bretts173

Sydney has a need for a Royal ship from April onwards. Send her down here with some reasonably priced last minute fares and they will get plenty of people keen on a trip to the islands.
 

As a vocal critic of the so called Amp of Voyager I thought it is only fair that I put in a honest review.
First of all, the cruise itself was excellent and my family and I had an amazing time. Mostly due to the amazing staff who continually went out of their way to make everything perfect.
 
Positives
Room - We had a quad share oceanview but as cruisers who spend no time in the room it was more than sufficient.
Food - Mostly very good. We only ventured to the shambles of the windjammer for 1 lunch,breakfast and dinner. It was more chaotic at all times than I have ever experienced. Crowded and people continually walking out with snacks as there is just no other option for those on the pool deck or sports deck. This left the top decks with plates lying around and the poor cleaners overworked. That said it is not really my scene so to me not a big deal. The MDR especially at dinner was sublime. I have never had a better quality set of dinners, all piping hot, delicious and the meat all tender. The cafe was fine and surprisingly not too crowded most of the time.
Service - Bar service was pretty quick and as always friendly but the service in the MDR was outstanding. Our main waiter Michael along with his assistant Wasif were professional and engaging. My children were in tears when there was a chance we were not going to have them on the last night.
Activities/entertainment - plenty to keep all going throughout the day.
 
Negatives - 
My Time Dining - They increased the amount of early dining slots which meant MTD didnt start until 7pm. The problem is so many turned up at 7pm, while not everyone was finished from the early slot that the lines were long. I am pretty patient and while not delighted to not get in until 7:30 when I had a reservation at 7, others were a lot less patient. 
Lines - The extra cabins were noticable. They added laser tag but it only happened 3 times which in itself replaced sessions of ice skating. This led to long lines at both.
Amplification - Anything new is appreciated but the hoopla surrounding this was over the top. The additions were lacklustre and the biggest thing that is noticeable is the lack of dining options.
 
Overall we still had a wonderful time however I have never been on a ship with more people whinging and whining.  The most notable were the diamond club members who never stopped. Maybe true that the sevice to them has been downgraded but the biggest group of them sit and drink nothing but water until the happy hour, then go hell for leather. They would make nothing for the company.
 
It certainly hasnt stopped me as we booked another on board.

As a vocal critic of the so called Amp of Voyager I thought it is only fair that I put in a honest review.
First of all, the cruise itself was excellent and my family and I had an amazing time. Mostly due to the amazing staff who continually went out of their way to make everything perfect.
 
Positives
Room - We had a quad share oceanview but as cruisers who spend no time in the room it was more than sufficient.
Food - Mostly very good. We only ventured to the shambles of the windjammer for 1 lunch,breakfast and dinner. It was more chaotic at all times than I have ever experienced. Crowded and people continually walking out with snacks as there is just no other option for those on the pool deck or sports deck. This left the top decks with plates lying around and the poor cleaners overworked. That said it is not really my scene so to me not a big deal. The MDR especially at dinner was sublime. I have never had a better quality set of dinners, all piping hot, delicious and the meat all tender. The cafe was fine and surprisingly not too crowded most of the time.
Service - Bar service was pretty quick and as always friendly but the service in the MDR was outstanding. Our main waiter Michael along with his assistant Wasif were professional and engaging. My children were in tears when there was a chance we were not going to have them on the last night.
Activities/entertainment - plenty to keep all going throughout the day.
 
Negatives - 
My Time Dining - They increased the amount of early dining slots which meant MTD didnt start until 7pm. The problem is so many turned up at 7pm, while not everyone was finished from the early slot that the lines were long. I am pretty patient and while not delighted to not get in until 7:30 when I had a reservation at 7, others were a lot less patient. 
Lines - The extra cabins were noticable. They added laser tag but it only happened 3 times which in itself replaced sessions of ice skating. This led to long lines at both.
Amplification - Anything new is appreciated but the hoopla surrounding this was over the top. The additions were lacklustre and the biggest thing that is noticeable is the lack of dining options.
 
Overall we still had a wonderful time however I have never been on a ship with more people whinging and whining.  The most notable were the diamond club members who never stopped. Maybe true that the sevice to them has been downgraded but the biggest group of them sit and drink nothing but water until the happy hour, then go hell for leather. They would make nothing for the company.
 
It certainly hasnt stopped me as we booked another on board.

As a vocal critic of the so called Amp of Voyager I thought it is only fair that I put in a honest review.
First of all, the cruise itself was excellent and my family and I had an amazing time. Mostly due to the amazing staff who continually went out of their way to make everything perfect.
 
Positives
Room - We had a quad share oceanview but as cruisers who spend no time in the room it was more than sufficient.
Food - Mostly very good. We only ventured to the shambles of the windjammer for 1 lunch,breakfast and dinner. It was more chaotic at all times than I have ever experienced. Crowded and people continually walking out with snacks as there is just no other option for those on the pool deck or sports deck. This left the top decks with plates lying around and the poor cleaners overworked. That said it is not really my scene so to me not a big deal. The MDR especially at dinner was sublime. I have never had a better quality set of dinners, all piping hot, delicious and the meat all tender. The cafe was fine and surprisingly not too crowded most of the time.
Service - Bar service was pretty quick and as always friendly but the service in the MDR was outstanding. Our main waiter Michael along with his assistant Wasif were professional and engaging. My children were in tears when there was a chance we were not going to have them on the last night.
Activities/entertainment - plenty to keep all going throughout the day.
 
Negatives - 
My Time Dining - They increased the amount of early dining slots which meant MTD didnt start until 7pm. The problem is so many turned up at 7pm, while not everyone was finished from the early slot that the lines were long. I am pretty patient and while not delighted to not get in until 7:30 when I had a reservation at 7, others were a lot less patient. 
Lines - The extra cabins were noticable. They added laser tag but it only happened 3 times which in itself replaced sessions of ice skating. This led to long lines at both.
Amplification - Anything new is appreciated but the hoopla surrounding this was over the top. The additions were lacklustre and the biggest thing that is noticeable is the lack of dining options.
 
Overall we still had a wonderful time however I have never been on a ship with more people whinging and whining.  The most notable were the diamond club members who never stopped. Maybe true that the sevice to them has been downgraded but the biggest group of them sit and drink nothing but water until the happy hour, then go hell for leather. They would make nothing for the company.
 
It certainly hasnt stopped me as we booked another on board.

As a vocal critic of the so called Amp of Voyager I thought it is only fair that I put in a honest review.
First of all, the cruise itself was excellent and my family and I had an amazing time. Mostly due to the amazing staff who continually went out of their way to make everything perfect.
 
Positives
Room - We had a quad share oceanview but as cruisers who spend no time in the room it was more than sufficient.
Food - Mostly very good. We only ventured to the shambles of the windjammer for 1 lunch,breakfast and dinner. It was more chaotic at all times than I have ever experienced. Crowded and people continually walking out with snacks as there is just no other option for those on the pool deck or sports deck. This left the top decks with plates lying around and the poor cleaners overworked. That said it is not really my scene so to me not a big deal. The MDR especially at dinner was sublime. I have never had a better quality set of dinners, all piping hot, delicious and the meat all tender. The cafe was fine and surprisingly not too crowded most of the time.
Service - Bar service was pretty quick and as always friendly but the service in the MDR was outstanding. Our main waiter Michael along with his assistant Wasif were professional and engaging. My children were in tears when there was a chance we were not going to have them on the last night.
Activities/entertainment - plenty to keep all going throughout the day.
 
Negatives - 
My Time Dining - They increased the amount of early dining slots which meant MTD didnt start until 7pm. The problem is so many turned up at 7pm, while not everyone was finished from the early slot that the lines were long. I am pretty patient and while not delighted to not get in until 7:30 when I had a reservation at 7, others were a lot less patient. 
Lines - The extra cabins were noticable. They added laser tag but it only happened 3 times which in itself replaced sessions of ice skating. This led to long lines at both.
Amplification - Anything new is appreciated but the hoopla surrounding this was over the top. The additions were lacklustre and the biggest thing that is noticeable is the lack of dining options.
 
Overall we still had a wonderful time however I have never been on a ship with more people whinging and whining.  The most notable were the diamond club members who never stopped. Maybe true that the sevice to them has been downgraded but the biggest group of them sit and drink nothing but water until the happy hour, then go hell for leather. They would make nothing for the company.
 
It certainly hasnt stopped me as we booked another on board.

As a vocal critic of the so called Amp of Voyager I thought it is only fair that I put in a honest review.
First of all, the cruise itself was excellent and my family and I had an amazing time. Mostly due to the amazing staff who continually went out of their way to make everything perfect.
 
Positives
Room - We had a quad share oceanview but as cruisers who spend no time in the room it was more than sufficient.
Food - Mostly very good. We only ventured to the shambles of the windjammer for 1 lunch,breakfast and dinner. It was more chaotic at all times than I have ever experienced. Crowded and people continually walking out with snacks as there is just no other option for those on the pool deck or sports deck. This left the top decks with plates lying around and the poor cleaners overworked. That said it is not really my scene so to me not a big deal. The MDR especially at dinner was sublime. I have never had a better quality set of dinners, all piping hot, delicious and the meat all tender. The cafe was fine and surprisingly not too crowded most of the time.
Service - Bar service was pretty quick and as always friendly but the service in the MDR was outstanding. Our main waiter Michael along with his assistant Wasif were professional and engaging. My children were in tears when there was a chance we were not going to have them on the last night.
Activities/entertainment - plenty to keep all going throughout the day.
 
Negatives - 
My Time Dining - They increased the amount of early dining slots which meant MTD didnt start until 7pm. The problem is so many turned up at 7pm, while not everyone was finished from the early slot that the lines were long. I am pretty patient and while not delighted to not get in until 7:30 when I had a reservation at 7, others were a lot less patient. 
Lines - The extra cabins were noticable. They added laser tag but it only happened 3 times which in itself replaced sessions of ice skating. This led to long lines at both.
Amplification - Anything new is appreciated but the hoopla surrounding this was over the top. The additions were lacklustre and the biggest thing that is noticeable is the lack of dining options.
 
Overall we still had a wonderful time however I have never been on a ship with more people whinging and whining.  The most notable were the diamond club members who never stopped. Maybe true that the sevice to them has been downgraded but the biggest group of them sit and drink nothing but water until the happy hour, then go hell for leather. They would make nothing for the company.
 
It certainly hasnt stopped me as we booked another on board.

As a vocal critic of the so called Amp of Voyager I thought it is only fair that I put in a honest review.
First of all, the cruise itself was excellent and my family and I had an amazing time. Mostly due to the amazing staff who continually went out of their way to make everything perfect.
 
Positives
Room - We had a quad share oceanview but as cruisers who spend no time in the room it was more than sufficient.
Food - Mostly very good. We only ventured to the shambles of the windjammer for 1 lunch,breakfast and dinner. It was more chaotic at all times than I have ever experienced. Crowded and people continually walking out with snacks as there is just no other option for those on the pool deck or sports deck. This left the top decks with plates lying around and the poor cleaners overworked. That said it is not really my scene so to me not a big deal. The MDR especially at dinner was sublime. I have never had a better quality set of dinners, all piping hot, delicious and the meat all tender. The cafe was fine and surprisingly not too crowded most of the time.
Service - Bar service was pretty quick and as always friendly but the service in the MDR was outstanding. Our main waiter Michael along with his assistant Wasif were professional and engaging. My children were in tears when there was a chance we were not going to have them on the last night.
Activities/entertainment - plenty to keep all going throughout the day.
 
Negatives - 
My Time Dining - They increased the amount of early dining slots which meant MTD didnt start until 7pm. The problem is so many turned up at 7pm, while not everyone was finished from the early slot that the lines were long. I am pretty patient and while not delighted to not get in until 7:30 when I had a reservation at 7, others were a lot less patient. 
Lines - The extra cabins were noticable. They added laser tag but it only happened 3 times which in itself replaced sessions of ice skating. This led to long lines at both.
Amplification - Anything new is appreciated but the hoopla surrounding this was over the top. The additions were lacklustre and the biggest thing that is noticeable is the lack of dining options.
 
Overall we still had a wonderful time however I have never been on a ship with more people whinging and whining.  The most notable were the diamond club members who never stopped. Maybe true that the sevice to them has been downgraded but the biggest group of them sit and drink nothing but water until the happy hour, then go hell for leather. They would make nothing for the company.
 
It certainly hasnt stopped me as we booked another on board.

This is ridiculous to blame. This volcano has been changing between level 1 and 2 for 20 years. Yes there is steam and gas outbursts which in itself is the attraction of the tour. The excursion through Royal is promoted as a visit to one of the worlds most active volcanoes. 
 
A volcano is considered active if it has had an eruption in the last 10000 years.
 
I did this tour virtually 12 months ago, have some empathy for all involved, those on board now included.

I was a geologist and have a degree in it focusing on sedimetary terrains and structures...active volcanoes (which generate igneous rocks) are everywhere, as are fault zones. Nothing is predictable despite the various signs people encounter. If Old Faithful were any sign...we can't predict when the Yellowstone caldera will erupt, but one day, untold destruction in North America will result and affect the entire world. It is the largest super volcano in the world, and an explosive eruption, yes, will happen, & will change everything. It last erupted 1-2 million years ago. Who knows when it's due?
Geologic time is very, very long, and the odds of being caught in an eruption are more miniscule than getting Norwalk virus on a cruise ship when you wash hands regularly and sanitize. Would I walk around Whakatane, Yellowstone, Mt St Helens, Mt Rainier, Mt Hood, Kilauea, Krakatoa, Pinatubo, Montserrat or any other active volcano with steam coming out? Yep. If it goes, it will be quick. May those who perished in NZ rest in peace.

T
That is my problem. I do have children. Picked MTD so some nights go early show some nights early dinner, depending how they are. 
 
Wondering what happens first night when I turn up at 6 because that is what my calender says for my booking.

Absolutely ridiculous. What they promote as MTD is now not.  
 
I can only imagine the chaos the first night when people with reservations before 6:45 turn up expecting to get seated.

No it is even in the cruise compass that My time dining doesnt start until 6:45.  This only on some ships, Oasis and voyager 2 I have noticed.  
 
This is only a very recent change. Voyager since its last refit which to all reports has been a disaster. added 300 extra passengers, took away space and dining options. The reports were that on the singapore to sydney repos, they shut the dining room at 1Pm because they couldnt handle the people and then there were about 100 people standing waiting for tables at the Windjammer. 45 minute wait for my time dining tables because everyone turns up at 7. Half these people had 6pm bookings made before the policy change.
 
I still have 6PM my time bookings for my cruise this week even though it isnt available to 645.  

15 days and nothing here.
 

Not ideal for minors either.
 

Not ideal for minors either.
 

15 days and nothing here.
 

I'd hate to book Carnival only to find out Royal has something the same.

I'd hate to book Carnival only to find out Royal has something the same.

I have a friend who has just returned from a cruise on Voyager. She said that one day the pool was closed for a private function on the pool deck. They were not using the pool thmselves, they just didnt want others to. 
This infuriates me in so many ways. I dont care how much people pay for suite privileges but this is diminishing the value of everyone elses holiday. This should not be an option.
Thoughts?

While the reply was welcome, he doesnt seem to grasp that the biggest gripe is that many of us only booked Voyager because of the advertising and hype. Didnt really answer the concerns the general customer has.

Now with the release of the details of Explorers refit announced, those down under who are left with Voyager must be scratching their heads. All ships were anounced under the Royal Amplification program and made people excited and want to book them. Navigator, Mariner and now Explorer have certainly been Amplified while the Australian/NZ market gets Voyager which has been AMPUTATED.
Removal of public space/restaurants and the addition of extra cabins is going to make this clearly the least desirable of all Voyager class ships.
 

Last cruise I was sat next to a loud drunk obnoxious Texan who was smoking (which is fine). What was not fine was that he was continually blowing smoke towards me and my face. I asked him to stop politely and so did the staff. Next time he did it I poured the rest of my drink on him. When he complained I said you wanted to share your cigar I wanted to share my drink. He was escorted out and the staff got me another drink.
 

The simple fact is it is not your chair. 

The simple fact is it is not your chair. 

It is only the dollars and cents keeping it this way. The gaming industry is powerful and has lobbied hard to keep it this way in every day life. This results in it being considered the norm so should apply to cruise life as well. Virtually every other workplace it is banned for health reasons. The staff are the ones I feel sorry for.
The good news for me is that most of my cruising is done out of Australia where the casinos are smoke free as the some of these big industries dont have as much clout with the Government.