Voyager of the Seas has emerged fresh from her US$97-million makeover with her new Perfect Storm waterslides, an additional 72 new inside and balcony staterooms, and a revival of all the older rooms.
The balcony staterooms boast posh marble furnishings, new carpets, chairs and upholstery. All TVs have now been replaced with Smart TVs too, offering video-on-demand and ship information.
Even the lifts seem faster, and have been equipped with upgraded speakers so passengers don’t miss out on announcements.
There’s also a “new ship smell” that permeates Voyager from her rooms to hallways − a clear sign that she’s been revitalised. It’s the very same smell you get when sitting inside a new car for the first time.
Even the decor along the hallways has changed − the area we visited had eye-catching Egyptian-themed relics in glass casings.
Another major section which has undergone a refreshment is the Windjammer Restaurant. Furniture is decked in a completely new colour scheme, and communal long tables have been added to encourage guest interaction. Furniture has also been shifted to create more space, though it still gets rather packed during mealtimes.
To manage guest traffic, a buffet was set up at the Main Dining Room during lunch times on the first cruising day. All its chairs have been re-upholstered with a white leather backing, creating a more elegant feel.
Thanks to guest feedback, the Captain’s Table has been moved to a central location at the top floor, offering top tier guests a more prestigious dining experience.
Cruisers can also look forward to new menus in the Main Dining Room once Voyager changes course for Australia. As Voyager’s Hotel Director Gary Waugh shares, new food additions will include Australian favourites such as vegemite and pies. Voyager’s executive chef is working on BBQ flavours to cater to the Australian palate as well, and bar patrons can expect a new beverage package.
For suite guests, the Diamond Lounge is a quiet area away from the crowd. Now on deck 5 instead of deck 14, the relocation allows guests to easily make their way to the Main Dining Room and the shows afterward.
We were most impressed with the changes to the kids and teens’ areas. No surprise that Royal has done a good job here − it is after all a family-oriented brand.
Parents will be happy to let their kids run wild in the new Adventure Ocean room. It’s colourful with plenty of space to run around, and comes equipped with all the latest gadgets like Nintendo switches. The teens’ area on deck 12 is a cool “hidden” hangout too, with a pool table, snazzy lounge area and tons of video games.
Those with babies or toddlers (aged 6 – 36 months) will also appreciate the new nursery program. Helmed by certified infant and child-care professionals, the staff to baby ratio is a low 1:4. Charges are $6 per hour in the day, and $8 a day.
All-in-all, Voyager’s revamp will please both new and experienced cruisers. Whilst she’s been transformed, she still retains the same feel as before, and those who have sailed with before will definitely feel at home.
