Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Ernest Roller
Email: eroller@mindspring.com
Age: 34
Occupation: Flight Attendant
NumberOfCruises: 40+
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Voyager
SailingDate: January 9, 2000
Itinerary: Western Caribbean
Cabin: 9548/C
FoodDiningRoom: 89
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService: 80
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 99
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 
FoodVariety: 89
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 
GoodForHoneymoon: 95
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 95
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 98
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 75
BeautySalonStaff: 
EntertainmentLounges: 100
WheelchairAccess: 95
ExerciseFacilities: 98
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 65
BeautySalon: 
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 
MedicalFacilities: 
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 100
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 28 Jan 2000
Time: 15:43:57
Remote Name: user-38lcahi.dsl.mindspring.com
Remote User: 

Comments

VOYAGER OF THE SEAS January 9, 2000 Western Caribbean Cabin 9548 

What can I say about VOYAGER??? The ship was incredible, in so many positive ways. I am usually
not a fan of the new mega-liner, preferring the smaller more traditional ships such VICTORIA,
REMBRANDT, and CARONIA. I am especially surprised at my own positive reaction to VOYAGER
and Royal Caribbean. 

I will talk a little about the cabins first. We booked at Category D9 and were upgraded to a C. I had a
chance to look at all the cabin types with the exception of the Royal Suite. Our cabin was 277 sq. ft.
with a 69 sq. ft. balcony. It was large enough for entertaining, and contained a full size couch and
two large arm chairs. There was a walk-in closet and bath complete with full size tub. Amenities
included a stocked fridge, safe and great TV. I am not usually a TV watcher, but VOYAGER had the
best channels of any ship yet. Lot's of channels about RCI and VOYAGER in general, plus a
channel looking over the bow, and one over the Promenade. The TV was interactive so room
service, shore excursions, movies and stateroom account balance could be viewed at anytime.
There were also five channels of terrific music. I loved "RCN" which was the Royal Caribbean
Network. This was my first experience where the ship's staff recorded all their own radio
programming, and they did a great job! 

The balcony was quite large, and contained two chairs with table, plus a lounge chair with foot rest.
The upper half of the of the balcony is glass (except Deck 6 cabins), so you can sit and still see the
ocean. This was my first time having a balcony, and frankly I did not use it much. I probably would
have been just as happy with large windows. There were too many other prime deck spots on this
ship where I preferred to watch the goings on. 

I had a good look around the category D cabins (standard w/balcony) and they are quite nice. They
average 188 sq. ft. with a 50 sq. ft. balcony. There was also a small sitting area with couch, and two
beds which can be made into a queen size. There is no tub, but the shower was innovative. Instead
of the 'hugging' shower curtain, there were two curved glass doors that came out of the wall. The
shower stall itself is completely round and certainly looked large enough. Inside cabins are a little
smaller (with the same bathroom) and still contained a small couch. They average 160 sq. ft. in size.

My cabin location was perfect, just around the corner from the forward elevator foyer. (cabin 9548). I
would certainly recommend this location, as it was very quiet. For some reason, the hallways on
deck 6 were not as attractive as the other decks. I think this is because there are silver support
poles down the entire hallway. The other decks do not have this. As far as the Atrium View cabins
are concerned, they would not be my first preference. I really don't care to look over the Promenade
as it is bright and noisy (although I heard no one complain about these cabins). I just don't think
they are worth the money. I met one girl who had an outside cabin on Deck 2, and I went and had a
look. I really liked it, and the fact it was so much closer to the water then Deck 9. There was still a
large round window, but you certainly got more of a feeling you were on a ship with the waves so
close. These outside cabins are actually priced less then the Atrium View cabins, which I think is
crazy. 

Now to the ship itself. She is truly awe inspiring when you see her. Check in took only five minutes at
the most (in the beautiful new pier) and we were on the ship. I was concerned that only two sets of
stairs and elevators would not be sufficient, but in actuality there are four. Each foyer is split to port
and starboard, and depending on where your cabin is, that is the side you use most often. It works
quite well. The stairs on each side of the ship are so large, that they are equivalent to ships that
have a single staircase in the center of the ship. The glass elevators are smooth and quiet, and
really fun to ride up and down on. A unique feature that RCI does is change the carpet everyday in
the elevators. You look down and the carpet shows what day of the week it is! :) I felt this was a
thoughtful touch. 

The ship has been described before, so I will not go too much into the decor. Let me just say it is
beautiful and very tastefully done. No signs of Carnival here. I was not sure if I would like the Royal
Promenade, as I thought it would feel too much like a mall. I was wrong, and now it will be hard to
cruise on a ship without one! The dining room has to be one of (if not thee) most beautiful and
impressive afloat. We were on the first level at a table for eight. Service was superb and the food
was above average. Everything arrived hot which is a plus in my book. Speaking of service, I was
worried that such a large passenger compliment would deplete the level of service compared to
smaller ships. This was not the case, and in many ways I thought the service was better then
Princess and Celebrity. 

During the cruise, I only left the ship once. In Labadee, Haiti. I had no interest in the other ports as I
had been there many times. I always love the ship when everyone else is ashore, as you feel like
the ship is "yours". I loved all the sports activities and I tried them all. There is a charge for each, but
I thought it was worth it. Nothing like ice skating while sailing in the middle of the warm Caribbean!
The rock climbing wall was especially challenging, and after several attempts I still only made it 3/4
of the way up! I worked out everyday and what a pleasure it was in the incredible spa. Beautiful
views forward with great Euro-tech music that is hard to find in the States. The lower half includes
the work out areas, Thalassotherapy pool, saunas and steam rooms. The upper half is the beauty
salon and massage rooms. A spiral staircase connects the two. 

Deck space is plentiful and finding a chair was never a problem. The chairs in the Solarium pool
area are padded and very comfortable, but this area is usually shaded most of the day. I very much
enjoy swimming, and I loved Royal Caribbean's pools. Instead of a well like pool, with a 1-2 ft drop
before the water level, Royal Caribbean (at least on VOYAGER) fills the pools to overflow, and the
water makes a nice cooling off area on the ledge around the pool. VOYAGER's pools are quite large
for a ship, and are side by side instead of behind each other as the ship is so wide. 

There were so many great areas to watch the ocean, including all the way up front on the bow (very
few ships allow this), and on deck 5 outside by the dining room. This area of the deck extends
beyond the hull and gives you a complete side view of the ship. The fact that it is closer to the water
then the pool decks also adds to the allure. 

Night time activities were a plenty. I think there was something for everyone. Jazz in the Viking
Crown, disco in the two story Vault, big band on certain nights, string quartet in the Aquarium Bar,
piano sing-a-long in the Schooner Bar, TV sports in Scoreboard, one man sing-a-long at the Pig
and Whistle, parades down the Royal Promenade, the casino, and of course the numerous Las
Vegas type shows during the cruise. The ice skating show was probably the best stage type show I
have seen on a ship to date. All these activities are found in the Cruise Compass, which is the daily
program. I felt VOYAGER's daily program was the best designed of any cruise line I have sailed.
Besides the usual two fold program that every other ship has, there is a smaller half size insert that
includes every activity and is much easier to carry around. It's also very attractive and even in color!
I thought it deserved some mention. 

The last day of the cruise was quite rough and windy, and I thought VOYAGER handled it quite well
being so top heavy. There was lot's of pounding (these flat bottom ships!) and shuttering and wind
whistling through the halls. Pools had to be emptied and show's canceled. It was the first time in a
week I even felt the ship move, and I loved every minute of it. Spray from the ocean was even hitting
our balcony up on deck 9! The Captain made several announcements and even tried to apologize
for the weather (not necessary). VOYAGER has a peek-a-boo bridge where you can watch the
Captain in action, and look at duplicate instruments that show location, speed and heading. I
thought it was quite interesting although this information could also be found on your TV. 

Disembarkation was painless and faster then any of my 40+ cruises. I was still in the shower at 7am
when I heard the ship was cleared and disembarkation colors were being called. We grabbed a
quick bite and were off the ship by 7:45am! Instead of walking into an uninviting shed with rows of
luggage, we disembarked to what looked like a baggage claim at an airport. Our color tag was
assigned to a conveyer just like the airlines. Once you collect your luggage and proceed through
customs, all the airlines had counters available to directly check your luggage if desired. All in all, a
very impressive and smooth operation. I wish all cruises ended so pleasantly. 

From this review, I'm sure you can gather I have become quite a fan of VOYAGER. I still adore the
old classic liners, but VOYAGER has made a believer of me that bigger sometimes can mean better!
I don't think this would have been possible had RCI not designed a superb ship, with the proper
infrastructure surrounding it. 

I know some of you are wondering about the negatives. Honesty there are not too many. I am a
positive person and fairly easy to please, so that may have something to do with it. The food was
not gourmet, but neither is any other mass market ship. The ports were boring, but that is not why I
took this cruise. There were additional charges, but no one forced you to partake in those activities.
Additional schemes to produce onboard revenue were prevalent, but this is to be expected with
cruise prices so low. Certainly it was not as blatant as my last Carnival cruise. All in all, the negatives
were really negligible, and nothing that deterred from the overall cruise. This being said, I look
forward to future cruises on VOYAGER and her future sisters. I certainly feel no ship in the seven
day Caribbean market can compare! 

Sincerely, Ernest Roller in Atlanta, GA 

Name: Paul Kraeuter
Email: mclef@inteliport.com
Age: 73
Occupation: retired businessman
NumberOfCruises: 28
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Voyager
SailingDate: Jan 09,2000
Itinerary: Western Caribbean
Cabin: 7669
FoodDiningRoom: 75
CruiseDirector: 75
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService: 
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 60
CabinQuietness: 75
FoodMidnightBuffets: 
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 
FoodVariety: 75
DeckService: 
ShoreExcValue: 
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 40
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 75
GoodForSeniors: 70
BeautySalonStaff: 
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess: 
ExerciseFacilities: 
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 70
BeautySalon: 
EntertainmentPoolside: 
CruiseActivities: 50
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram: 
MedicalFacilities: 
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 80
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 08 Feb 2000
Time: 15:04:28
Remote Name: cache.inteliport.net
Remote User: 

Comments

The Voyager was the destination for us. We've been to the islands before. The ship is magnificent.
Decor, brass and glass; the total glitz has to be seen. The Royal Promenade is great. We spent
most evenings at the Pig 'n Whistle, a small bar, at an outside table. All the evening entertainment
went by here. Dancers, jugglers, stilt walkers, singers and just some pure nonsense.. Loved Sara,
one of the singers. The ice rink and fabulous Ice Show were so enjoyable, we went twice.Great
lighting and special effects. The main showroom, La Scala, is BIG. Three stories high, up an down
orchestra pit, special effects, and since it all had to be held together, columns. Seating both here
and at the ice rink is theater-type seats which we prefer rather than benches and separate chairs
and tables. Spinners, one deck above the big casino and on the Promenade is a NO smoking
smaller casino. It only had slots, which is all we play, but we enjoyed it, and as it opens onto the
Promenade, we didn't miss anything going on there. OK, that's the good part. 

Before I go down the list, I can't help but wonder if I was on the same ship as some of your earlier
commentators. I also wonder if they read the instruction for filling out this form. So many above 90
scores!! The 89 to 80 scores are still very good. I can understand first-time cruisers giving these
high marks. Everything is marvellous to them. 

Food- Dining Room: Not what I would expect in a good city restaurant. The Lobster was a joke. I've
had crayfish bigger than that! On both Celebrity and Princess we've had nice Lobster tails and had
the waiter come back with a bowl full of seconds. One night, the eight people at our table were all
dissatisified with our meals. We were told that they would be changing that menu, and as is usually
the case, we were asked please,please mark us excellent. Oh, Sure!! Might as well get our waiter in
here. He spilled water down a fellow passenger's back one evening and laughed about it. No
apology. On other nights he bumped the same person several times with no apology. Not only no
Excellent, but no tip. Everyone at our table gave reduced tips. I know these people only get $50 a
month and they sure work long hours, but know what? My cabin steward got what we shorted the
waiter. 

Food - Lido deck: Uninspiring, the same every day. 

Oops. almost forgot. A beautiful stainless steel masterpiece 1950's Diner, Johnny Rockets. It seems
that when the ship started sailing, this was free. Hamburgers, real diner food. If you've read earlier
reports, it was free, and became so popular there was a wait. Guess what?? they put prices on the
menu. Now, it's empty. 

Just so you are aware, RCCL advertizes in non-english speaking countries. You can expect to see
oriental groups, Brazilian groups, and others that speak no English.....We had a wonderful time with
two young ladies from Brazil at our table. One spoke English very well. They were fun to be with. But
you might at lunch time be seated at a table for eight with six people who spoke no English. 

We were told that there were over 200 children on board. The ship is so big I guess there was
plenty to do. But I bet nobody told you, it is all extra. Lets start with the Big stuff. Ice skating extra,
and would you believe, some brought their own skates. Rock wall climbing, Mini Golf, Roller Blade
track,all for a price. For the younger kids they have separate play rooms for different ages. I hope I
misunderstood the sign. $4.00 per hour per child. I did see one free activity that looked like fun. Two
story water slide. Watched a large man come down it and nearly empty the pool. For the teens-give
or take a few - the video game room!! Fair sized room-a bit smaller than the casino. Here for .50
cents a game, you can play for hours. This can be rather expensive. 

Activities for Seniors- not much. There's napkin folding, but for seniors, who cares. Oh yes, there is
horse racing by the pool, bingo- another total rip-off, not just here, but on all cruise ships. 

Two nights we had great stage shows. Other nights, jugglers, magician, unicyclist, and Peter Noone
from Herman's Hermits. One night there was NO show in the show room, and nothing else to take it's
place. How come??? 

The island Labadee was inadequate - under construction and can't hold 3500 people. Blanket
space on the beach looked like Coney Island!! The transportation from one side of island to the
other is inadequate!! 

I have to give RCCl+++ for their treatment of the islanders at Labadee. If I understand it correctly,
they give Christmas presents to all the local kids. We watched them give presents to a large group
of local children ; Santa Claus was there, along with our ship jugglers, and others who entertained
the children. This was Jan. 11th and must have been going on since Christmas, one school at a
time. Good Stuff!! 

Back to the ship...2 months old. Half the faucets in the public restrooms didn't work These are the
automatic kind that sees your hand. This cruise line will have a real problem in another two
months.When we left the ship, you still could not wash your hands in the Men's room by the
Basketball court. 

This is the first ship we have ever been on with no movie theater. Ah, but it has Interac-channel. You
can bring up your on-board tab on your TV. There were four so-called first rated movies on @$9.00
and, how's this, for beginners instruction, seven, count them, Seven XXX rated movies at $13. Wow!
Add this to the in-room fully stocked (for a price) refrigerator, you've got a real class act!! OOOH, I
almost forgot - No room to put anything in refrig unless you buy some of their overpriced goodies. 

OK - so now lets get off the ship. 

Last day breakfast closes at 8 AM - now that's early, folks!! 

They make sure you're awake by shaking the heck out of the whole ship about 5 AM. Whatever
propulsion is used to turn the ship around at 5 AM, it makes it feel like we are going through a meat
grinder. And we were on deck seven. 

We had an adventure. 

All in all, we got our bang for the buck. On to New Orleans!! 

Name: James & Diane Fanning
Email: dijimfan2@pdqnet.com
Age: 66
Occupation: ret. elem. teacher
NumberOfCruises: 25
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Voyager
SailingDate: 1/16/2000
Itinerary: Labadee,Ocho Rios,Cozumel
Cabin: 9593m
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 80
CabinComfort: 92
FoodRoomService: 
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 91
FoodMidnightBuffets: 
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland: 93
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess: 80
ExerciseFacilities: 98
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon: 
EntertainmentPoolside: 75
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 80
MedicalFacilities: 
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 98
DiscoNightclubs: 
DeckSpace: 98
Stabilization: 99
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 08 Feb 2000
Time: 15:12:08
Remote Name: vpn17.pdqnet.com
Remote User: 

Comments

cruise This was our twenty-fifth over all, and our fifteenth with RCI. Most of our cruises have been on
ships when they first come out, about the eight to fifteenth cruise. I expected great things from the
Voyager being a new departure in size alone. I was not disappointed. The ship is a knockout visually
right from the start. It reminded me of the impact the first viewing of the Sovereign had on me when it
was brand new and setting a new standard for other new ships to follow. 

Embarkation We took the Air/sea program from Sacramento, so it was the usual hurry up and wait at
the airport. The flight left at nine AM PST and we got to Miami at Eight PM EST. Luck of the draw
sent us to the Radisson. We had an over priced dinner and since there is nothing near the
Radisson we watched TV and went to bed. In the morning we learned our room on the private club
floor and came with a breakfast so we could skip the dining room. The embarkation for us went very
fast, about 200 people in a group were going on the Enchantment, only sixty or so on the Voyager. I
had read that our Diamond Card had special boarding privileges. That went unused. We got off the
bus went strait into the terminal up the escalator an on the ship. We bypassed the photo op.
Debarking a week later was just as fast except we had to wait for one bag at the new baggage
carousel. 

The Ship The first view of the interior of the ship on deck 4 does not have the impact of the views
from deck5 to 8 aft, especially on one of the four glass elevators. The Carmen dining room was
open to viewing and is gorgeous. We were seated on the second tier La Boheme and could look
down on the Carmen. It was a great table. There is not hotel restaurant to match that I know of for
size and beauty. The next stop was the Royal Promenade which is lined with the usual shops and
two great bars {Pig And Whistle, Score Board} and a third food and bar café that usually had kids
getting cokes. Spinners is a roulette slot contraption ala Rube Goldberg which while interesting
didn’t get much play and I don’t think will be repeated on the Explorer. The forward end of the
{street} aka. Royal Promenade is Cleopatra’s Needle the nightclub show room. The room is
decorated in an Egyptian motif and is no great departure from similar rooms on the Vision class
ships. La Scala theater is something else, it is beautiful and has all the most up-to-date equipment
possible .The drawbacks are the seating is tight and the armrest will not hold the drinks except one
size glass that no one ordered. A beer can won’t fit either. Bad design they will have to cut out a
couple of seats in each row to widen the arm rest and holes for drinks or give up serving, which is
unlikely. Also the two bars in the back of the balcony should become service bars as these are loud
during the shows and must close down. The pool deck forward has a huge Gym with lots of
machines available and I heard no complaints all week about waiting. The Centrum pool is done in a
Roman style like the Legend but it’s not under glass and on the first day out, was a wind trap. The
main pool area seemed a little crowded especially at the bandstand in the space they hold the horse
races and games. The pyramid artwork could be done away with, probably looked better on paper
without a lot of people. The tiered sun bathing spaces is a nice touch. Aft of the pools is the
Windjammer and Island Grill with two serving lines apiece, really cuts the waiting time in line down
especially once you find out where things are. The one complaint is the sameness of the food each
day; the penalty of size must be paid. Old timers will miss the made to order omelets and
hamburgers of the Sun Viking and Song of America. The Island grill acts as an alternate dinning
room at night. We were told the food was very good but limited in selection. The Portofino resturant
was booked up and we didn’t get to try it. I heard many good comments about the food, also some
gripes about the cover charge of $6 each. The aft elevators Port side goes to the crown lodge area,
which is a bit of a disappointment to me at least The ship is so wide that they have room to spare.
The High Notes is a jazz Bar at night and is only open after three for service in the Crown Nest, the
area by the windows overlooking the main pool. Port side has two rooms the Seven of Hearts a card
room for bridge tournaments and Cloud Nine for receptions and board games. Starboard aft is the
19th Hole a sports bar serving the area of the rock climbing wall, inline skating track, golf coarse,
golf simulaters, and basketball court. The two bars are separated by a curtain and open hallway.
Sounds from partying groups in the 19th Hole disturb the peace in the lounge and jazz music
doesn’t mix with the TVS in the !9th Hole. I would assume a change would be made on the Explorer.
A wall and door probably. Then both areas will get more use. The rock-climbing wall was booked up
early and the people who tried it seemed to get a real kick out the experience. This is the first ship
I’ve been on that could and did have 6-man team volleyball games while at sea. The winds and seas
were perfect from Jamaica on to Miami. The golf coarse is harder than expected. They used
different kinds of carpet over the sculptured deck to simulate rolling fairways. Only a few rented
skates for the inline track, more ice-skated in studio B when it was open. I felt that the sports deck
was well laid out and a real attraction on this ship. Much better than a cage on the top deck in the
wind as it is on many ships. 

The Food I am not a gourmet by any means. I like a good steak cooked to order and potatoes. As
always on RCCL ships I had no complaint. All my dinners were just fine by my standards. That said, I
would say the selection of entrees has been cut back and simplified from the past. I would not buy
the menus as we have in the past to brag to our Land loving friends. The days of extravagant dining
may be a thing of the past on the mass carrier lines such as Carnival, Princess and RCCL. In the
future if you want that kind food you will have to go on their upscale ships and pay for it. Just as
Carnival has Holland America and Seabourne, RCCL [RCI} has Celebrity and I would not be
surprised to read that they acquired Silver Seas or Crystal at some time in the future. The food in
Johnny Rockets is no longer free. I saw a reasonable number of people using the place so I guess
the idea will probably work. Extra charges seem to be the coming thing. Princess has ice cream
shops franchised aboard and Carnival has pastry shops. The stores have always been a sales
gimmick and have done well. 

Accommodations The cabins are a little larger than on the Vision class and much larger than the
Sovereign class ships. The refrigerators in the room are mini bars and charges apply. One lady at
our table took out a soda and was charged for the entire inventory. She caught the charge on the
interactive TV and got it cleared up, but be warned it can happen. Since my wife prefers an inside
cabin without a window, not wanting to the see ship movement and likes it dark when she sleeps. We
have experienced the small cabins on the older, now gone, ships in the fleet. Believe me these are
improved. The showers no longer have clinging curtains. The beds are two or three inches higher
so even the largest luggage can be stowed. 

Children This Ship seems to have the most varied facilities for kids ever. They have a separate pool
and slide for tots, a game room for sub teens and a full disco for teens called Optix. Adventure
Ocean is an arcade with forty machines, skiing, motor cycle, surfing, race cars, wave runners and
skate boards to name a few. They seem to operate off the cruise card so be sure you set limits on
the kids or look out. There is also a room filled with computers for the kids to play games on. 

Entertainment The show rooms are state of the art. The equipment may have led to over kill in some
shows. IMHOP. Mostly standard fare on a par with RCIs other ships. The ice show is great and a
must see. The skaters do a fine job with the space available and there are no bad seats in the
Studio B ice theater. Surprise! It’s not cold and dank like so many ice rinks. 

Excursions Labadee= We went ashore after breakfast about 10 Am. There were no lines for the
tenders, which operated about every ten minutes all day. Ours landed at the new pier near Nellie
place so we could walked to the native market and were surrounded by aggressive locals all trying
to sell the same stuff. It has been years since we’ve been to Labadee, A boycott kept us out on the
Majesty. The island now has new clean restrooms a new barbecue stand at Columbus Bay and
trams that go from Dragon’s Breath at one end of the peninsula to Columbus cove at the other. It’s a
pleasant ride and sure beats walking in the sand. Altogether I think it’s a very good way to spend the
sent day at the beach. Ocho Rios= This was our fourth time in this port so we have done the
standard tours to the falls, Fern Gully, Martha Bray and down town. This time we went to the
botanical gardens and Firefly, Noel Cowards home. The gardens are beautiful and Firefly has a
great view, although the ride is long and bumpy, potholes all the way. They stop down town on the
way back for shopping as usual by the native market for about an hour. Nice trip but over priced by
far. Cozumel= We have been to Tulum so we opted to go to the arciolagical dig on Cozumel. I was
pleasantly surprised that the site was so extensive. The tour then visited several beaches but only
long enough to get a beer and walk around. It will come as no surprise that you can stay on the bus
after the return to the ship and continue to the main shopping area. They drop you off in front of
one of the many jewelry stores on the main harbor front. White tourist cabs are $5 to the pier per
cab flat rate. 

Last thought This ship should be very popular with the young active adults with or without their
children. It is truly a resort at sea with lots to do and plenty of space to do it in. In the excursion
brochure they post walking notices. This ship could use that warning. The elevators are over 600
feet apart. The distance from the ship to the customs in Jamaica is now at least 1000 feet or more
and in Cozumel it is even further. If a travel agent books older passengers with walking difficulties
they could have some unhappy campers. Also some of the traditional activities that appeal to older
people seem to get lost on this ship. Many are held in studio B [ice rink] others like team trivia not at
all. . 

Name: Sue Peavey
Email: speavey@rational.com
Age: 43
Occupation: Executive Assistant
NumberOfCruises: 5
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Voyager
SailingDate: 2/6/00
Itinerary: Labadee/Jamaica/Cozumel
Cabin: 8366 D8
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 80
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 80
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 80
CabinQuietness: 70
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 
GoodForHoneymoon: 
CasinoStaff: 
PrivateIsland: 90
GoodForFamilies: 
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 
GoodForSeniors: 
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess: 
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 50
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 
MedicalFacilities: 90
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 70
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 15 Feb 2000
Time: 12:10:19
Remote Name: ext-38048.rational.com
Remote User: 

Comments

We sailed on the Voyager 2/6/00. We booked this ship for the ship, not the itinerary. We had been
to Jamaica and Cozumel many times, and just wanted to be on this wonderful ship - the only port we
visited was wonderful Labadee. Arrived for embarkation at 10:30. We were checked in by 11:00 and
on the ship by 11:30. Smoothest embarkation we have ever had. Wanted to get on early to book our
massages and facials. Spa opened at 12:30 and we were first in line. Also booked out Friday dinner
at Portafino's Restaurant (you need to call and book in advance when you board, as the restaturant
is very popular and books up quickly). Muster drill went very smoothly and quickly. Then it was time
to Party!!! 

The ship is HUGE! Even though there are 3000 other guests, we never felt part of a huge
crowd. Everywhere we went, there was never a line, except for lunches in the Windjammer Cafe or
the smaller and more intimate Island Grille (behind the Windjammer). Dinners in the Carmen Dining
room were wonderful, we had 2nd seating. Had a nice table with people from South Africa,
Wisconsin and Hawaii. We had some sort of beef every evening for the entree - we dont eat meat
that often at home so we splurged. We are from Massachusetts, so didn't order the infamous lobster
tail - am so tired of everyone saying how awful it was - what do they expect - its South American
lobster - not what we are used to up here in the Northeast!!!! My husband and others at our table
ordered 2 and 3 different entrees - no problem - the waiters aim to please.... 

The ice show is the
best show on the ship - saw it three times. No cameras allowed - if they catch you, you will be
reprimanded. Other shows to see - they had a great Jazz band in the upper high notes lounge. Nice
farewell show in the Theatre. The Champagne Bar is wonderful. We drink Cliquot Champagne and
they had it there. We would congregate there each night with friends we met on the ship - nice
group of people there. Ramma is the bartender, we have met him on the Granduer and
Enchantment. Excellent and classy guy. Casino is nice, lots of slots. Play the end slots, better odds
of winning. We did! We had a cabin on the 8th floor with a balcony, #8366. It was toward the aft end
of the ship, and we did feel the rudder at times during the night. You need to have a balcony -
nothing better than cruising and sitting at night watching the stars in your nightie!!! We did not
disembark in Jamaica or Cozumel, had our massages scheduled during those stops. Love the spa,
how better to pamper yourself than to have a massage....... AHHHHH. 

Had the entire ship to
ourselves. Played minature golf (they charge for this when the ship is enroute to the next port). We
took some golf balls and just played for free when the ship was in port - learned this trick from some
smart Senior Citizens! Visited the medical center, for cold medication. They even have an operating
room on board. VERY impressive. You need to stand in the Business Center on the 8th floor and
gaze down onto the Grand Promanade. Its awesome. They even have a car there - donated by the
designer of the ship. The ship was extremely clean and the people employed by RCCL were very
nice and helpful. Disembarkation was smooth and extremely quick. We were off the ship and on our
bus by 8:30. Don't understand the complaints by prior reviewers. Our cruise experience was
wonderful. Am booking the Explorer of the Seas the same week next year. One comment on the
excursions. Jamaica: Dunns River Falls - don't do this excursion unless you are physically fit. Lots of
climbing, know of many people who have gotten injured doing this one. Cozumel, do the Xcaret
excursion - you will have a ball. Its a wonderful Seaworld type place in the middle of nowhere in
Mexico. They dont advertise this place for some reason - its worth the trip. 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Have a ball on the Voyager!!!

Name: Jim Kas
Email: JIM_KAS@prodigy.net
Age: 48
Occupation: Telecommunications Mgr
NumberOfCruises: 7
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-Voyager
SailingDate: Feb 6, 2000
Itinerary: western Caribbean
Cabin: 8340 D8
FoodDiningRoom: 70
CruiseDirector: 92
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 93
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 93
FoodLidoDeck: 83
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 85
CabinSteward: 94
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 82
DeckService: 91
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 89
PrivateIsland: 85
GoodForFamilies: 88
LoungeService: 89
TenderService: 88
GoodForSeniors: 81
BeautySalonStaff: 85
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 94
ExerciseFacilities: 99
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 78
BeautySalon: 
EntertainmentPoolside: 82
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 87
AirSeaProgram: 
MedicalFacilities: 
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 97
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 92
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 91
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 19 Feb 2000
Time: 14:17:41
Remote Name: chcgb806-04.splitrock.net
Remote User: 

Comments

Hi, my wife and I just returned from our 7th cruise. This one was on the Voyager of Seas. Lets start
with the embarkation. First, a tip to those living in the North. I have always got my own air and gone
down the day before I sail. You never know about the weather from Dec to Mar. Embarkation was
excellent. I had an Avis car rented and was able to drop it off at the dock, a short walking distance to
the ship. Check in was fast and easy. We checked in at 11:15 AM and were on the ship at 12 noon.
We had our luggage by 1:30 pm. Some people did not get their luggage until 8:30pm. I think the
earlier you check in the faster you get it. The room we picked was on deck 8, with a balcony. After
having a balcony, I would never sail without one. The ship itself is huge, roomy and has just about
all you could ask. I like to go on new ships, but this one had everything just a touch better and
bigger than the rest. Of course, it can carry 3800 guests. We wanted to eat at the alternative
resturant, Portofinos, so this was a top priority to make that reservation. We got it for late seating on
Wed. The dining room was beautiful, three levels, all open. It did not matter what level you were on.
Well, as long as we are here, lets discuss the food. My first two cruises were on Carnival 15 years
ago. That food was ok. This food was the worst I have had on any cruise. The steaks seemed
microwaved, three nights of what I call cheap out food. What I mean by that is Caribbean Night,
Southwestern Night and Mardi Gras Night let them get away with what I call cheap food, not top
grade dinners. The worst thing they served was the only lobster dish, Florida lobster, stuffed with
crabmeat. It was a shell, with a 3 shrimp size pieces and crabmeat put in it like a double baked
potato. Everyone on the ship complained about it. Portofino, the alterative resturant was ok, nothing
special. Its romantic looking, but again, its not real good Itailian food. Our waiter never did bring us
coffee. The cost was fair, 6 dollars per person, that included all charges. 

The room was execellent. It was laid out the best for comfort and space.Room Service was very
good. One nice thing on this ship, you can get pizza, little sandwiches and dessert 24 hrs a day. The
ship has a lot of bars, computers so you can send email etc. This cost is 50 per minute. They have
a nice miniture golf course(3 dollars per person), rock climbing, enough things to do for everyone.
Shows were high tech, they also brought people in for one show and they were top grade shows.
Music was playing all over the ship at night. The casino was very large and fun. I saw one person
win 4000 on a slot. Ports of call were not high on my list as I like the Eastern and Southern. I do not
snorkle, but if you do you will like these ports. 

All in all it was a fun cruise. From the first day I wondered how I would like a ship that large, so here
is what I discovered. A ship this size for me was to big. What it lacked was getting to know your
waiters and ship personnel. Also you did not see the same people all the time, so you did not get to
know anyone very well. But very one was friendly, the staff tried hard and the sun always cures
anything. If anyone would like to know more, Email me and I will be happy to answer all questions.

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