Voyager of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was our 4th cruise on the Voyager over the past 2 years. Unlike the previous cruises, we didn’t have the same fantastic experience we had before but we still had a good time. Mainly we found both the food and service (stateroom steward and MDR waiter) standards had fallen. This was the 1st cruise for us that Royal Caribbean included tips in the total cruise price. We couldn’t help but wondered if we were unlucky to have the odd bad stateroom steward/main dining room waiter or that would be the standard of service to expect as they no longer need to go ‘the extra mile’ to impress and strive for the tips.
I am reducing the review by 1 star because of the poor service and complete lack of attention to details provided by stateroom steward for Promenade Stateroom 7601.
On boarding the Voyager, we found our stateroom with one of the main lights flashing, a safe that couldn't be closed, a bathroom with strong urine smell and the exhaust fan shrieking loudly, flashing message light on the phone, a large corner of an under bed storage bag (unzipped with extra beddings) stuck out of the bed valance, beddings didn't look fresh but used & stale, a dirty runner on the bed, dusty & dirty inside the wardrobe. It was obvious no care had been given to get the stateroom ready for guests. Unfortunately all these were an indication of the services we would receive.
Cabin Review
Promenade Stateroom
Inside stateroom with a bay window overlooking the promenade. Convenient location. Can watch the parades but not ideal views from stateroom and also can't hear the music. Have to keep the curtains drawn most time as with the lights on people can see you so basically it was an inside cabin but cost more. It is a joining stateroom with a connecting door to the next stateroom making the layout a bit awkward. The desk with the mini frig on one side, a shallow drawer for hair dryer in the middle and 2 open shelves on the other side. Very narrow shelves behind glass doors on both sides of mirror above desk. If you need drawers to put things into, you have to walk past the bed to the set of drawers under the TV or the bedside tables. Reasonable storage space inside wardrobe and bathroom. Shower is small with glass doors and not shower curtains.
Port Reviews
Lautoka
No more free shuttles but ship charged USD8 return into town. Lots of private operators at ship's side offering tours. Didn't go ashore being a very hot humid day and we had been here before a few times.
Suva
A local shop, Jack's of Fiji, offered free shuttles to its shop, a 5-min ride. Being a Sunday, the two markets near the dock and most shops along the main street, Victoria Parade, were closed. However, Tappoocity and Proud's Shopping Mall very near Jack's of Fiji, were open. Again, lots of private tour operators were at the dock gate. Many passengers, not doing tours, walked around town or all the way to the Presidential Palace passing shops, the Government buildings, Albert Park, Thurston Garden, etc.
Mystery Island
The locals set up stalls on the island. Quite fun to look around and do some shopping. Some locals offer boat trip further out or to a local village on another island. Also lovely to swim or snorkel but not much shade on the beach.
Isle of Pines (New Caledonia)
My favourite island in the S Pacific. Again great for swimming and snorkelling. More shaded areas to sit and relax. Some 2-hr tours were offered by private tour operators. Again locals set up stalls to sell food and things.
Noumea
There are a range of tours available inside the terminal where the free shuttles drop off.