ROYAL CARIBBEAN: 8 Awesome Experiences onboard Voyager of the Seas! @RoyalCaribbean

It’s exciting hopping on a cruise for the first time and discovering what’s inside the gigantic vessel that floats across the sea is an adventure itself!

VOYAGER OF THE SEAS by ROYAL CARIBBEAN is a 15 decker cruise line that can fit up to 4,269 passengers that sails from Australia to the South Pacific shore. It features ten pools and whirlpools, ice-skating rinks, rock-climbing walls and a FlowRider surfing simulator, and several dining options that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

If you’re looking to swim in the Great Barrier Reefs of Australia, see the surreal landscapes of New Zealand or discover more of Asia this cruise line might fit you.

Here’s a photo essay of the top 8 highlights onboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas…

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1. The Deck & Rooms!

Our departure port was in Hong Kong right in time for the July Sale perfect for buying those last minute outfit changes. Be sure to check-in early to make the most of the buffet and explore the deck.

As you get acquainted with the ship, you’ll find Voyager of the seas filled with surprises! In fact, you might not even want to waste a single second more! There are mountains to climb, valleys to golf all on board the very ship.

Balcony Staterooms (Superior Ocean View)

The Ocean View staterooms measure 161 sq. ft. offering a gorgeous view with two twin beds and a private bathroom. (Up to 4 guests)

There’s 24-hour room service in case you ever get hungry in the middle of the night.

The bathroom comes with complimentary towels, shampoos, conditioner, lotion, and soap.

Tip: The twin beds can be converted to a Royal King to your choosing.

2. Dreamworks Move It! Move It! Parade!

The first day is always the loudest! At 7 pm the guests flock to the Royal Promenade to watch the opening parade starring their favorite Dreamworks characters from Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar.

The whole Royal Promenade transforms into a festive event where kids and kids at heart moved to the music and cheered along with everyone! There was even a dragon dance that accompanied Po from Kung Fu Panda!

Royal Promenade is located on Deck 5 where constant merry making filled with music, dancing and street parties happen through out the cruise.

Tip: The best spot to enjoy and watch the action is at Cafe Promenade where you can get your fix of unli coffee, finger foods, and dessert.

3. Endless Food!

If you’re on a cruise, I won’t be surprised if you add on a few pounds. Here is the list of complimentary restaurants onboard Voyager of the Seas that you don’t want to miss out!

Windjammer

Windjammer is everyone’s go-to to buffet restaurant so expect it to be a little crowded most of the times. Offering a casual buffet setting they provide most of the main meals from breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Located on the 11th deck at the back of the ship it has one of the best views provided by the full windows, which wraps-around the entire restaurant.

We found Windjammer to serve the best breakfast on Voyager’s of the Sea though I also loved the fresh bread and breakfast burrito in Cafe Promenade. The menu is mostly American Fare with a few Asian dishes.

The menu includes sausages, bacon, freshly baked bread, cereals, pancakes, hash brown, yogurt, fresh fruits and orange juice.

The menu for lunch and dinner are almost similar. So I suggest dining at Sapphire their fine dining resto for something lighter and different.

The buffet offers options like made-to-order omelets, pasta, salads, soups, hamburgers, pizzas, a carving station and a dessert station.

Sapphire Dining Room

Our go to resto for dinner is Sapphire dining which offers a delicious three-course meal.

The grand opera houses inspire the decors. Sapphire is a magnificent sight itself with a grand staircase, high domes and ceiling, filled with dramatic gold embellishments.

The three-level main dining room offers multi-course dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Get a reservation and choose between seating assigned at 6 p.m. or with the second seating at 8:30 p.m.

Tip: Make sure to be on time as they are strict with no more orders after the cut off time. Dress code is also strict (no shorts, close shoes only, smart casual)

Here’s a sample three-course menu of what you can expect:

Appetizers: Shrimp cocktails, vegetable spring rolls, seafood salad, egg drop soup, Maryland crab cakes, New England Clam chowder, Rare Seared Tuna, Escargot…

Mains: Steak Diane, Asian BBQ Ribs, Cajun BlackSnapper, Fusili and Spinach Pasta, Chicken with Seasonal Vegetables, Braised Lamb Shank, Roasted Lemon Rosemary Chicken, Sweet and Sour Black Ribs…

Dessert: Sticky bread and butter pudding, tiramisu, lemon sherbet, sugar-free strawberry Romanoff, low-fat lemon yogurt.

If you ever come across the same menu, I remember loving the escargot and Maryland crab cakes for the appetizer, the braised lamb shank and Steak Diane for the mains and for dessert I mostly enjoyed everything.

Cafe Promenade

Sitting in the heart Royal Promenade, Cafe Promenade is a relaxed space where you can enjoy people watching and get a front row seat of the shows happening in the area.

They offer light refreshments like coffee and tea, sandwiches, pizzas, and dessert.

I also love the simple breakfast they offer from yogurt mixed with fruits and granola, muffins and yummy breakfast burritos. They also serve Starbucks coffee for about $4.

Tip: There’s free soft serve ice cream by the pool.

4. Specialty Dining

Voyager of the Seas offers two of their favorite specialty dining restaurants from the Royal Caribbean cruises CHOPS GRILLE the signature steakhouse and GIOVANNI’S TABLE offering family-style Italian dishes.

Guests can enjoy a more intimate dining away from the masses while indulging in higher-quality dishes with their excellent selection of signature dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood and made from scratch Italian favorites like pasta, bread, and dessert!

While Windjammer, Cafe Promenade, and Saphire are part of the cruise package, specialty restaurants include an additional fee of ($35) for Chop’s Grille and ($20) for Giovanni’s Table. Guest on the ship will find it enticing for its “all you can eat” menus and pampered dining experience.

Here’s what to expect at Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Table…

5. Keep Fit

The Royal Caribbean Cruises will keep you fit and constantly on the move with fun activities and facilities found onboard.

While you’ll find the traditional facilities like swimming pool, jogging tracks, fitness center, basketball court and …

… mini golf.

You’ll be surprised to know that you can surf on board with their FlowRider machine, skate in their indoor ice rink or even find yourself rock climbing with the view of the open sea!

Flowsurfing takes the looks and feel of surfing and combines it with the extreme tricks of skateboarding. The best time to try flow riding is at night when the cues are shorter, and the sun doesn’t burn.

Riders are then introduced to “Body Boarding” or surfing while laying flat on your stomach, much like real world surfing.

This type of Flowsurfing is easier and best suited for the kids!

Did I mention these activities are complimentary?

6. Travel to a Different Country (Shore Excursions)

Shore Excursions can get you all excited! Imagine waking up to a different country, seeing amazing sites, experiencing a new culture, and tasting delicious food.

Each shore excursion varies and can entice foodies, culture seekers, adrenaline junkies and families depending on the destination.

Here is a taste of what you can expect from our shore excursions experiences for Day 3 in Hoi An and Day 4 in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

The Ancient Town of Hoi An Tour ($40 Shore Excursion)

From assembly halls, shrines, temples, and pagodas the small ancient riverside village was declared a UNESCO heritage site for the density of such structures that is unlike any other in Vietnam.

In the early 16th Century Hoi An began as an international trading center in Southern Vietnam. Where foreign merchants from Japan, China, India, and the Netherlands set up their emporiums and establishments leaving this city a unique concentration of architectural monuments of various forms.

Built in the early 17th century, the Japanese Covered Bridge is a unique and beloved symbol of the Hoi An residents.

Pho, chicken rice, Kopi Luwak also known as civet coffee are among the sought out local delicacies found in this busy shopping street.

Kopi Luwak is the shit! Renowned all over the world for its incredibly smooth and delicious taste and aroma.

Nha Trang Tour ($40 Shore Excursion)

Nha Trang is a coastal resort city in southern Vietnam known for its beaches, diving and historical sites all conveniently located a few minutes from each other.

The Po Nagar Cham temple in Nha Trang, Vietnam was built between the 8th and 11th centuries by the Cham people in honor of the goddess Po Nagar. The Cham people who are Hindu in origin are now considered an ethnic minority that once ruled all of Vietnam.

You might find the Po Nagar Cham’s architectural style similar to the ones you find in Thailand and Cambodia.

We love the intricate details and beauty of the designs of the silk embroideries that are still produced and hand woven by the young women of Vietnam.

This ancient art was acquired in China referred to as Suzhou embroidery that dates back to 2,000 years.

Sugarcane juice ($1 for two) and coconut water are a real life saver from the sizzling heat.

Tip: Best to bring umbrellas and hats to battle off the hot weather.

Vietnam’s fruits including rambutan and mangosteens were particularly sweet and raved about. Make sure to bargain to get the best price!

7. Shows, Theater, Ice Shows & Entertainment

There are no dull moments on the cruise. With a broad range of onboard entertainment and list of endless programs throughout the day, there’s always something happening somewhere on board even if wish to stay on the ship and skip the shore excursions.

Every night had a different theme whether we traveled back in time with rock n’ roll hit, or dress in tropical shirts and danced under the stars, there’s always a party going on somewhere.

The Casino…

The spectacular Ice Show is by far the best show on board Voyager of the Seas!

Starring a cast of professional skaters from around the world, each given their theme and act complete with dazzling costumes that highlighted the dramatic tone that makes these acrobatic leaps, spins, and lifts even more spectacular!

The Ice Show is performed at Studio B for a door charge of ($11). Best to reserve tickets in advance and line up early as Studio B isn’t that big and can get full easily.

Dress up for Captain’s Night!

Find an excuse to get all dolled up!- Suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or in your evening gowns.

The best place to show off and take that picture perfect attire is high up on deck 14 at High Notes where you can get the best view of the ship and the fancy Sapphire Dining Area.

8. Duty-Free Shopping Galore!

Watch out for those Sale events that happen onboard! Perfumes, bags, jewelry, watches and Korean beauty products are among the products that we found that were on sale.

Sale items include your favorite brands Michael Kors, Swarovski, Skagen, G-shock, Fossil, Anne Klein, Guess, Ralph Lauren, Nine West and more.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, we loved our first time cruising. There’s endless food, outdoor activities, and programs for all tastes and ages. It’s perfect for families and big groups who would love to all stay together but still have the privacy and independence to do their own activities.

Rate starts from $595.00 per person for the whole duration of the cruise which is 5N Vietnam. The cruise fare does not include the add ons, taxes, port charges and gratuities.

Here’s a budget computation for those planning a trip:

For a 5 night cruise, the lowest fare is $595
+ port charges and fees $219
+gratuities $54
+ special dining at Chops Grille $35
+ specialty dining at Giovanni’s Table $20
+ shore excursions $40 x 2 = $80

Budget about ~1,000+ per head for the cruise.

For more info about Voyager of the Seas, please visit http://royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/voyager-of-the-seas

Royal Caribbean’s is also family friendly where some packages are free for kids that make a big difference when you are on a family budget. You can book with Arpan Air or with your preferred travel agency in case you want some last minute changes with your booking.

What’s your favorite experience on a cruise?