos. By the way, the food was EXCELLENT!! And since there was only about 15 people in the restaurant we got awesome service and our waiters kept bringing us extra food even though we didn't order it!

What night is the Formal, and semi-formal night. Is there any other theme night, and if so, when was it?
I don't really remember what nights were what as far as dress goes. One thing I should mention is that the "Cruise Compass" was full of mistakes and typos. Hopefully they will fix this but if they don't, it was very hard to know what the dress was for each night. Sometimes the cruise compass would say "Semi-formal" dress on one page and on the next page it would say "Casual." We had to just call the guest relations desk and they would tell us what it was on most nights. I believe the second night is a formal night and the second to last night is a formal night as well. I think there were 3 semi formal nights but I'm not sure which nights they were. There were a couple of theme nights. One was country, one was like 50's/60's, and another was caribbean. The only night that i actually saw people dressed up for was caribbean. A lot of people had on the "hawaiin print" shirts and dresses.

I hope this helps you out. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.

[jbrewster630]

That was great! Thanks for that info. A lot of times when people give reviews they forget to include the little things like that which is important and everyone needs to know too.

[checkard]

Ok, I'll admit it. I took a bottle of Mudslide on board last cruise. I wrapped it in a plastic bag, then bubble wrap, then another plastic bag. Put it my carry on padded with a beach towel and had no problems.

----------------------------
Explorer 11/2001
Explorer 12/14/02
Serenade 10/13/03
Grandeur 5/21/04
----------------------------

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[ezi-amy]

These were great questions. We are leaving on the Voyager june 18th, we'll let you know if things improved (in Bayonne) when we return. People will buy anything on ebay. Maybe we should bring back extra free brochures to sell on ebay. We were on the Navigator last August and the pool was opened when we boarded, we always bring bathing suits in our carry-on. Most people are busy exploring the ship when they board that's why the pools are usually empty. Ezi

RCI Voyager Next week
RCI Navigator Aug. 2003
Celebrity Galaxy Aug. 2002
Carnival Imagination Feb. 2002
Grand Princess Aug. 2001
Celebrity Horizon 1998
Celebrity Horizon 1997
Primier Big Red Boat Atlantic 1994
Primier Big Red Boat Atlantic 1990
Nile Cruise 1989



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[marciemi]

ezi-amy - If you get me the 9 day schedules for the 9-11 and 12-14 age group and list them on ebay, I'll gladly buy them from you. I'm totally serious. And have an ebay post (positive) count higher than my Cruise critic one! I'm going to plead on some of the roll calls for the June/July sailings for someone to get me them, but I'd gladly buy them on ebay!

Big Red Boat '88,
Fair Princess '90,
Norway '91,
Regal Princess '91,
Carnival Fantasy '93,
Regent Rainbow '95,
Big Red Boat '98,
Disney Wonder '00,
Grand Princess 11/16/03,
Voyager of the Seas 09/10/04
Diamond Princess 12/4/04

<MARQUEE> Voyager of the Seas - 9/10/2004 <MARQUEE>

[Shercara]

You guys are great!!

Thank you all for your terrific answers!!

THANK YOU [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] THANK YOU [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

I have another question (I'm sure you knew I would!)

[B]How was the air conditioning in your cabin? Was it cool?[/B]

Hubby likes it real cool in the room. We are on Deck 2 Cabin 2594. Anyone stay around here or have any comments on the climate in the cabins?

Thanks again!
Sher

PS - glad you folks liked my questions and I'm not the only one with the planning addiction!

<font color=blue>WDW 11/3/02 - 11/8/02</font>
<font color=#FF9900>7 day MAGIC 11/9/02 Western Caribbean!</font>
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7/16/04 Voyager of the Sea ~ Bayonne, NJ Cruise

[judyf]

Of the ships I've been on the Voyager had the coolest AC. I could dry my hair and not sweat! LOL

Judy
RCCL Voyager 5/21-5/30/04
CCL Inspiration 4/4-4/11/04
NCL Sea 4/14-4/27/03
DCL Wonder 5/16-5/19/02
DCL Wonder 5/3-5/8/01
CCL Fantasy 2/15-2/18/01

[Shercara]

thanks judyf

great picture eswort! thanks!

sher

<font color=blue>WDW 11/3/02 - 11/8/02</font>
<font color=#FF9900>7 day MAGIC 11/9/02 Western Caribbean!</font>
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7/16/04 Voyager of the Sea ~ Bayonne, NJ Cruise

[eswort]

it was actually really cool going under the bridge like that, everyone cheered and trucks on the bridge were honking...
definitely try not to miss it

also to answer you ac question, I am one of those people who like it cold and found the temp was perfect if you keep it all the way to the cool side...once or twice it got a little too cold but then i just threw the extra blanket on

Voyager of the Seas out of NY
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[Shercara]

Oh, I'm Lovin' you guys!! Sounds like the kind of temp we are looking for eswort! I'd rather be cold and snuggle under the blankets then be too warm and uncomfortable,(with a cranky hubby!)

Thanks again for all the great info.

[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img][B]I'M SO EXCITED![/B] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Sher

<font color=blue>WDW 11/3/02 - 11/8/02</font>
<font color=#FF9900>7 day MAGIC 11/9/02 Western Caribbean!</font>
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7/16/04 Voyager of the Sea ~ Bayonne, NJ Cruise

[ezi-amy]

Hi Marciemi,
I was just kidding about ebay, even though I sold many other things on ebay. I'll try to pick up a couple extra brochures and see if I can scan them for you and for anyone else that is interested. Ezi


RCI Voyager Next week
RCI Navigator Aug. 2003
Celebrity Galaxy Aug. 2002
Carnival Imagination Feb. 2002
Grand Princess Aug. 2001
Celebrity Horizon 1998
Celebrity Horizon 1997
Primier Big Red Boat Atlantic 1994
Primier Big Red Boat Atlantic 1990
Nile Cruise 1989



Ezi's Art Gallery
[url="http://Members.aol.com/eziamy"]http://Members.aol.com/eziamy[/url]

[This message was edited by ezi-amy on 06-11-04 at 06:27 PM.]

[Shercara]

WOW that e-bay auction went for $56.53 !
Do any of you recently returned cruisers have any input. Did any of you BYO bottle?and if so how/where did you pack it?

Thanks,
Sher

<font color=blue>WDW 11/3/02 - 11/8/02</font>
<font color=#FF9900>7 day MAGIC 11/9/02 Western Caribbean!</font>
<font color=red>7 day Magic 7/28/01~Our First Taste of the MAGIC!</font></center>[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;07;16;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
7/16/04 Voyager of the Sea ~ Bayonne, NJ Cruise

[c breeze]

I am cruising on VOS 9-night July 16 and I have questions about shore excursions from past cruisers. I have posted on the ports boards, but it seems few people look at those boards, and even fewer post! I am looking for good relaxing beach days in every port.

Ocho Rios: Has anyone done the Shaw Park Beach excursion or the Jamaica Yard Music excursion? If so, what did you think. What about the very pricey Beach Getaway excursion to Blundel House? Was it worth it? Were there people peddling goods on either of these beaches? How is the beach at Margaritaville? Crowded?

Freeport, Grand Bahamas: Has anyone gone to Port Lucaya beach or Our Lucaya Beach? were there fees? What did you think? Is there a nice beach with in walking distance of the pier or another good beach suggestion?

Thanks for any help or input! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

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[kidsbasket]

Ezi
I would love t see the 9-11 year old programs as well. We are sailing on Friday. You can email at [email]larsnallie@aol.com[/email]
Thanks

[jujappers]

c breeze - You will get an awesome relaxing beach day in Labadee. Just walk the island and find a spot that isn't very crowded and you will be in heaven. We found a spot near some trees that had hammocks in them and we fell asleep in no time!

In Ocho Rios we did the Dunn's River Falls/Dolphin Cove excursion offered through the ship. The climb didn't take too long and then we skipped Dolphin's Cove and went back to Margaritaville. The beach at Margaritaville seemed very active and full of drunk/semi-drunk people. So if you are looking for a calm or relaxing beach this one wouldn't be for you. But if you are like I am and love to party and be around other people who are having a good time then you will like Margaritaville.

In Grand Cayman, 7 mile beach is very nice and not very crowded. Take a taxi or book an excursion that will drop you off along the beach and you will be good to go.

In Freeport we took a taxi to Port Lucaya and went to the Sheraton Hotel and walked through the lobby to the beach. They had a very nice pool area with giant pillars and fancy landscaping. We saw a sign that said "pool reserved for hotel guests" but didn't see anyone monitoring this so I'm sure you could swim in the pool if you want. Right behind the pool is a very nice beach area. There was a sign that said something about $10 or $20 to use a lounge chair. I also heard from people on our cruise that the Westin Hotel which is close to the Sheraton has a great pool and beach area. In Freeport you have to take a taxi from the pier to Port Lucaya since I don't think there is a beach close to the pier. Whatever you end up doing though I'm sure you will find plenty of relaxing beach areas in the ports.

[c breeze]

jujappers: Thanks for all the great beach info. I am pretty sure the Sheraton and Westin at Port Lucaya are jointly called Our Lucaya Beach Resort and the Sheraton is more for families and the Westin more for adults. I am still looking for someone who took one of the two beach excursions in Ocho Rios (Shaw Park or Beach Getaway at Brumbel House). I was only considering the beach at Margaritaville because is was so close to the ship and sounded like a secure area, but I have no desire to go to a crowded beach full of drunks! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img]

Thanks again! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

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[c breeze]

Here is some info about day passes to Beaches or Sandals: (Ocho Rios)


Please note all property passes must be purchased upon arrival at the resort and cannot be arranged prior. This excludes the Wedding Pass, which may be purchased prior to travel via our special requests department. These rates do not include transportation.



FULL DAY PASS 10am-2am - US$130 per adult (Sandals and Beaches)

US $70 per child (Beaches)



DAY PASS 10am - 6pm -

US$85 per adult (Sandals and Beaches)

US$45 per per child (Beaches)



EVENING PASS 6pm - 2am -

US$80 per adult (Sandals and Beaches)

US$45 per child (Beaches)



SANDALS INN



DAY PASS 10am - 6pm -

US$60 per person



EVENING PASS- 6pm - 2am -

US$60 per person



All rates subject to change at any time without notice.



If we can be of further assistance, we invite you to call us at 1-800-327-1991 ext.4585. We are available to help you Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4pm, U.S. Eastern Time.

Thank you for choosing Sandals and Beaches Resorts.



Best regards,



Electronic Sales and Marketing Department

Sandals & Beaches Resorts

<http://www.SANDALS.com> Toll Free 1-800-SANDALS

<http://www.BEACHES.com> Toll Free 1-800-BEACHES

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