sampler cruises - are they worth doing?

[MicCanberra]

$539 each, inside cabin N or Q category. For a bit more you get an inside cat with a window o'looking the promenade. Not sure how we would go on an inside room. Balconies are 740 each :eek: 9pm departure, 6am arrival :-(.

 

We are getting a room for Easter in Sydney and it is costing around $500 for 2 nights with no food or entertainment or service like what you would get on a ship. It is really about perspective.

I know the VOS sampler cruise is that figure for one person but it is going to be a great experience on a ship I haven't been on and want to try. :D

[MicCanberra]

Yeah, almost $200/person/day for an inside. They're not cheap!

 

The funny thing is you can spend a few hundred more and stay almost 4 times as long! :-)

 

It would be worth staying in Florida for a few months and pick up those last minute sails where you get a 7 day cruise for $250 or 14 day cruises for $700.:D We are totally ripped here in Australia when it comes to cruiseline offers. :(

Edited January 12, 2014 by MicCanberra

[The_Big_M]

It would be worth staying in Florida for a few months and pick up those last minute sails where you get a 7 day cruise for $250 or 14 day cruises for $700.:D We are totally ripped here in Australia when it comes to cruiseline offers. :(

 

Not Australia, just Florida has so many ships. You don't get the same offers in NY, LA, or other US places either.

 

Inevitably, with so much capacity there's going to be surplus at times.

[MicCanberra]

Not Australia, just Florida has so many ships. You don't get the same offers in NY, LA, or other US places either.

 

Inevitably, with so much capacity there's going to be surplus at times.

You can still get some much better deals out of NY and Seattle than here.:D

[aussielozzie18]

On the Voyager Sampler Cruise, I know its a "cruise to nowhere" but where do they sail to exactly ie how far past the heads? and do they anchor overnight, if so where?

[MicCanberra]

On the Voyager Sampler Cruise, I know its a "cruise to nowhere" but where do they sail to exactly ie how far past the heads? and do they anchor overnight, if so where?

I do not know for sure, but one time in the past they went down to Bateman's Bay, Bega and Eden before going back around cruising up towards Newcastle and then returning to Sydney.:D

[The_Big_M]

You can still get some much better deals out of NY and Seattle than here.:D

 

Maybe, maybe not. I've seen some much better deals here than I've seen there. :D

[The_Big_M]

On the Voyager Sampler Cruise, I know its a "cruise to nowhere" but where do they sail to exactly ie how far past the heads? and do they anchor overnight, if so where?

 

The RCL cruises normally go out 60-100 nautical miles, between Sydney and Newcastle. They don't anchor... but go veeeery slowly. :D

[MicCanberra]

The RCL cruises normally go out 60-100 nautical miles, between Sydney and Newcastle. They don't anchor... but go veeeery slowly. :D

Yes, just a handy way of cruising for a weekend.:D

[moonlight_path]

I'm just off VOS this morning after the 3 night sampler cruise. We had a promenade view inside room & loved it. Great view of the Shrek parade last night without having to go out of our cabin!

 

The ship headed out of Sydney heads in a NE direction and turned around came back a bit, turned around again. Yesterday she was puttering at 1knot in very calm seas. There was a medical emergency while on board and I believe the person was helicoptered out.

 

I found most of the crew to be fabulous but we did have one episode of poor service in the MDR for breakfast. We were virtually ignored by the drinks person & my order was stuffed up. But we just left & went up to the Windjammer.

 

My favourite favourite place was the High Notes bar on deck 14 overlooking the pool area. Great drinks service by the waitress who remembered us each day.

 

The demographic was young children right up to oldies. There were 2 80+yo ladies in the cabin next to us. Saw many many groups and lots of families.

 

Negatives - no way could you get a deckchair any time after 10.30. So if you weren't early or didn't want to sit poolside all day, no swimming for you. My daughter & I ended up in the spa inside the fitness centre. It was empty. Personally, I think that Voyager is too big. I'm not a fan of crowds so would choose a smaller ship next time.

 

Disclaimer - the only reason we did this particular cruise was that my mother gave us a gift card and I really wanted to go on VOS. We could've gone on Radiance next month for longer for about the same cost but I wasn't sure what my daughter was doing study-wise so we had to cruise in January. More expensive, more kids but still good.

Edited January 13, 2014 by moonlight_path

[MicCanberra]

I'm just off VOS this morning after the 3 night sampler cruise. We had a promenade view inside room & loved it. Great view of the Shrek parade last night without having to go out of our cabin!

 

The ship headed out of Sydney heads in a NE direction and turned around came back a bit, turned around again. Yesterday she was puttering at 1knot in very calm seas. There was a medical emergency while on board and I believe the person was helicoptered out.

 

I found most of the crew to be fabulous but we did have one episode of poor service in the MDR for breakfast. We were virtually ignored by the drinks person & my order was stuffed up. But we just left & went up to the Windjammer.

 

My favourite favourite place was the High Notes bar on deck 14 overlooking the pool area. Great drinks service by the waitress who remembered us each day.

 

The demographic was young children right up to oldies. There were 2 80+yo ladies in the cabin next to us. Saw many many groups and lots of families.

 

Negatives - no way could you get a deckchair any time after 10.30. So if you weren't early or didn't want to sit poolside all day, no swimming for you. My daughter & I ended up in the spa inside the fitness centre. It was empty. Personally, I think that Voyager is too big. I'm not a fan of crowds so would choose a smaller ship next time.

 

Disclaimer - the only reason we did this particular cruise was that my mother gave us a gift card and I really wanted to go on VOS. We could've gone on Radiance next month for longer for about the same cost but I wasn't sure what my daughter was doing study-wise so we had to cruise in January. More expensive, more kids but still good.

Thanks for your review. I am extra glad I booked now.:D

[rugbypopsie]

I'm just back off the 3 days on VOS too. Samplers are just that...even the coastals are more sedate, you have to see beyond the hens/bucks parties, huge family groups..etc. 500 kids onboard..but honestly they were not a problem. I had one of the insides overlooking the shopping street, quiet no problem there just a a few cabins down from the elevators. Interesting ship, great for get togethers, families etc. Not really my cup of tea but certainly not bad. Thought having a formal night on a 3 day cruise was ridiculous...especially since I missed reading that note..lol, wasn't happy to have to pay big bucks to have lobster on formal night. Service and food was pretty ordinary but again that is a subjective comment..others may think otherwise. I thought the street parade for the kids last night was great pity it was on at 11pm. The entertainment was good, great dancers and a comedian who was actually funny! The casino was nice to me for a change..Debsta usually cleans up my donations. DH was second in the blackjack comp so that's a bit more for the next trip in USD. My cabin was fine...bed comfortable. The ship is due for a refurb in a few months so will be fresh again.

Again a good cruise...not great..but that's just me.

 

Sue

[MicCanberra]

I'm just back off the 3 days on VOS too. Samplers are just that...even the coastals are more sedate, you have to see beyond the hens/bucks parties, huge family groups..etc. 500 kids onboard..but honestly they were not a problem. I had one of the insides overlooking the shopping street, quiet no problem there just a a few cabins down from the elevators. Interesting ship, great for get togethers, families etc. Not really my cup of tea but certainly not bad. Thought having a formal night on a 3 day cruise was ridiculous...especially since I missed reading that note..lol, wasn't happy to have to pay big bucks to have lobster on formal night. Service and food was pretty ordinary but again that is a subjective comment..others may think otherwise. I thought the street parade for the kids last night was great pity it was on at 11pm. The entertainment was good, great dancers and a comedian who was actually funny! The casino was nice to me for a change..Debsta usually cleans up my donations. DH was second in the blackjack comp so that's a bit more for the next trip in USD. My cabin was fine...bed comfortable. The ship is due for a refurb in a few months so will be fresh again.

Again a good cruise...not great..but that's just me.

 

Sue

Great, thanks for your review Sue, looks like we will be on her after her refurb so that will be another bonus.:D

[The_Big_M]

Thought having a formal night on a 3 day cruise was ridiculous..

 

Argh, they did that for you too? The local office says they also will have one for the upcoming 3 night Solstice cruise... I also think it's ridiculous.

 

First night you're unpacking, last night you're packing, and your only night free you have to dress up instead of relax!

 

wasn't happy to have to pay big bucks to have lobster on formal night.

 

Yeah, RCL don't offer lobster as standard locally on their cruises. Only the US it seems.

Edited January 13, 2014 by The_Big_M

[Cruise_me_Crazy]

Ooooooh. I like the sound of the inside rooms with the promenade window :)

 

MicC. Hubs travels a lot so we gave good loyalty points for free motels & often fares. So paying for accommodation is not something we normally have to do. ;) still thinking about it though, & the refurb end ship sounds great!

[MicCanberra]

Ooooooh. I like the sound of the inside rooms with the promenade window :)

 

MicC. Hubs travels a lot so we gave good loyalty points for free motels & often fares. So paying for accommodation is not something we normally have to do. ;) still thinking about it though, & the refurb end ship sounds great!

 

It is only worth it if you want to do it, otherwise there are better value cruises. That said, i wanted to try a sampler and RCI as well as the VOS, so we are happy.:D

[Mothballs]

Argh, they did that for you too? The local office says they also will have one for the upcoming 3 night Solstice cruise... I also think it's ridiculous.

 

First night you're unpacking, last night you're packing, and your only night free you have to dress up instead of relax!

 

I am also going on this cruise. I thought there wasn't going to be a formal night.

We are catching the train to Circular Quay and did not want to take too much luggage.

Elaine.

[MicCanberra]

I am also going on this cruise. I thought there wasn't going to be a formal night.

We are catching the train to Circular Quay and did not want to take too much luggage.

Elaine.

If luggage is a problem, I suppose it can be seen as a hassle, but I enjoy formal nights.:D

[Mothballs]

If luggage is a problem, I suppose it can be seen as a hassle, but I enjoy formal nights.:D

 

My husband does not. Looks like the buffet for us that night.

Not bothered though. Looking forward to getting on board and relaxing even if it is just for a short while.

Elaine.

[karmac]

I'm just back off the 3 days on VOS too. Samplers are just that...even the coastals are more sedate, you have to see beyond the hens/bucks parties, huge family groups..etc. 500 kids onboard..but honestly they were not a problem. I had one of the insides overlooking the shopping street, quiet no problem there just a a few cabins down from the elevators. Interesting ship, great for get togethers, families etc. Not really my cup of tea but certainly not bad. Thought having a formal night on a 3 day cruise was ridiculous...especially since I missed reading that note..lol, wasn't happy to have to pay big bucks to have lobster on formal night. Service and food was pretty ordinary but again that is a subjective comment..others may think otherwise. I thought the street parade for the kids last night was great pity it was on at 11pm. The entertainment was good, great dancers and a comedian who was actually funny! The casino was nice to me for a change..Debsta usually cleans up my donations. DH was second in the blackjack comp so that's a bit more for the next trip in USD. My cabin was fine...bed comfortable. The ship is due for a refurb in a few months so will be fresh again.

Again a good cruise...not great..but that's just me.

 

Sue

 

I also did this cruise and agree with you 100%. I was amazed at how many kids were on board (didn't expect it for a 3 nighter) but as you said, no problems with any of them. I spoke to one family who were disappointed because everything they tried to book their kids into was always booked out. The only thing the kids really ended up doing was playing mini golf but apparently there were adults there just smashing the balls everywhere. I don't go over the top on formal nights, just pants and a nice top so that didn't bother me. I enjoyed the parade but having the parade at that time was ridiculous, especially being the last night when everyone had to get up early. I found the food to be a huge disappointment.

 

What did you think of your cabin? I can only imagine those cabins being good for watching the parade. It looked to me like you're paying for a window but basically need to keep the curtains closed all the time.

 

Did you go to the ice show? I loved that!!

[gaechann]

Here I am back online again after my computer finally packed it in so I've spent the last 2 days shopping for another.

 

I'd made up my mind that I was going for a MacBook Air so bit the bullet and forked out the BIG bucks for one - the had to learn had to use it! :eek:

 

Anyway, it's nice to read that others will be joining Mic, his wife, myself & friend (still to be determined) on this little "cruise to nowhere"!

 

I thought I'd saved the link to our ROLL CALL but the Control C command turned out to be fn + C as the Control key is in a different place on this keyboard! :(

 

I'll try again shortly!

 

Hopefully it works this time! http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=41255217#post41255217

 

 

Gae

Edited January 14, 2014 by gaechann

[MicCanberra]

Here I am back online again after my computer finally packed it in so I've spent the last 2 days shopping for another.

 

I'd made up my mind that I was going for a MacBook Air so bit the bullet and forked out the BIG bucks for one - the had to learn had to use it! :eek:

 

Anyway, it's nice to read that others will be joining Mic, his wife, myself & friend (still to be determined) on this little "cruise to nowhere"!

 

I thought I'd saved the link to our ROLL CALL but the Control C command turned out to be fn + C as the Control key is in a different place on this keyboard! :(

 

I'll try again shortly!

 

Hopefully it works this time! http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=41255217#post41255217

 

 

Gae

Welcome back, hope all your IT issues are over.:D

[MicCanberra]

I also did this cruise and agree with you 100%. I was amazed at how many kids were on board (didn't expect it for a 3 nighter) but as you said, no problems with any of them. I spoke to one family who were disappointed because everything they tried to book their kids into was always booked out. The only thing the kids really ended up doing was playing mini golf but apparently there were adults there just smashing the balls everywhere. I don't go over the top on formal nights, just pants and a nice top so that didn't bother me. I enjoyed the parade but having the parade at that time was ridiculous, especially being the last night when everyone had to get up early. I found the food to be a huge disappointment.

 

What did you think of your cabin? I can only imagine those cabins being good for watching the parade. It looked to me like you're paying for a window but basically need to keep the curtains closed all the time.

 

Did you go to the ice show? I loved that!!

 

The 19 Feb 2015 cruise (that a few of us here have booked) will be when the kids have all gone back to school so I would imagine a few less on board.:D

[moonlight_path]

I found the food to be a huge disappointment.

 

What did you think of your cabin? I can only imagine those cabins being good for watching the parade. It looked to me like you're paying for a window but basically need to keep the curtains closed all the time.

 

 

I also found the food quite disappointing. The best thing about dinner were the desserts although many of them appeared EVERY night! Wasn't expecting that. Did enjoy that Banana creme brûlée though. Gorgeous.

 

We loved our inside promenade cabin. Didn't keep the curtains closed. I would often sit on the sofa at the window & watch people. Mind you, they could see me too but I didn't really mind. We were on level 6 so the lowest one. I never saw any of the other windows opposite with their curtains open so it made me wonder why they got those cabins? :confused:

 

The best part of our cabin (6563) was that it was 5 cabins away from the stairs/elevators & being only 1 floor above the promenade, it was easy to duck down to the cafe & pick up some snacks or coffee. You could check the line out the window before going down. ;)

[MicCanberra]

I also found the food quite disappointing. The best thing about dinner were the desserts although many of them appeared EVERY night! Wasn't expecting that. Did enjoy that Banana creme brûlée though. Gorgeous.

 

We loved our inside promenade cabin. Didn't keep the curtains closed. I would often sit on the sofa at the window & watch people. Mind you, they could see me too but I didn't really mind. We were on level 6 so the lowest one. I never saw any of the other windows opposite with their curtains open so it made me wonder why they got those cabins? :confused:

 

The best part of our cabin (6563) was that it was 5 cabins away from the stairs/elevators & being only 1 floor above the promenade, it was easy to duck down to the cafe & pick up some snacks or coffee. You could check the line out the window before going down. ;)

I am a bit worried about the food now, with repeat posts saying they were disappointed. :(

I think the advantage of seeing the cafe' line is a real good reason for the inside with a window.:D