The only other Voyager class ship I have been on was Voyager of the Seas, but that was back in 2006. It was therefore good that I had the opportunity to have a look around Adventure of the Seas while I was at the 2013 UK Cruise Convention in Southampton.
I am still impressed by the Royal Promenade on these large Royal Caribbean International ships. It really is like a street with a great assortment of shops, bars and cafes, and even a sports car parked outside a bar. You can sit at the café and have a coffee and cakes, which are included in the price of your cruise. Ship Facts and Figures – at 138,000 tonnes, the Voyager Class ships were once the largest cruise liners in the world. Launched in 2001, she was the 3rd in the class of 5 ships. She carries 3,114 passengers, who are looked after by 1,185 members of crew. She is going into dry dock in February 2014 for a multi-million dollar revitalisation, which will see the addition of many new features.
Dining Options – Breakfast and lunch are open dining in the main restaurant and Windjammer Café. For dinner there is a choice of traditional first and second sitting, as well as My Time Dining, where you choose what time you want to eat each night. If you opt for My Time Dining or My Family Time Dining, then you must prepay your gratuities.
The Windjammer Café is great for main meals, snacks, tea and coffee, and is open 24 hours a day. It is also a great place to eat on formal nights if you prefer to be more casual.
For that special occasion you may well want to try a Speciality Dining Restaurant, which incur a cover charge. Portofino is a classic Italian restaurant, while Johnny Rockets is an All American Diner, for classic burgers and fries. Following the revitalisation will be new venues, including the Chef’s Table and Park Café.
Onboard Facilities – there is an amazing choice of things to do onboard. Why not try the rock climbing wall, ice skating or in-line skating, playing a few rounds on the mini golf course, visit the gym or go for a jog. For something a bit less energetic you could watch a film, relax by the pool, choose a book from the library, do some shopping in the boutiques, or have one of the many treatments available in the spa. Following the revitalisation there will also be an outdoor movie screen, as well as Wi-Fi throughout the ship.
There is ‘Adventure Ocean’ for children, which has plenty to do for the different age groups, right up to Teens (aged 15-17), and each group has their own room. As part of the revitalisation in February 2014, there will be a Nursery included as well.
Accommodation – whatever your budget there is bound to be a grade of cabin to suit you from the 24 available. These range from Inside Staterooms right up to the Royal Suite with Balcony, with grades such as Ocean View Staterooms, Deluxe Ocean View Staterooms with Balcony, and Junior Suites with Balcony, in between. Accessible Staterooms are available in certain grades.
Entertainment – choose from the Broadway style shows in the Theatre, spectacular Ice Skating Shows at the ice rink, films in the cinema, the Casino, the Comedy Club, or perhaps watch the street entertainers in the Royal Promenade. There will also be other entertainment available, such as a pianist in one of the bars for instance.
What is Included? – When you pay for your cruise you know that you have covered the cost of all your meals in the main restaurants and cafes, teas, coffees and snacks in the Windjammer Café, entertainment and your accommodation. Extra costs would be speciality dining, shop and spa purchases, excursions, gratuities and drinks. You can prepay your gratuities, and even purchase a variety of drinks packages, all of which helps you budget for your holiday in advance.
Summary – As with all the ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet, there is plenty for you to do onboard, and the service from the crew is very good. All this means that you will get good value for money and an unforgettable holiday experience. As well as looking after a large contingent of visiting travel agents, disembarking over 3,000 passengers and preparing the ship for the next 3,000 passengers, the crew were also dealing with a full safety inspection by the UK Coast Guard. These are carried out on all ships in UK waters on an unannounced basis, to ensure that they are complying with all safety regulations, and the crew were coping admirably.
