VOYAGER OF THE SEAS EASTERN CARIBBEAN JAN. 20 - 27, 2007 By Mary & Vincent Finelli
There is an old saying that the third time is a charm and this, our third cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, was definitely charming. We call our January trips "Anniversary Cruises" since we were married January 26, 1969. So this was our 38th anniversary and along with us to help celebrate the occasion were our son Marcello, his lovely wife Paige and their son Marcellino (almost 5 years old). Thus, we were treated to a view of cruising through the eyes of a child. It was a whole new angle for us --- and we learned a lot about how wonderful Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is to the next generation of cruisers!
The Voyager Class of ships includes the Explorer of the Seas, the Adventure of the Seas, the Navigator of the Seas, and the Mariner of the Seas --- all constructed between 1999 and 2003, they were the largest RCI cruise ships afloat until the launching of the Freedom of the Seas in 2006. It is the most innovative class of ships and architect Njal R. Eide has designed contemporary interiors which far surpass the openness and impressiveness of any ships which came before. The Grand Promenade for Mr. Eide is influenced by the "Town Center." Here there is a small town atmosphere where parades, music and shops all meld together to create a "Main Street" effect far beyond any other ship board sensation. The four deck promenade creates an immense open space which is also found in the three tiered dining rooms. Mr. Eide designed these huge open spaces to be awesome and they are. The grand chandelier beautifully radiates golden light over the diners.