Voyager of the Seas Review

A Barely Adequate Ferry Service

Review for Asia Cruise on Voyager of the Seas
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2002Cruiser
10+ Cruises • Age 80s

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Sail Date: Apr 2015
Cabin: Interior Stateroom

We waited a while to give a more considered review. We have been on about 20 cruises with many different cruise companies in all parts of the world. This was our first time with Royal Caribbean and it was our last. The itinerary was wonderful and the ship kept to schedule, and it didn't sink. The enrichment lectures on Economics were excellent. We didn't get norovirus or food poisoning and we didn't put on weight. But the good news almost ends there, on the other hand if you don't expect much you won't be disappointed.

The lines at check in were long (as they were elsewhere on the ship) but we were on board within 90 minutes. Our cabin was quiet, convenient and nicely presented. Our attendant was very good, the towels were reasonable, although we did take issue with the "Pub style" shampoo/shower gel dispenser. We went on deck to watch events on the dockside to see the crew fishing someone's suitecase out of the "oggin" - someone's holiday ruined - not ours thank goodness, but it set the tone of things to come.

We went to the dining room to see what delicacies were on offer for dinner - no menu displayed. When I enquired of the dining room staff - I was quite brusquely told it was displayed outside, when I asked them to show me, they couldn't. It seems the dining room menu is displayed on an LED screen when "they" remember to switch it on, the menu is generic, that is to say typical, non specific. So you are unable to decide whether to visit the dining room based on the LED menu. We did and were quite disappointed. Coffee is an optional extra, unless you want instant served in a builders mug - as it was served to us. (No offence - Builders)

Cabin Review

Interior Stateroom

Cabin Q

Our cabin was quiet, convenient and nicely presented. Our attendant was very good, the towels were reasonable, although we did take issue with the "Pub style" shampoo/shower gel dispenser.

Port Reviews

Singapore

We had visited Singapore before, we were familiar with its excellent public transport system which is so easy to use. Moreover the centre is quite small and easy to walk around. Marina Gardens within easy reach of the centre is quite delightful. The Chinese quarter, Arab quarter and little India are all a few minutes from the centre. The riverside is a delightful stroll (although the north side is being redeveloped and best avoided. The orchids in the Botanical Gardens are worth a visit. It's a shoppers paradise. Moreover it is clean, law abiding, easy to get around, quite delightful

Taipei (Keelung)

The boat docks at Keelung, which is 50mins by train from Taipei. Ask any locals where the train station is, (15 mins walk from the docks)(Don't waste time asking RCI), collect your NT$ from the bank en-route, the station clerks are most helpful, take the local train which is a little slower but very comfortable, although busy at times. Pick a map up at the station in taipei. There is too much to see in Taipei to list, take a good guide book, and ideally a compass. Travel times by foot are long because of road crossings, and there are many distractions as you walk. The subway is clean efficient and easy to use. There are many road signs indicating where the major points of interest are but once off the beaten track a map and a compass helps. Taipei 1 is worth a visit for the view, but again is was murky whilst we were there so we skipped that. Well worth exploring we would like to go again

Nagasaki

Japanese Imigration are strict (think US of A) - photos and fingerprints. Nagasaki a relatively compact city with all points of interest within striking distance. The Tourist Info place in the dock are excellent. Take the tram day rider for 500JPY (buy at next to Tourist Info), and enjoy the ride. The trams some old and a few new are frequent, efficient and easy to use. Ground zero, the peace park and museum are very sobering but must visit places. Away from such sobering monuments, the city is interesting. Jump on and off the tram at will and visit some of the delightful arcades full of little shops. We could have spent much longer there, but are unsure it would be worth a second visit with so much to see elsewher in Japan.

Hong Kong

The port provide a shuttle to the MRT (we walked but it takes 40 mins) which is easy to use and give access to HK Island and Kowloon side. The Old Trams on HK Island give a good view of the Island but are limited in comfort. Victoria Peak was shrouded in Mist so we skipped that. Nathan Road Kowloon is a shoppers paradise. An excellent place for a short stay.

Tokyo (Yokohama)

Shuttle buses take you to Shinagawa JR Station. Get a PASMO travel card for 500JPY and load it. Valid on all JR trains in Tokyo, as well as ALL subways, and buses. Typically a journey costs 200 JPY. The system is easy to use but the subway stations are vast, often malls, we found quite difficult to negotiate because of the multiplicity of exits. Come up a wrong exit and you are 400mtrs from where you want to be. At the end of your stay get a refund for your PASMO and credits at any station office.

There is too much to see in Tokyo even in a 4 day visit. Prioritise, Imperial palace and Hipaya Park, Ginza for shopping which is quite nearby, take a trip out to Shibuya to see the busiest crossing in the world. Get a good guide book and study it before you go, get your head round the strange sounding Japanese station names (usually locals) and you're away. The locals are very friendly and helpful. The whole place is clean and safe.

We thoroughly enjoyed our short stay and hope to visit again.

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