Voyager Review 7/30-8/8/04

[HappyTravels]

This was our (me, my husband 43, son 16, daughter 11) 2nd time on the Voyager. We sailed on her in 2002 out of Miami on a western Caribbean itinerary.

 

It took us 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive from our house in CT to Cape Liberty in Bayonne. Parking was quick and easy ($108 payable in advance). We got to the port at 12:15PM and we boarded at 1:00PM.

 

We had 2 category E1 balcony cabins (8306 & 8308) that had a connecting door between them. They were pretty standard cabins with not much drawer space, but I like to hang most of our clothes so it didn't matter. The bathroom had a round shower that I really liked. I hate shower curtains, so I was happy to see the doors.

 

We had table number 407 in La Boheme on deck 4. It was a table for 8. Our tablemates were a family of 4, also. We got along great and spent lots of time together. Our waiter was Utku from Turkey and his assistant was Maria from Panama. They were absolutely wonderful! The food was pretty good, considering how many meals they make every day. We ate at Portofino one night with our tablemates (just the adults). It was a really nice dinner, but I didn't think it was any better than the dining room food. That surprised me because when we ate there in 2002, we were very impressed. We had a great time anyway. The Windjammer/Island Grill was the same as any other buffet. We always found something we liked. We also ate at Johnny Rockets a few times. It is still free (except for drinks), and the food was good. The malts were really good and I had quite a few!

 

We spent lots of time in the casino. We were losing slightly, but came out ahead on the last night. We played mostly Blackjack (and some Roulette and slots). The dealers are really nice and friendly. We saw the ice show. Not much has changed since we saw it in 2002. IMHO, it was still the best show on the ship. I can't believe how they can skate on that tiny rink. We also saw Vibeology and another show (can't remember the name).

 

Labadee-

We did the kayak excursion again (did it in 2002 and loved it) and then found a spot on the beach in front of the aquapark because our daughter did that twice and we wanted to keep an eye on her. It was a great day at the beach.

 

Jamaica-

We have been to Jamaica quite a few times (on cruises and land vacations), so we decided to try something different and we booked the River Tubing excursion. It was sooo much fun! The driver, Genie, and the guide, Warren, told jokes during the 45 minute ride up the mountain. They had us cracking up! The river was cold and clean, and we had a great time. After that, we went to Margaritaville, which was also lots of fun.

 

Grand Cayman-

We didn't book an excursion. My son did the Diver's certification class on the ship and they did their test dive here. So we decided to just go to 7 mile beach. We took a taxi ($4 each) to the Marriott and rented chairs ($10 each including a fee soda or water).

 

Freeport-

We did the Dolphin Encounter and loved it. It was something I always wanted to do, but it was always booked. It exceeded my expectations.

 

I can't think of anything else right now, but I'd be happy to answer any questions.

[MysticRhythmCruiser]

What did your son think of the Diver's certification class? Was it worth the $$ compared with taking a class locally?

[HappyTravels]

He really enjoyed it. It was $250, which is about the same as it would cost at home. The only difference would be diving in Grand Cayman versus diving in Long Island Sound (yuck!).

[koolcruiser43]

We are also planning our 2nd cruise on the Voyager this year. Do any of the shows change yearly or will they be the exactly the same? Did you enjoy your second time on the same ship as much as your first time?

Did you book the river tubing through RCI or on your own?

Also do you think it would be safe for a 9 year old girl?

Did they have the tarzan rope to swing from into the water?

[HappyTravels]

The ice show and "Dreamscape" were the same. We enjoyed this trip just as much, if not more, than the first time. Actually, we agreed that this was our family's best vacation ever!

 

We booked the River Tubing through RCI. I think it would be fine for a 9 year old. The tubes are closed on the bottom and it was a slow, relaxing ride with a couple VERY SMALL "rapids".

 

At the end of the river tubing ride, there was a rope swing.