Port Liberty in New Jersey is a sprawling former military port that has plenty of parking. Arrival, which is spread out over many hours, is convenient, but the traffic jam at departure, for both passenger vehicles and limos, can be frustrating. Something should be done to expand the area used as a loading zone. We arrived about three hours before departure, and check-in was a breeze.

Sandwiches and soda were served in the pier waiting area, although on a Voyager of the Seas (VotS) cruise a month later this amenity had disappeared. Our family group of six people (husband, wife, three kids (16,14,9) & grandma) had two adjoining mid-price balcony cabins. VotS is a fairly new ship, so everything on the ship seemed to be in good condition. The cabins were attractive, spacious, and the air-conditioning, which was not over-taxed on a Canadian cruise, worked well. Television programming was extremely limited; they should invest $500 on a few dvd players and some videos. The TV does not have a/v inputs.

The cabin steward was cheerful and efficient, as was just about every crew member that I met. The main dining rooms are huge and seem to be adequately staffed. Service was quick and our wait staff was accommodating and upbeat. Food was very good. Read more