Phillo

There is an ABC journalist onboard. He submitted this article about the aftermath on the ship -
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-10/what-it-was-like-aboard-ovation-on-the-seas-after-volcano/11782188

We seen a Bon Jovi cover band in August while on Ovation.  This 80's girl was in heaven!  I've always been a fan of Bon Jovi and now even more.   They will always remind me of our wonderful Alaskan cruise.  

i'm a smoker too and was very surprised to find that smoking is allowed in the casino's on most itineraries.
I am more than happy to go outside and smoke to be honest. it stinks when its inside.  As for banning it all together, i doubt that this will happen in the short term.

I agree. Unfortunately I think Voyager has been amped for the asian market only and the Australian market suffers.  Spectrum of the Seas has been designed for the Asian market and will stay there.  Why not leave Voyager there and give us something else.
Australia is the biggest cruise market per capita in the world, why not display your best product?

i'm a smoker too and was very surprised to find that smoking is allowed in the casino's on most itineraries.
I am more than happy to go outside and smoke to be honest. it stinks when its inside.  As for banning it all together, i doubt that this will happen in the short term.

i'm a smoker too and was very surprised to find that smoking is allowed in the casino's on most itineraries.
I am more than happy to go outside and smoke to be honest. it stinks when its inside.  As for banning it all together, i doubt that this will happen in the short term.

Is it April 1st already? 
If RC ban smoking on ships then this would apply to crew as well, so i very much doubt it would be a complete ban.
They may ban it from the casino which is in doors, which in my opinion as a smoker they should do. 

From the photos i have seen, the suite lounge has been completed.  However.... I wont be going in there! ha!

I will be interested to see what its like in person.  We are on VotS in 2 weeks for its repositioning cruise to Sydney!!!! #needaholiday

Welcome to the message boards!
A cruise from Singapore is one thing but a cruise from Shanghai is another matter.  
Cruises in China are distinctly targeted at the Chinese consumer.  They won't deny a Westerner from booking such a cruise but it won't be the same experience you have on a Royal ship outside of Asia and that's on purpose.  
Royal is growing their Asia cruise market by embracing the local culture on these cruises.  While other lines are struggling in that region Royal is actually growing and starting to see signs that their Asian guests are now starting to book cruises in other regions.  
I would expect a cruise from Shanghai to be fully immersive in all respects.  Food, menus, signage, entertainment, announcements, etc... 

I recommend Lyft or Uber

Don't blame Norweigan, blame the Chinese. Ruining cruises is just the beginning of this new sinister Communist plot. What's next? Raining on parades? They must be stopped.

Well it's at least on the right side of the world, that's a good start. 
Not sure I'm a fan of sailing out of China, but I'll take one for the team and post the photos here!

I will take it, only if it help my Social Credit Score. ?

I would think they are changing the entire phone system.  Probably moving to a VOIP PBX type thing.
As for mattresses.  Thats a fair call.  Who knows.... they might not be including sofa beds (in the calculation).

Let’s hope they AREN’T changing the mattresses. It’s the new ones that are made from Sheetrock.

i was doing some reading about the Voyager amplification and while it doesnt have all the features we were hoping for, they seem to be giving the staterooms a decent overhaul as part of the works.
I read an article (link below) that says:
Source: https://cruisepassenger.com.au/the-first-look-inside-royal-caribbeans-revamped-voyager-of-the-seas/

i was doing some reading about the Voyager amplification and while it doesnt have all the features we were hoping for, they seem to be giving the staterooms a decent overhaul as part of the works.
I read an article (link below) that says:
Source: https://cruisepassenger.com.au/the-first-look-inside-royal-caribbeans-revamped-voyager-of-the-seas/

and with the new port being built in Brisbane, it will ensure more larger ships come down here too!

and with the new port being built in Brisbane, it will ensure more larger ships come down here too!

I think you summed it up perfectly @Vanessa77 !!

I agree. Unfortunately I think Voyager has been amped for the asian market only and the Australian market suffers.  Spectrum of the Seas has been designed for the Asian market and will stay there.  Why not leave Voyager there and give us something else.
Australia is the biggest cruise market per capita in the world, why not display your best product?

ha! Doesnt surprise me.  Not that this applies to me.... but i have been told that if the french know you can speak the language (even if its basic) they expect you to speak it and will let you suffer.
Still... i love France. ? Cant wait to go back at some point.

Does, "Vino" count as one of those phrases?

Agree with this.  Learn a few basics and that goes a long way.