We just returned from a great Trans-Atlantic voyage from Barcelona to Galveston on the Voyager of the Seas and wanted to share some of the high points, as well as a few low points about the experience. We had an online package deal that included air transportation, a hotel for two nights and the cruise. The air portion from Houston was uncomfortable on a packed Lufthansa 747, but uneventful. The transfers were smooth and the hotel (H10 marina) was comfortable although the air conditioning had been turned off for the season a little prematurely. Embarkation on the ship was chaotic with the terminal seeming more like the Calcutta railway station than a cruise terminal. There was no discernable organization or prioritization, with passengers being assigned random boarding groups. Although we were diamond status in a junior suite, we were given priority 12, while some new cruisers were given priority one or two. Our boarding agent was clueless about any special waiting areas for Platinum and Diamond Crown and Anchor members, and directed us to a room that turned out to be the isolation ward for passengers suspected of having communicable diseases! We then beat a hasty retreat from the area and took refuge in a baggage holding area.
After waiting for about an hour or so, we boarded but were not allowed in our cabins until 2 PM.
The ship is about 137,000 tons and I conservatively estimate the 3,100 passengers' median weight at 250 lbs., without luggage, adding about another 400 tons to the ballast. The majority were from the U.S, U.K. and Canada. We met many new friends and found that almost all our shipmates were mature, friendly folks who had experienced successful careers and had led interesting lives.
This is a handicapped configured cabin with about 340 sq. ft. and 124 sq. ft balcony. It is a great room.