Award-winning Royal Caribbean International, the world's youngest, freshest and most exciting cruise fleet, lets you explore the world as never before.

Voyager Family ships are some of the best cruise ships afloat. Their incredible size allows for a host of innovative features, including the 'first ever' ice skating rink at sea and a rock climbing wall, 200ft above sea level. At the heart of these ships is the Royal Promenade - four decks high and the length of two football pitches. Designed as a bustling street, it offers round-the-clock dining and a choice of shopping and entertainment options that includes the quintessential English pub, 24-hour snacks in the Café Promenade, designer clothes and jewellery stores.

In September 2006, Sales Consultant Kelly and her husband Phil flew out to Barcelona independently and enjoyed a two-night pre cruise hotel stay in Barcelona, a perfect opportunity to explore the city at their own pace. They then transferred to the port by taxi to embark Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas. On approaching the ship the couple couldn't believe the sheer size of the vessel.
'We were impressed with other cruise ships we have sailed on, but at 138,000 tons Voyager was truly overwhelming!' says Kelly. 'There were thirty check-in desks at the port, and as we had already checked-in online this made for a very speedy and efficient process. I would recommend those who have access to the internet to do the same, it will save time. There were many staff there to greet us with cookies and Champagne which was a really nice touch and created a fantastic first impression.'

Kelly and Phil's experience got better as they progressed through the cruise.
'As we boarded Voyager we could see straight away the glamorous Atrium which leads to the Promenade, consisting of numerous shops, bars and cafes. At each end of the promenade there were sweeping steps leading to the theatre and the fabulous three-tier restaurant. We did expect to get lost on such a huge ship but in fact we found it well-signed posted and everything was easy to find.' Says Kelly. 'We were absolutely amazed that the friendly staff remembered our names no matter which bar we drank in. It's fantastic considering the amount of passengers on board. It certainly didn't lack the personal touch found on smaller ships.'

The couple chose a 'promenade view' cabin, overlooking the bustling 'boulevard'.
'This option is a perfect alternative to a standard inside cabin with no view. It was nice and bright and rather spacious with a separate seating area, with the added bonus of being able to look out of a large window. The cabins are sound-proofed too so they're very quiet.'

This seven-night itinerary cruised around Italy and the French Riviera, and a choice of shore excursions were offered in each port. With so much to do on board though Kelly and Phil found it hard to decide what to do each day!
'Voyager of the Seas really does cater for everyone. There are endless energetic activities on board, but with it being so spacious I could relax and sunbathe around the pool area or visit the spa, while Phil took off to experience the rock-climbing, ice-skating and various other events. Families would definitely enjoy this style of cruise, as the children's facilities were phenomenal.' Says Kelly.

Along with the usual children's club split into age groups, there were family activities including the following to name but a few:

• Cinema
• 9 Hole golf course
• Full size sports court
• Playstations
• Roller-blading
• Adventure Beach family pool area with waterslides

'Children's drinks packages were available on board for a fee of $4 per day representing remarkable value for money. To further enhance the family experience you also found find babysitting services either in-cabin or with the Youth Team on board.'

Kelly and Phil found the cruise to be suitable not only for families, but for everyone as there was something to suit all tastes. With first-class entertainment, professional Broadway shows, a twice-weekly carnival parade down the Royal Promenade, the Casino Royale, a nightclub, several bars, a library and a state-of-the-art gym, there are also plenty of areas for a spot of 'quiet time'. Organised events for singles were also held, giving people a chance to meet fellow passengers with coffee mornings, afternoon tea and fixed dining options.

'The dining options on board Voyager of the Seas are endless.' Kelly and Phil chose to eat in the main restaurant on the 7.30 pm sitting. They were seated with an American couple, and they thought this was a great way to meet other passengers.
'The standard of the food was excellent. The meals were served plated and presented beautifully. The menu offered numerous choices, even low fat low carb options. If you wanted to dine in your cabin you could order room service from the main menu too at no extra charge.' Advises Kelly.
'For a more intimate affair you could dine in the Portofino Italian Restaurant, or for those wanting a more relaxed and informal meal you could choose the buffet-style Windjammer Café, again providing plenty of variety. For a simple burger and fries there was Johnny Rocket's - a traditional American diner with singing dancing waiters/waitresses!'

'The dress code on Voyager of the Seas was quite relaxed, yet they still operated a couple of formal evenings. Some passengers sported a tuxedo on these evenings, yet there were others, (seemingly American passengers) who preferred a shirt and tie, which was deemed just as acceptable.' Says Kelly.
'We also took advantage of pre-paid tips on our cruise. On the last evening we were provided with vouchers in our cabin which had already been split for our cabin steward, head waiter and waiter, and we found this was a nice way to show our appreciation without the hassle of changing our money into US dollars. The tips could even be added to your on board account at a set rate if you preferred.'

The general conclusion from Kelly and Phil was that this cruise is suitable for all types of passenger. Although the ship is contemporary with modern facilities, it does still hold the traditional formalities of cruising with fixed dining, formal evenings, dancing and shuffleboard etc to name but a few. Families would never get bored on this floating resort, and for singles and young couples it's a great way to meet new people with fantastic nightlife to suit all tastes. 'We wouldn't hesitate to recommend this ship to anyone!'

To speak to our Reservations Team for further information on Royal Caribbean cruises, call 01246 819819.

Click on the ship name to read more staff cruise reviews:
P&O Cruises' Arcadia
P&O Cruises' Oriana
P&O Cruises' Oceana
Sea Princess
Ocean Village
Fred Olsen's Braemar
RCI's Voyager of the Seas
Hebridean Spirit
Family Cruising aboard Oceana

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