RCCL Voyager of the Seas - Galveston

[GoRedSoxGuy]

This is my first post after happening across this site and this was also our first RoyalCaribbean cruise on the Voyager of the Seas which actually occurred several months ago but I wanted to post it for others for future reference. This looks to be a great and informative site, BTW!:D

We planned to meet up and ride down with some friends of ours from Maryland.

After flying into Houston Bush Intercontinental airport (IAH) on Continental Airlines we met our friends and had previously arranged to take a stretch limousine to the cruise port to minimize the hassles with luggage at the airport, uncomfortable shuttles and with parking in Galveston. We searched “limo Houston” on Google and viewed a few websites. We chose Elite Limousines for no other reason than their professional & informative website and their “Promise” and were not disappointed. Our driver (Roberto) met us promptly in the baggage claim area. He was very friendly and professional in both actions and appearance. He loaded us all up and then handled our luggage and we were on our way. The limo was very nice inside and out and smelled fresh and clean inside! He informed us that we had enough time to watch a short movie and offered us a GREAT collection to choose from! He even volunteered to stop at RedBox to get a newer release if we wanted. We chose “Runaway Jury” from his collection (great movie, BTW!) and enjoyed the movie and some beverages on the way down. The trip took about an hour and a half (remember that when choosing your movie!) We had a nice and easy drive to the Galveston cruise terminal. Houston traffic was fine at the time, but, for future reference, Roberto recommended ALWAYS taking I59 South to I45 South as the best, smoothest and safest route to Galveston cruise (unless there is construction on 45 South). From our experience, we would definitely recommend Elite Limousines of Houston as a great Galveston cruise transportation company. They were not the cheapest (nor most expensive) but they were true to their word on their website; professional, prompt and friendly from reservation thru exiting the vehicle. We found out on the way back that the owner is on the Board of Directors of the Houston Limousine Association, too. Here’s their website – www.EliteLimoHouston.com. Try to get Roberto, he was great!:)

 

We arrived early enough to get out at Cruise Terminal before traffic became too crazy. We quickly made it to the front of the first security ID check. They had a priority/VIP line for the second security check point that we used and then went to Priority check-in desk. We had just settled in with a glass of champagne and met some new friends when they announced they would begin boarding. The priority area group was friendly and well behaved and no one made a rush for the door but patiently waited. The ships staff was extremely friendly; everyone welcomed us on board and offered help or guidance. We went to the Windjammer and were ahead of most of the arriving passengers. With fewer people there we could appreciate the three beautiful ice displays. The roast beef was very good as was the salad and the desserts. We went to our cabin shortly after 1 pm when cabins become available to guests. Our luggage arrived half-hour later so we were unpacked right away. We then went down to the Promenade deck and stopped at the Pig & Whistle for a cocktail. The Promenade deck was pretty busy. :eek:The Grand Promenade is a very good networking spot and we met several new acquaintances. The sports bar was packed with people who seemed to be having a great time. We later finished unpacking and explored more of the ship. The Welcome Aboard Show for both dinner settings featured several comedians, and the Voyager of the Seas Singers and Dancers. It was a good show and a good start to the cruise. Friends and family are all at the same table as requested in the La Boheme dining room. After a busy day and dinner we retired to the cabin for the evening.

 

 

Day two was warmer but still cool and cloudy most of the day. We slept in a little later than usual. I went up to the Windjammer and it was packed so I had a very nice breakfast in the Carmen (main) dining room. After breakfast I picked up tickets for the Ice Skating Show. The Captain gave his midday report and announced that there would be a delay in arriving in Cozumel, but gave no reason. We had lunch in the Windjammer. They had roast pork at the carving station and there was a wide selection of items in the buffet. The chocolate peanut butter pie was fantastic! A short nap before we went to the 4pm ice show. It was an excellent show and not to be missed! The Captains reception was held in the Grand Promenade. He introduced his senior staff from a bridge above and across the promenade. Dinner tonight was at the usual 8pm in the dining room. This was my favorite dinner of the week but it took its toll and we had another early cabin night.

Third day weather was cloudy and humid approaching Cozumel. Midday temperatures were around 80°. I had breakfast in the Carmen dining room. We arrived three hours late in Cozumel docking after 1030 am. :(The cause was stated as strong water currents early after leaving Texas. There were four ships in Cozumel, two at the International pier and two next door at Puerto Maya. We were the last to arrive. Because of the late arrival and on again and off again showers we didn’t do any excursions or island tours as originally discussed and we just took a taxi into San Miguel. We did some shopping at Ron Jon’s and La Cinco Soles. We then went to La Candela for lunch. The food here was fantastic and it is a very attractive and clean restaurant. We sat on the lower patio next to the little waterfall. The owner is Cuban so there is a nice selection of Mexican/Cuban dishes. We headed back up the Malecon to the main square and then taxis back to the ship. We sailed about 45 minutes late. The feature show this evening in the LaScala Theater was Music in Motion. The show is very enjoyable. We went by the Concierge Club for a cocktail before dinner. Dinner was good as usual. This evening the Country & Western night / Texas Party was held in Cleopatra's Needle. They had a western band and did line dancing.

The Voyager arrived around 930 am in Roatan on day four and the weather was overcast. You couldn’t see the mainland. We again had a very nice breakfast in the Carmen dining room. We took an island tour by taxi and then went to Fins & Flippers located in Coxen Hole, to see what it was like at this new resort. We got there about 2pm and then went snorkeling. The snorkeling was wonderful! We stayed for a few drinks until about 3pm. The tender took us from the small island directly to the cruise ship pier which allowed us to avoid the crowded walk back and was very convenient. We had a great time on the aft balcony with cocktails and fun as we enjoyed the sunset and then dinner.:D

We docked in the early morning rain in Costa Maya on day five. We met for breakfast in the Windjammer and the plan for the day was to sit out the rain. The weather slacked a bit about noon so a group of us headed over to Costa Maya and Mahahual. They have a Malecon with a nice walkway along the waterfront. We stopped at the El Faro beach area and had a few beers, very good guacamole & pico de gallo, and enjoyed a good mariachi band. We then returned to the ship for a bit of rest and dinner. This was Italian night in the dining room.

 

Day six at sea was cloudy & very windy at sea, but seemed a bit nicer on the aft balcony. I was up early and made my way up to the Island Grill for a great breakfast and went to the casino for a bit. It was not a winning day. We took a stroll of the ship along the decks and then we watched a movie on cabin TV and then went to the Windjammer for a light lunch and then the show. It was an excellent show! This was the second formal evening and another enjoyable dinner.

 

Day Seven started with a sunny morning. We slept late and had a light breakfast and hung out some more then went to the Aquarium bar. The weather was great and the pool deck was packed! The band played and the pool bars were also busy but all had a good time. Dinner was again very good and we later began packing.

 

Before disembarking on Sunday, we had breakfast in the dining room. The Voyager arrived early and we were docked by 630 am. They have a new disembarking system. They make no announcements at all; everyone is allowed to select their own departure time earlier in the week and is assigned a meeting spot for that time. The staff then goes to each location at the appropriate time and escorts them to the gangway. I think this will work well. They started allowing the self-debarkation people off early about 7 am. It was really fairly smooth considering how many people are using it. We disembarked, met up with our waiting limo, Roberto loaded us up and off we went with another movie (“Bucket List”) and another enjoyable trip back to IAH. Overall I would say that we would definitely recommend the Voyager, its crew, and even the Galveston Cruise terminal itself. Hope this helps and happy cruising!:rolleyes:

[JBoshears]

Thanks for posting the review. I sailed VOS in 2002 from Miami, and it was the best vacation I have ever had. I keep forgeting she is now in Texas, which is in driving distance for me now. I may have to look deeper into that!!!

 

It was great to relive the memories! Thanks for that!

[wolfganghowell]

Thanks for your review and welcome to CC.

[LisaH]

Thanks for your review. We have thought about driving to Galveston and have heard both good and bad. I am glad you had a good experience and your review was well written and nice to read.

 

It is good info for future reference.

[SA Traveler]

We'll be on the Voyager on 4/12 for the third time. We love it! Our favorite of the Voyager class.

[Rancher Dave]

Great reveiw. You of course picked a great ship with a great crew...

 

I will keep in mind your suggested limo service since there are times i can see using one would be nice...and the only one our family has used for bigger than a lincoln did a terrible job and had a broken air conditioning...for my sis' wedding in July.

[dixie54]

We have been on the Voyager twice, but the other ports. we would like to take the same one you took next time. We usually go in March. we were thinking of going the end of February in 2010. Wondering if the weather would be bad going then??

 

We love the Voyager! Thanks for the great review!!

[mistergq]

Thanks for the post. we will be on the voyage 2/7/10.

[p2lockhart]

I enjoyed your review. Thanks for posting.

 

Patti

[mustangjoe]

Thanks for your post. We will be on VOS in 9 days. And yes, DW & I have already booked Elite Limo for the ride to and from Galveston.

[scopewest]

Thanks for posting. We're looking at Galveston for our next cruise and the limo info will be helpful.

[GoRedSoxGuy]

We have been on the Voyager twice, but the other ports. we would like to take the same one you took next time. We usually go in March. we were thinking of going the end of February in 2010. Wondering if the weather would be bad going then??

 

We love the Voyager! Thanks for the great review!!

 

Sorry to take so long to reply. We travelled in January and the weather was not the best but still enjoyable. We had some good days and not so good days. I was told that the weather changes quickly and is quite unpredictable that time of year so dont rely too much on our weather experience. Chances are yours will be totally different!:)