Pages

Friday, December 21, 2012

Voyager of the Seas

I had the pleasure of looking around the Voyager of the seas in late November when she was in port
in Melbourne.

The Voyager of the Seas is the largest of Royal Caribbeans 3 ships that are based down in our waters for the Australian Summer. She is 138,000 tonnes and can carry 3114 passengers. The ships facilities are spread out over 15 decks including the unique Promenade level! Alot of the facilities and activities on this ship are the same as you would see on Royal Caribbeans Allure and Oasis of the Seas mega liners based out of Fort Lauderdale in the USA and have been introduced to the Voyager due to the success on these ships.

The standout features of this ship certainly come about due to her sheer size and definitely cater towards the adventurous at heart! I have listed some information below about these unique features below.

Rock Climbing Wall
The Rock Climbing wall is located on the top level, it rises 12 metres above deck and is mounted on the ships funnel. You will have unparalleled 180 degree views of the sea and surrounds down below! Whether it's your first time on a rock wall or you're a seasoned climber, there are challenges for all levels of experience. All equipment, including shoes, helmets and harnesses are all provided and included in your Cruise fare.




Ice Skating Rink
Amazing Ice Skating shows are held nightly in Studio B - the worlds only Ice rink at sea! The shows are done by a cast of professional Skaters that amaze with Jumps, lifts and spins - these shows are a must see!
When the professionals are not practicing or putting on one of their shows the rink is open for guests to skate on.There's no charge to use the rink, no reservations necessary and all levels of skating are welcome – they will even 
provide the skates. 


Mini Golf Course
Hit the links on the high seas on the 9 hole mini golf course! Located on Deck 14. Refine your mini-golf game on a green that overlooks the ocean! Included in your fare and no reservations are required

Sports Court
The sports court itself can be used as a basketball, volleyball, or a paddle ball court. Whether it's a game of one-on-one or an all-out tournament to fuel your competitive fire, the sports court is just the spot to bring out your competitive sporting spirit.

In line Skating Track
Gear up and let the good times roll at the in line skating track, where a smooth course and padded barriers let you zip around the sports deck. The in line track weaves around on deck, so you get a scenic view and some maneuvering challenges.


Dream works Experience
The Dream works Experience offers exclusive special events and parades, interactive character breakfasts in the main dining room, and photo opportunities with characters  from “Madagascar”, “Shrek”, “Kung Fu Panda” and “Puss in Boots”  









Promenade Deck
Along with these unique features you have 14 Bars , clubs and Lounges to choose from - including the traditional English Pub the Pig and Whistle and the impressive Vault Nightclub.
Dining options range from the 3 Level Main dining room and the Windjammer Cafe Buffet all included in your Cruise fare to Portofino Italian Restaurant and the ever popular Johnny Rockets which attract a small surcharge to dine at.

If you have ever gazed at the amazement of Royal Caribbeans Oasis Class ships then this is definitely the ship for you in our part of the world!

View sailings on the Voyager of the Seas :


Pictures Courtesy of Royal Caribbean website

Stephen

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Food Glorious Food



The Radiance of the Seas made a rare visit to us here in Melbourne and we had the opportunity to have a look around the on board facilities.

The Radiance is known as the Culinary ship of the seas as there are 6 alternate dining experiences available on top of your Main Dining room and Buffet offerings. This is one of the big  features of this ship which I will share with you below.

Your fare includes multi-course dining for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in the Main Dining room and access to the buffet in the Windjammer Cafe. You can enjoy other fantastic restaurants on board for a small surcharge, which is a fraction of the price you would pay in a normal restaurant at home.

Izumi - Asian-fusion Cuisine
Choose from Sushi rolls, Sashimi, Hot rock plates and more. This is the place to go for fresh Japanese food with impeccable presentation and a dining experience of cooking your own meals at the table. Menu items are charged individually based on what you order.
Cost per person: Menu items charged individually - USD $3.00 for lunch, USD $5.00 for dinner (on top of your order)

Giovanni's Table - Italian Restaurant
This is a Casual Italian Trattoria and has indoor and outdoor seating available. Great place for  Pastas, meat dishes, stews and toasted herb foccacias.
Cost per person : USD $15.00 for lunch , USD $20.00 for dinner.

Samba Grill - Brazilian Steakhouse
Samba Grill
Featuring a variety of meats and Seafoods which are carved at your table side from the Skewer. This is Churrascaria with Personality and flair! A wide selection of Soups, Salads and
appetisers are available from the buffet also. This restaurant operates with a "traffic Light" system - simply turn the light on your table Green to advise the waiter to come and carve you more meat or turn it Red to let them know you are full or having a rest!
Cost per person : USD $25.00 for dinner.

Chops Grille - Steak Restaurant
Enjoy delicious Steaks and fresh Seafood along with Side dishes and sumptuous desserts! 
Reservations at this restaurant are highly recommended to take advantage of this dining opportunity.
Ritas Cantina
Cost per person : USD $30.00 for dinner


Rita's Cantina - Mexican-fare favourites
Do you like Margaritas? Rita's serves the widest selection at sea! A Fiesta of flavour, feast on traditional Mexican fare while being entertained by guitars and dancing. This restaurant
caters to families by day and adults by night.
Cost per person : Menu items charged individually - USD $3.00 for lunch or dinner (on top of your order)


Chef's Table
Join up to 14 guests in an exclusive dining room for a once in a lifetime dining experience. You will enjoy a 5 course gourmet menu specially prepared and presented by your own chef. Every course is paired with a wine match to enhance the enjoyment of the dish. The cost to enjoy the same experience at a land based restaurant would be over $200.00 and you experience this for a fraction of the cost.
Cost per person :  USD $95.00 

Royal Caribbean also have some fantastic dining packages that you can pre book through the Cruise Personaliser that gives you a selection of the above specialty restaurants at a reduced price. Check this out once you have booked via your Pre-Cruise Planned under Food and Drink Reservations > Specialty Restaurants and dining.

Stephen

View Sailings on the Radiance of the Seas:
Australia  
New Zealand

Photos Courtesy of the Royal Caribbean Website