Overview
- The original Royal Caribbean vessel introduced the iconic Royal Promenade, featuring a collection of bars, cafes, and shops in a single indoor area.
- Onboard attractions include a rock-climbing wall and an ice-skating rink for added excitement.
- A diverse range of complimentary and specialty dining options, featuring Italian, Asian, and steakhouse cuisines.
Voyager of the Seas Insights
If you’re looking to explore Royal Caribbean’s thrilling fleet but feel overwhelmed by the enormity of their newer ships, Voyager of the Seas is a fantastic choice.
Launched in 1999, the 14-deck vessel was the largest cruise ship in the world at the time, accommodating up to 3,602 passengers. Despite being outpaced by larger ships in subsequent years, Voyager remains a well-equipped and enjoyable cruise option.
Though it may not be as expansive as newer ships like Utopia or Icon, Voyager has its share of thrills. It pioneered many Royal Caribbean attractions, such as the exciting rock-climbing wall and ice-skating rink. Additionally, it’s also home to the Royal Promenade, a vibrant indoor space packed with cafes, bars, and shops (though it differs from the themed neighborhoods seen on Oasis Class vessels).
As larger classes of ships began to emerge, Voyager saw significant renovations, including a $97 million upgrade in 2019, which introduced new waterslides named Perfect Storm, a designated outdoor teen area, and additional cabin options. The Adventure Ocean kids club was also revamped, adding a space for infants.
Nevertheless, Voyager appears to be showing its age as it docks alongside the newer additions like Icon and Utopia.
This ship remains an accessible option for families seeking a fun and active cruise experience without the overwhelming size of the latest vessels. Onboard, guests can enjoy plenty of daily activities, live shows, and entertainment opportunities.
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Beyond families, Voyager of the Seas also welcomes singles, couples, and older travelers. During my trip, I noted many joyful passengers over the age of 60, some of whom were planning to try out the water slides.
Despite being fully booked, the crowd was manageable, with the occasional congestion around the Royal Promenade and during peak dining times. The flow of traffic was typically smooth, but shopping displays sometimes caused tight squeezes.
The Cafe Promenade seating area can feel a bit cramped with tables too close together, some positioned against themed props. These arrangements may come across as temporary but do not significantly detract from the ambiance.
Accommodations on Voyager of the Seas
Voyager of the Seas offers multiple accommodation choices, including standard inside cabins, ocean-view rooms, balcony cabins that feature sliding glass doors, and spacious suites.
Notable features are the inside Promenade View cabins with views of the Royal Promenade — perfect for people-watching. There are also over 100 connecting cabins, ideal for families or groups.
If you need more space or a luxurious experience, options include a Junior Suite (277 square feet), a Grand Suite (381-547 square feet), an Ocean View Panoramic Suite (406 square feet), an Owner’s Suite (506 square feet), and a sprawling Royal Suite (1,260 square feet).
Most suites accommodate up to four guests, while the Ocean View Panoramic Suite can host up to six guests and the two-bedroom Grand Suite can fit eight. Suite guests enjoy exclusive perks, such as priority boarding and access to reserved seating at shows.
During our voyage, my husband and I opted for a “guarantee” balcony cabin, where we selected our desired cabin type but allowed Royal Caribbean to assign the exact location. We were delighted with our aft cabin on Deck 6, which, while partially obstructed by a lifeboat, offered a magnificent sea view.
Our enclosed balcony provided extra privacy with thicker walls than those on typical balconies, enhancing the relaxation experience often disrupted by neighboring noise.
Our cabin featured a king-sized bed, which could be split into two twins. Some balcony cabins come equipped with a fold-down Pullman bed for an additional guest. While the mattress appeared firm, I was pleasantly surprised to find it comfortable, allowing me a refreshing night’s sleep.
Alongside the bedroom, the living area comprised a three-seat couch facing a vanity and cabinet, with drawers and ample closet space catering to our belongings.
The bathroom was equipped with a shower, storage space in the mirrored medicine cabinet, bar soap, and various Royal Caribbean-branded toiletries, including an all-in-one hair and body wash dispenser in the shower.
Although our cabin had the signs of wear typically found in older vessels — like some peeling paint and minor dings — these minor flaws were easily overlooked thanks to our capable cabin steward, who kept everything in order.
Voyager also offers 26 accessible cabins designed for greater comfort and includes features such as wider entryways, roll-in showers, and lowered amenities.
Dining on Voyager of the Seas
Dining options on Voyager include the main dining room (serving breakfast, lunch on sea days, and dinner), the Windjammer Marketplace buffet, Cafe Promenade for pastries and pizza, and free ice cream from Sprinkles on Deck 11. Overall, the food was decent, with some meals outperforming others, though the pizza consistently received high marks.
The main dining room offered a range of choices, including at least one vegan option each night. We dined there twice, enjoying one breakfast and one dinner (though I had to skip dinner on our last night due to illness).
My dinner consisted of a Caesar salad, escargot, and herb-crusted salmon; while the escargot was delightful, the salmon was a tad too salty and slightly dry. Service was excellent, thanks to our attentive servers, Vince and Ronnie. A pianist provided classical music throughout the meal, enhancing the dining experience.
We found the breakfast experience in the main dining room to be a delightful alternative to the Windjammer buffet. It provided a quieter environment, with service keeping our coffee cups full. Our made-to-order omelets and eggs Benedict were enjoyable.
The Windjammer Marketplace served a standard buffet selection that included salads, sandwiches, grilled chicken, seafood, and a range of international dishes throughout multiple stations. I tried various items over two lunches with mixed results; while the grilled vegetables and fish were satisfactory, the veggie burger was rather bland. However, my husband enjoyed the chicken strips and praised the lasagna and various pasta dishes during dinner. Note that Windjammer closes at 9 p.m., limiting late-night dining options to a mini sandwich or a slice of pizza at Cafe Promenade, open from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Three specialty restaurants on board serve dinner every night and lunch during sea days. We had consistently outstanding meals at all three:
Izumi, our first dining experience on board, exceeded our expectations with its intimate atmosphere and fresh, flavorful sushi. Menu items can be ordered a la carte or through a prix fixe option ($40 per person), which includes a small plate, two large plates, and a dessert.
Chops Grille also delighted us with dishes, from the shrimp cocktail to grilled salmon and filet mignon, all exceptional. The meal costs $63 per person.
Giovanni’s Table, the ship’s Italian specialty restaurant, served a delicious seafood linguini and pasta Bolognese. The restaurant charges $48 per person, and the tiramisu is a must-try.
Private Chef’s Table experiences are available for those looking for an exclusive six-course dining adventure that includes a wine pairing. This experience is held on a special staircase landing between decks 4 and 5 of the main dining room.
Drinks ranging from specialty coffees to cocktails are available at Cafe Promenade, serving Starbucks beverages. Room service can also be ordered for a fee, although continental breakfast options are complimentary.
Bars and Lounges on Voyager of the Seas
Voyager boasts several bars to enjoy drinks, including The Pig & Whistle, a British-style pub, where patrons often choose to sit outside and soak up the atmosphere. Inside, the pub is more tranquil, but the soundtrack could use adjustments for a more traditional pub vibe.
The Schooner Bar buzzes with trivia games, live piano music, and a well-crafted cocktail known as “Sea & T.” For poolside relaxation, the Sky Bar and Pool Bar are perfect choices. The R Bar on Deck 5 is a popular spot for many passengers during the cruise.
Loyalty members from Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society can enjoy exclusive access to the Crown Lounge, which features complimentary snacks, special concierge service, and other benefits. The Crown Lounge is located beside the Star Lounge on Deck 5.
In a modern touch, every bar on the ship features a selection of mocktails. The Berry Press (strawberry and lavender syrup, lemon juice, and soda) at Schooner Bar is an excellent refreshing option, balancing sweetness and tartness perfectly.
Like other Royal Caribbean cruises, drinks can be purchased a la carte or via drink packages that offer savings for those planning to indulge in sodas, bottled water, specialty coffees, or alcoholic beverages.
Exciting Activities on Voyager of the Seas
Voyager of the Seas is an ideal ship for passengers seeking an active experience without overwhelming choices. Our warm-weather sailing saw plenty of poolside activity, thanks to two pools on the main deck — separated by a deck area to alleviate congestion. Four hot tubs provided additional options for water enjoyment.
