VOYAGER OF THE SEAS | A Brief Overview of Royal Caribbean's Trailblazer Cruise Ship - Voyager

Past, present, and future Voyagers, I am excited to share information with you about Royual Caribbean's innovative Voyage of the Seas. As you prepare to set sail on this magnificent vessel, I've compiled a treasure trove of tips and insights to ensure your journey is as smooth as a calm sea breeze and sweet as, well, PIE, of course!

When Voyager of the Seas made its debut in 1999, it was a ship of firsts—the first to feature an ice-skating rink, the first to introduce the concept of a Royal Promenade, and the largest ship on the waters at the time. While it has seen upgrades and enhancements since then, Voyager remains a beloved favorite in the Royal Caribbean fleet, blending nostalgia with modern amenities.

VOYAGER OF THE SEAS

As luck would have it, I’m about to set sail on Voyager of the Seas myself on January 6! Recently, I’ve had several clients return from their own Voyager adventures, and they’ve shared invaluable insights that I’m eager to pass along. Whether you’re sailing soon or just dreaming of a future trip, here’s a collection of tips, tricks, and fun facts to help you make the most of your time aboard this iconic ship. Let’s dive in!

A view of the Royal Promenade aboard Voyager of the Seas

A Ship of Firsts

Launched in 1999, Voyager of the Seas was a trailblazer in the cruising world. It debuted as the largest ship at sea, introducing groundbreaking features like the first-ever ice rink and the innovative Royal Promenade—a bustling main street at sea lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and evening street parties.

The very first ice skating rink at sea was aboard the Voyager of the Seas when it debuted in 1999.

When Voyager of the Seas set sail in 1999, it was the largest cruise ship in the world, costing $650 million to build.

Voyager by the Numbers

• Maiden Voyage: 1999

• Enhanced: 2019

• Guest Capacity: 3,602 (double occupancy)

• Total Decks: 15

• Dining Options: 11

• Pools: 3

• Whirlpools: 6

• Total Guest Rooms: 1,715

• Ocean View Rooms: 228

• Balconies: 673

• Suites: 123

Deck Plan Overview

• Decks 2-3: Staterooms, Loyalty Desk, Conference Center

• Deck 3: Royal Theater, Studio B, Photo Gallery

• Deck 4: Royal Theater, Giovanni’s Table, Schooner Bar, Casino Royale, The Tavern, Art Gallery

• Deck 5: Star Lounge, Crown Lounge, Cafe Promenade, Ice Cream Parlor, Pig & Whistle Pub, Royal Promenade, R Bar

• Decks 6-10: Staterooms

• Deck 11: Solarium, Pools, Chops Grille, Windjammer

• Deck 12: Sky Bar, Spa, Adventure Ocean

• Deck 13: Sports Court, Voyager Dunes, The Perfect Storm, FlowRider

• Deck 14: High Notes, Viking Crown Lounge, Suite Lounge, Izumi

• Deck 15: Skylight Chapel

The Main Dining Room aboard Voyager of the Seas spans Decks 3, 4, and 5 of the ship and offers culinary delights that satisfy a variety of tastes.

Insider Tips for a Stellar Voyage

• Plan to Re-Book on Board: We love the NextCruise program. While on the ship, you can take advantage of a reduced deposit and extra onboard credit when you pay a deposit towards your next cruise while onboard. If you're interested, email me at cruisewithpie@gmail.com with your name and say, "I want to cruise with pie!" I'll ensure you get the most out of your NextCruise voucher.

• Specialty Dining: Ultimate dining reservations go quickly. Book ahead in the app before boarding to secure your spot.

• Daily Calendar + The Royal Caribbean App: The Royal Caribbean app is invaluable for booking add-ons and planning your trip. Add events you're interested in to your calendar within the app to stay informed about onboard happenings. You can set reminders to make sure you don't miss a single moment of action on board!

• Excursions: If you haven't already, book your excursions through the app to ensure availability. Excursions are typically booked prior to sailing, so many of the most desirable options may be sold out if you wait too late.

• Culinary Adventures: Even at specialty restaurants, you can order multiple courses. Craving an extra appetizer or a second dessert? Just ask! One of the joys of cruising is trying new things, so don't hesitate to indulge—it's included! One of the things my husband enjoys is ordering an additional entree for dessert. Steak followed by steak? It's all included!

• Enjoy the Free Activities: There are numerous complimentary activities onboard, from ladies' pamper parties to scavenger hunts. One of my favorites is the art auctions, where they serve complimentary champagne, regardless of whether or not you have the drink package!

• Kids' Day Camp Sign-Up: Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean youth program is exceptional. Their directors are certified childcare professionals, many with master's degrees. It's like a summer camp at sea, and kids often beg to attend. Sign up on day one to take advantage of this complimentary program for older kids (there's a charge for babies).

Hideaway Beach is an adults-only portion of CocoCay that requires a day pass. Other portions of CocoCay requiring a daypass are Thrill Waterpark and the Coco Beach Club

Perfect Day at CocoCay

As one of your cruise stops, you are likely going to stop at Royal Caribbean's private island, CocoCay. CocoCay offers a plethora of activities, some of which are included in your cruise fare and some at an additional cost.

• What to Bring: Don't forget sun protection—sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring cash if you plan to shop at the CocoCay Straw Market.

• Booking CocoCay Excursions: If you're interested in excursions, book them ahead in the app. The exception is the Up, Up, and Away balloon, which is weather-dependent; it's best to book this one on the island. Many folks who book this ahead of time find that weather conditions require a cancellation. So, like most things when traveling, don't get too upset if it doesn't work out. You're in paradise, after all!

• Included Options: You don't have to book an excursion to enjoy CocoCay. Many areas, like my personal favorite Chill Beach, are included with your cruise fare and offer a relaxing experience.

• Culinary Delights at CocoCay:

  • DIY Taco Bar at Chill Grill: A must-try for taco enthusiasts.

  • Snack Shack's Secret Sandwich: Known as the "secret chicken parm sandwich," this off-menu item combines mozzarella sticks on a bun—a crowd favorite!

• Make a Plan: The island is expansive. Review maps and videos beforehand to plan your day and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Use the Tram: For a convenient tour of CocoCay, hop on the complimentary tram, which offers hop-on, hop-off service throughout the day.

Following our trip, I will report back with some first-hand experiences from our time on board to share as well as a lengthy review of the ship, with photography from our sister brand Ivey Photo.

THANK YOU to the Royal Caribbean Blog, CruiseHive, Travel Weekly, the Royal Caribbean Press Center, AND Cruise Critic for information that contributed to this blog post.