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There is so much more to life on Earth.” We all nod into our Red Stripes. Finally, I visit a comedy revue in an enormous and too brightly lit version of an “intimate,” per Royal Caribbean literature, “Manhattan comedy club.” Many of the jokes are about the cruising life. “I’ve lived on ships for 20 years,” one of the middle-aged comedians says. “I can only see so many Filipino homosexuals dressed as a taco.” He pauses while the audience laughs. He segues into a Trump impression and then Biden falling asleep at the microphone, which gets the most laughs.
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As a coddled passenger with a suite, I feel like I am starting to understand what it means to have a rank and be constantly reminded of it. There are many espresso makers, I think as I look across the expanse of my officer-grade quarters before closing my eyes, but this one is mine. Stay hydrated with still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and even drip coffee.
Voyager OTS refurbishment 2019 review
It makes no sense on sea, or on land, or in outer space. It looks like a hodgepodge of domes and minarets, tubes and canopies, like Istanbul had it been designed by idiots. Vibrant, oversignifying colors are stacked upon other such colors, decks perched over still more decks; the only comfort is a row of lifeboats ringing its perimeter. There is no imposed order, no cogent thought, and, for those who do not harbor a totalitarian sense of gigantomania, no visual mercy. This is the biggest cruise ship ever built, and I have been tasked with witnessing its inaugural voyage.
All about the Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas
Because of this, these two ships have some notable differences in onboard activities and dining offerings. Four days before embarkation, my dad and I placed bids on four stateroom categories. For an additional $130 per person, we upgraded to a spacious ocean view cabin. Upon arrival at the terminal, we saw a huge line of people waiting to get inside. This was due to the fact that there was a Coast Guard inspection that day, so the entire embarkation process took longer than it normally would.
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It was a beautiful terminal, but I didn't have much time to admire it because the line was moving so fast when we went inside. Take a flavour-filled journey to the exotic Far East at Izumi. Find your element with rustic Italian dishes served with a contemporary flair at Giovanni’s Table. Indulge in the cut above the rest hand-cut steaks at Chops Grille. Or embark on a globe-trotting gourmet adventure at Windjammer Café. Galveston is your gateway to a thrill-topping, island-hopping vacay in the Western Caribbean.
Family-friendly amenities abound (as is par for the course for this cruise line), but attractions also exist for couples, foodies and other fun-seekers. The 1999-built Voyager of the Seas cruise ship is the first Voyager-class Royal Caribbean liner, followed by the sisterships Adventure OTS, Explorer OTS, Navigator OTS, Mariner OTS. At the time it entered service, Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas was the largest cruise liner in the world, heralded as the most revolutionary ship ever built. Crew members from every part of the global South, as well as a few Balkans, are shepherding us along while pressing flutes of champagne into our hands.
This is an interactive water play area (with cannons and geysers) replacing the old Outdoor Youth Area (aka “back deck”). Voyager is Royal Caribbean's first Voyager-class liner, with sisterships Adventure, Explorer, Mariner, Navigator. Voyager OTS was built in 1999 by Kvaerner Masa (Turku Finland) - shipbuilder of all vessels in this series. The company is now part of STX Europe (a division of STX Holding, South Korea). In 1999, Voyager OTS was the world's biggest passenger ship. They used to call it "floating sea'" because of its innovative design.
Royal Amplified is Royal Caribbean’s program that updates ships’ amenities, staterooms, dining and lounge choices, activities, and more. Because three Voyager Class ships have been updated, you will find many of Royal Caribbean’s newest attractions and activities onboard. Beyond just eating and drinking your way across this ship, and maybe enjoying a few quiet moments in your suite or stateroom, there’s plenty to keep you entertained during your Voyager of the Seas cruise. You can also book culinary experiences like The Chef’s Table, for a VIP dining experience led by the ship’s chef. Junior suites offer 265 square feet and large balconies, with extra seating, bathtubs and bigger closets for extra storage space. Ocean view panoramic suites offer over 400 square feet and are more ideal for larger parties, with their extra beds.
BIG picture Voyager of the Seas decks
For true ocean views, booking a balcony cabin is your best bet. The balcony cabins are similar in size and layout to the ocean-view staterooms, but include a furnished balcony that is accessible via a set of glass doors that take up nearly the entire far wall of the cabin. Nothing beats relaxing by a pool with a nice drink in hand as you feel the fresh sea breeze pass by you. The problem is that with thousands of people on a ship, there's not always room. If you want to spend all day in a pool, a cruise might not be the right choice.
Another way to gauge the cost of a cruise is to consider how much you'll spend on board. Even though a lot is included in the base cruise fare, you may still spend money on things like spa treatments, specialty dining, drinks, and excursions. In addition, guests can also have to pay for things like gratuities and tips. Alcohol is not included in the base price of this cruise ship. To see if you would save money with a drink package, try our Drink Package Calculator. The Voyager of the Seas is one of five Voyager-class ships currently sailing with Royal Caribbean.
Adventure of the Seas vs. Voyager of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Blog
Adventure of the Seas vs. Voyager of the Seas.
Posted: Tue, 21 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
"We loved the ship and everything about it. We tried all the restaurants and it is difficult to select one as a favorite - as all had exciting menus and sooooo good food - freshly made of high-quality ingredients." In-cabin babysitting is available at an hourly fee (US$19 per kid) for 4 kids per stateroom max. For in-cabin use can be borrowed movies, toys and games suitable for kids with autism. Dial up delicious in-room dining day or night to enjoy paired with comfort and privacy. The Izumi location on Navigator, Voyager, and Explorer of the Seas is on Deck 14 and offers dramatic views of the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows.
I cruised Royal Caribbean from Galveston for the first time. Here's what a cruise from Texas is like. - Royal Caribbean Blog
I cruised Royal Caribbean from Galveston for the first time. Here's what a cruise from Texas is like..
Posted: Mon, 09 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Redefining the cruising experience one room at a time. Our staterooms are an alluring escape from the non-stop action our cruise ships are known for. From our spectacular views to our deluxe amenities, a stay with us is like nothing at sea. After breakfast, I explore the ship’s so-called neighborhoods.
There are quite a few things to do on the Voyager of the Seas. Some are included in the cost of the cruise, while others have an additional charge. Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas has 10 different bars and lounges where you can enjoy a beer or cocktail. It also has 1 other bars that are available for select guests. Rent a private Ocean View Cabana for a luxurious beach day you'll never forget. "What can I say? We absolutely love Virgin Voyages...you have customers for life. Already booked our third cruise."

Cruise ships have become, for a certain kind of hardworking family, a form of subsidized child care. Meanwhile, I have found a new watering hole for myself, the Swim & Tonic, the biggest swim-up bar on any cruise ship in the world. Drinking next to full-size, nearly naked Americans takes away one’s own self-consciousness. The women are equally un-shy about their sprawling physiques. Instead of trying to impress with my choice of T-shirts, I have decided to start wearing a robe, as one does at a resort property on land, with a proper spa and hammam.
The vessel only held that title for a short time, though, only a year, before being overtaken in size by sister ship Explorer of the Seas (though only by a mere 32 GT). Yes, Voyager of the Seas is a slightly older cruise ship. That said, this Royal Caribbean classic still offers lots to love, no matter your age.