Bow observation deck - ever open at night?

[mattwright]

I don't know why I haven't thought of asking about this here before now, but here goes: After four sailings on Vision-class ships, I had my first experience on Voyager a few weeks ago. We loved everything about the ship, especially being able to get out to the observation deck at the bow. One frustration, however, was that it was always closed at night. We watched several sunsets there, but shortly afterwards a security officer would always escort us off.

 

On the Vision-class ships, one of our favorite spots onboard at night is the observatory up on the top deck near the front of the ship. There are no lights nearby, so you have a perfect, unobstructed view of the sky, moon, and stars. We never found a comparable, light-free location on Voyager, but thought the bow observation deck would be perfect... if we were ever allowed out there after dark.

 

So, fellow Royal Caribbeanites, is this always the case on Voyager-class ships? Can you ever visit the bow observation deck at night, or is it always off-limits after dark? If so, any suggestions for other good spots onboard for stargazing?

[Brad1185]

The observation deck up front was open on the Navigator at night but closed on the Freedom at night. A couple of nights on the Navigator there was no wind and I really enjoyed sitting up there late at night.

[KarinaGW]

I go to the Helipad every night when the Schooner Bar shut down before I go to bed on the Voyager-class ships.

 

Windy, but fabulous.

[kruzerci]

It depends on which ship. It was always closed at night on Voyager and Adventure, but open most nights on Mariner and Navigator. I think it depends on how much light there is from the moon and how the weather is.

[vermontvoyager]

We were on the bow on Navigator also at night.

It gets pretty windy out there and you may find it uncomfortable.

Bob:)

[dan40]

Sailed the Voyager a couple of years ago. Was out on the helipad at nite, with about 100 other folk. Recent Navigator transatlantic cruise had gale force winds and 30 foot swells all the way across the ocean. NEVER, NEVER even thought about going out to the helipad at nite. Was out there on the first day, but that was it.

 

Dan

[mattwright]

Thanks for the replies. It sounds like whether or not the helipad is open is hit-or-miss, depending on the ship and weather conditions.

 

We had smooth sailing our entire week on Voyager, but maybe the variable that kept us off the bow was the fact that it was a new moon that week. Maybe they just don't want people out there when it's that dark.