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We have cruised on Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival and NCL. This cruise was number 26. We allways have a balcony cabin and, if the price is right, will upgrade. The cruise itineraries out of Galveston are limited but the price is right and we really enjoy the entertainers.
The Voyager is a nice ship with all the usual Voyager class amenities. The ice skating shows are always entertaining. We find the other entertainment to be very much to our liking. The entertainment targets the passenger demographics which is Texas and middle America. The performers in the main show area were excellent and VERY well attended. Go early to get the seat you want.
The late night dance band "Synergy" is a real pleasure. Unfortunately they are in a remote venue, High Notes, on deck 14. Word of mouth seems to be their best advertising. Their following increases every night. By the end of the cruise a space on the dance floor is hard to find and finding a seat is also difficult. A larger more central location, such as Cleopatra's Needle, would be a much better option for them.
Phil Anderson in the Schooner Piano Bar is both an entertainer and performer. He also seems to develop a following as the week goes on. Derek Lewis in the Pig & Whistle is a long time Royal Caribbean entertainer on ships out of Galveston. He has freshened his performance and this venue has been changed to non-smoking which has also helped the atmosphere. The Vault disco is fully enclosed in a windowless room which has poor ventilation to remove the clouds of cigarette smoke. Too bad as we are night owls but too much smoke is too much smoke.
Dining was routine with acceptable menus. Service was better than average.
The Grand Suite was a great value (watch the Internet for changing prices) but we were a little disappointed with certain amenities. The refrigerator did not work. Balcony furniture was insufficient for a large balcony. The in room teapot and warmer worked sporadically. The television was an old tube type, not flat screen, and did a poor job. The RCTV portion was nice but it did not always work. The tub and shower were great. Cabin attendant service and Concierge were excellent. We had a very impromptu party in the suite for the 10 people in our group and the Concierge arranged for food and beverage to be delivered with virtually no notice.
Internet access and connections could use some improvement. Princess has wireless in all cabins. Oh well. My wife also misses the coin laundry on Princess.
Embarkation and debarkation were as smooth as Royal Caribbean could make it. The terminal building and vehicular access are old and substandard with surprisingly long lines. The Port Authority appears to be unwilling to upgrade Terminal 2 or the vehicular access as it is only used by the Voyager for 4 months a year.
We do not want this review too seem so negative. This cruise was so bad that we have booked another Grand Suite in March on this ship. Actions speak louder that words. Did we mention that this cruise is a GREAT VALUE? And the staff does a fine job?
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