Voyager of the Seas is the first vessel in the Voyager Class of Royal Caribbean International. This ship offers a great mix of family fun, amazing dining, and impressive onboard facilities.
It made its maiden voyage in 1999 and immediately became the largest ship in the world for that year. It has been refurbished as well with improved offerings.
In this in-depth guide, we will explore Voyager of the Seas, its dining, deck plans, cabins, and onboard activities. Moreover, we will also delve into its important itineraries, recent upgrades, reviews, and tips for first-time cruisers.
30-Second Summary
Despite being one of the oldest ships of Royal Caribbean, Voyager of the Seas is extremely loved by cruisers. In this guide, we dive into its details.
Find out about the ship’s deck plans, staterooms, dining experience, and onboard activities. Plan the perfect itinerary and learn about its refurbishment with important tips for first-time cruisers.
Voyager of the Seas At a Glance
The Voyager of the Seas has 15 decks (14 are passenger-accessible) and 9 have cabins. The ship’s deck plans highlight different public venues (dining, lounges, and theaters), pools, activity zones, whirlpools, and cabin zones.
There is a large space called “Royal Promenade” that has shops and bars. Activity zones have a surf simulator (FlowRider), ice rink, and rock wall. There are also adult-only relaxation zones, such as the Solarium.
While newer ships have modern amenities and large capacities, Voyager of the Seas is perfect for many travelers. It is large enough to keep you entertained, but not so enormous that you lose your way in the crowd.
Voyager of the Seas Deck Plans
Voyager of the Seas has a total of 15 decks. The 14 of them are open to guests, and 9 are solely dedicated to cabins. This vessel can carry around 4,269 passengers. The layout of the ship is designed to balance entertainment, convenience, and relaxation.
Staterooms are spread across multiple levels, including interior, balcony, and premium suites. The upper decks have many lively attractions, such as the FlowRider, waterslides, and rock-climbing wall.
On Deck 5, you find The Royal Promenade, which is the heart of the ship. It has lounges, boutiques, bars, and shops.
Each deck is mapped to make navigation easier for you. Whether you are heading to the dining, theater, or your cabin, you can find your way around easily.
Cabins and Staterooms
Understanding cabins and staterooms is important to find and select the right room for you.
Accommodation
- Interior cabins are ideal for travelers who are on a budget or for those who are not interested in ocean views.
- Ocean-view staterooms have windows through which you can enjoy the beauty of the ocean.
- Balcony rooms or balcony suites come with a private outdoor space. They are the top choice for a lot of travelers.
- Premium suites are suitable for passengers who are looking for maximum comfort, space, and extra perks.
Family-friendly Cabins
- This ship supports family cruises perfectly. It has connecting rooms and cabins that are perfect for families with kids. Moreover, refurbished children’s areas are excellent for keeping them entertained.
- If you are traveling with family, try to book cabins near each other with connecting doors. You should choose a balcony or ocean-view stateroom for comfort and more space.
- A thing to remember is that some forward-balcony rooms may experience more noise due to the show lounges below or more motion when at sea. These rooms can be less ideal, particularly for a family.
Dining Experience on Voyager of the Seas
Food lovers can find a variety of solid options on the menu and in the restaurants.
Complementary Dining
- The Main Dining Room provides an upscale feel with different options for courses. You can also enjoy themed nights here. The ambiance is formal (or smart casual).
- The Windjammer Cafe offers a buffet of international cuisine and American classics. The setting is relaxed, and you can enjoy your breakfast, lunch, and casual dining here. The atmosphere is also good for families.
- Cafe Promenade is a casual eatery that is open 24/7. You can grab snacks, pastries, and quick late-night bites here.
- Passengers also have the option of room service. There are some delivery charges on certain items, so check before ordering.
Specialty Dining
- If you love steaks, the best option is Chops Grille. It is considered one of the stronger specialty venues on Voyager of the Seas.
- Izumi offers delectable Asian cuisine and sushi. It is a great option for alternative dining.
- Giovanni’s Table is an Italian-style casual specialty restaurant. It is excellent for family dining and dates.
If you want a high-end dining experience, choosing one or two specialty meals is worth the upgrade.
Onboard Activities and Entertainment
The following attractions are suitable for all thrill-seekers.
- The surf simulator, FlowRider, is a favorite of many passengers. In fact, the Voyager of the Seas was one of the first Royal Caribbean ships that featured it.
- People who like waterslides can enjoy “The Perfect Storm” racer slides. They were added during the recent refurbishment.
- The rock climbing wall is on the funnel part of the ship and is a signature of the Voyager class.
- The ship even has a full-sized ice-skating rink. It is a unique attraction that is rarely seen on mainstream cruise ships.
Family and relaxation options include
- On this ship, adults can relax at the Solarium, which is a pool space.
- All kids’ clubs and teen areas were revamped during the refurbishment, so your children can have a good time.
- You can also watch live shows, such as ice-skating performances, theater productions, and nighttime entertainment.
Key Itineraries of Voyage of the Seas
This vessel offers a mix of itineraries, from natural getaways to warm-weather trips, to suit every passenger’s taste.
Bahamas and Caribbean Cruises
The ship starts sailing from ports like Florida and offers trips to the Bahamas. Some major ports of call include Nassau, CocoCay, Bimini, and the Caribbean. This itinerary is ideal for families or people who like shorter cruises, sun, sand, and relaxation.
Alaska Cruises
An example of a 7-day Alaska Adventure Cruise includes the ship departing from Seattle and visiting Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Victoria BC. This itinerary is a strong option for travelers who like wildlife, glaciers, and outdoor excursions.
Other Destinations and Global Deployments
- Europe and the Mediterranean: This ship offers a 7-night trip to the Greek Isles and Turkey. It typically departs from Piraeus (Athens) or Civitavecchia (Rome). The itineraries include sun-kissed islands, ancient history, and the colorful culture of the Mediterranean coast.
- Long voyages: If you are one of those cruisers who like an ocean-crossing adventure, Voyager of the Seas offers longer positioning cruises. For example, a cruise can be 18 days from Barcelona to Cape Town. You can enjoy extended sea days and diverse port experiences.
- South Pacific and Australia: The ship also spends part of the year in the South Pacific and Australia. It sails out of Brisbane and visits Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and other tropical islands.
This broad deployment makes Voyager of the Seas a global cruise ship in the true sense. Travelers can explore the world, from Europe’s beautiful coastlines to the sunny South Pacific.
Dress Code at Voyager of the Seas
Daytime: Travelers can wear casual shorts and tees inside the ship and bathing suits and coverups at pools.
Evening: The dress code for evening is mostly casual except for formal nights. On these occasions, men wear long pants and collared shirts, while women also dress up a little. The formal dress is more of a suggestion and is not enforced on passengers.
Swimwear is not allowed inside the ship. It is only permitted on open decks and pool areas.
Recent Upgrades and Refurbishments
Voyager of the Seas went through an amplification back in 2019, bringing a fresh energy for the passengers. The refurbishment added
- 72 new inside and balcony cabins
- The Perfect Storm waterslides
- Updated Vitality Spa and Fitness Center
- Upgraded kid and teen areas
- Battle for Planet Z laser tag
The refresh also includes new furnishings, carpets, and decor across bars, lounges, and restaurants. This amplification made the ship more modern and vibrant without losing its family-friendly beauty.
Voyager of the Seas Reviews
- A traveler reviewed the cabins: “Our upgraded cabin (ocean-view) was quite spacious. The extra space was noticeable by the window and bed area.”
- Some reviews suggest that, despite being refurbished, some parts of the ship (such as bathrooms and corridors) show signs of age compared to the newer vessels.
- On one forum, a cruiser wrote when asked whether Chops is better or Giovanni’s, “Both are good in their own way. Favorite is Giovanni’s”
- Another review about food says: “The Main Dining Room had really fast service. The food was hot, which I really appreciated.”
Tips for First-Time Travelers on Voyager of the Seas
Choose your cabin wisely: Families should book connecting staterooms. Couples should go for aft-facing balcony rooms for a quiet and peaceful experience.
Book specialty dining early: Specialty dining venues tend to fill quickly. So, book them as soon as you can.
Watch for cruise deals: Since Voyager is refurbished but not new, you will often find excellent value offers with top-notch amenities.
Schedule your itinerary timing: For Alaska, summer is the best season to visit. For the Caribbean and the Bahamas, winter to early spring is the ideal time for warm getaways.
Pack for your destination: Bring layers for Alaska cruises, and casual outfits for Caribbean and Bahamas trips.
Use the Royal Caribbean app: On this app, you can easily navigate deck plans, book dining, and reserve activities.
Explore hidden corners: Make sure to explore the Royal Promenade, the Solarium, and upper-deck walkways.
Family tip: Pre-book kids’ clubs and enjoy your time at the spa or the Solarium while your kids are busy in supervised programs.
Final Thoughts
All in all, Voyager of the Seas is an all-rounder ship in many aspects. If you are looking for the best family cruise, this cruise ticks many boxes.
It has something for everyone, including families, couples, adventure seekers, and global cruisers. Despite not being one of the newer ships, Voyager of the Seas still offers an incredible experience for all passengers.
Want to explore more cruises? Get all the latest information on Cruise Tidal.
FAQs
How many Decks does Voyager of the Seas have?
The Voyager of the Seas has 15 decks in total (14 are accessible to passengers), and 9 are dedicated to staterooms.
What Onboard Activities are Available on Voyager of the Seas?
You can enjoy FlowRider (surf simulator), The Perfect Storm waterslides, ice-skating rink, rock-climbing wall, live shows, kids and teen clubs, and various lounges. This ship is built for action and family fun.
What Itineraries does Voyager of the Seas Offer?
The ship offers sailings to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and the Mediterranean. It also offers long repositioning voyages and deployments to the South Pacific and Australia.
