Royal Caribbean International's
Voyager of the Seas easily qualifies as one of the largest passenger ships in the world, along with her newer sisters,
Adventure of the Seas and
Explorer of the Seas. The 1,020-ft, 142,000-ton ship out-measures the competition by 32,000 tons and carries the largest number of passengers ever in peacetime—some 500 souls above her double occupancy of 3,114. There is still a chance to top this figure when remaining upper berths are filled. Norwegian officers command the 1,180-member international crew.
This ship sails from Galveston, Texas from January through March on 7-night western Caribbean cruises. In April she makes a Trans-Atlantic journey to Barcelona, where she sails weekly western Mediterranean cruises through the late fall before heading back to Galveston at the end of the year.
This is an amazing, revolutionary ship. The Royal Promenade is the heart of this Finnish-designed vessel that conveys a medieval-town atmosphere, an innovative feature that emanated from the giant overnight Scandinavian cruise ferries operating nightly between Stockholm and Helsinki. Passengers in three decks of bay window cabins overlook the promenade where people sit outside a pub, a cafe bar, and a 24-hour eatery, browse shop windows, mingle with buskers that entertain at all hours, and gaze back at the denizens above. The promenade, stretching the length of two football fields, can be viewed from two overhead bridges that cross the linear space at right angles, from several decks at either end and from small balconies. The lighting changes the mood as well, giving the sense of daylight and dusk.
The main restaurant rises three decks with a grand double staircase linking all levels. On the two upper tiers, tables lining the railings and the large windows on either side are preferred positions. The ordinary but slowly improving food does not match the spectacular setting. The alternative restaurant, Portofino, does much better, but reservations are necessary for its Euro-Italian menu and intimate setting. The huge lido buffet has thoroughly standard steam-table fare, and be sure to secure a quiet table aft, well away from the traffic overlooking the stern. Johnny Rocket's, a 1950s-style diner with jukeboxes at every banquette, draws long lines. The food is free; the drinks are not.
The attractive aquarium bar exhibits about a half-dozen fish tanks, and the Vault—a rather terrifying spot that resembles a torture chamber during the day—pumps it up nightly. The schooner bar is a Royal Caribbean cliche of rigging, wooden decks and portholes, plus ugly paintings. The Viking Crown, an RCI trademark, is creatively divided into the Crow's Nest, which offers great views, and the 19th Hole Bar. Above it is a wedding chapel that sees considerable usage during mating season. Maroon hues dominate the large theater, La Scala. Outdoor activities center on an outdoor inline-skating track, miniature golf course, full-size basketball court, and rock climbing wall (major entertainment for those who just stand in awe). When the indoor ice-skating rink is not putting on professional shows, passengers may don skates, bringing their own or renting them aboard. An outdoor wraparound promenade cantilevers over the side amidships and leads right up to the bow for the romantic to recreate the Leonardo di Caprio and Kate Winslet scene in the film "Titanic."
Of the 1,557 good-size cabins, 757 have verandahs. The smallest outside cabin measures 157 sq ft. The 138 inside cabins facing the Royal Promenade command a premium over the standard insides.
This ship is ideal for those wanting an innovative megaship cruise with lots of activities and several days at sea to enjoy them.
