mattymay Posted June 23, 2019 Report Share Posted June 23, 2019 3 Days to Go! Who's excited? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanessa77 Posted June 23, 2019 Report Share Posted June 23, 2019 Yay! They've been teasing this on Instagram for a week or so now, and I'm so keen to get the details! From the tease pictures so far, looks like: - Room additions/refreshes - Laser tag - Spa refresh - Adventure ocean updates - Slide additions But cant wait for all details/confirmation. I have a cruise on Voyager over Christmas this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phillo Posted June 24, 2019 Report Share Posted June 24, 2019 I too have been waiting for this!! We are doing a 14 night cruise in November - about a month after it comes back online. Looking forward to finding out the finer details! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cruise Junkie Posted June 24, 2019 Report Share Posted June 24, 2019 I Cant Wait To Find Out What It Will Be Getting!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew72681 Posted June 24, 2019 Report Share Posted June 24, 2019 Will be interesting to see if they put the same amount of investment in to a ship that’s not focused around their “home market” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted June 24, 2019 Report Share Posted June 24, 2019 So reveal is on Wednesday? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F1guynz Posted June 24, 2019 Report Share Posted June 24, 2019 I think it will be Thursday here in NZ/AUS and Wednesday in the U.S. Looking forward to this as we have a holiday booked on her for February next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattymay Posted June 24, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2019 As above.. Thurs/Wed depending on where you live. Phillo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattymay Posted June 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 The Cruise Junkie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattymay Posted June 26, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 Details... More like Mariner than Navigator except they have ditched the SkyPad! A little underwhelming I think. No info on venues? https://www.royalcaribbean.com.au/cruise-ships/voyager-of-the-seas?fbclid=IwAR1mlHOs3C3-pFVZqeTJoWI4tmYfQC-WdGfzmi8NOqMW8pdMm4-lVnmYXcU The Cruise Junkie, F1guynz and ltw 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ltw Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 And here is the press release: https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1401/voyager-of-the-seas-ups-the-ante-down-under-with-new-wave-of-thrills/ The Cruise Junkie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cruise Junkie Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 Photos Of Sport Deck Spa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ltw Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 Press Release says that the spa & fitness center is being relocated aft (like Navigator I assume). That gives the space for the new cabins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phillo Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 Either they havent announced yet changes in dining venues or bars, there are some things missing compared to the other amplified ships: - Jamie's Italian (maybe that idea is dead now) - Lime and Coconut bar - Playmakers - Bamboo Room - Hooked Seafood To be honest, if they dont do any of them (except for Jamies Italian) that is a disappointment as they look like great venues. Joe01 and The Cruise Junkie 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bretts173 Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 They say no plans for new bars or restaurants. What a disaster, more cabins, more squeeze. Once again the Australian market gets the short straw. Joe01, Phillo and The Cruise Junkie 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe01 Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 Very disappointed at the lack of additions to Voyager. And of course, extra cabins... Think I'll pass on any future VY sailing. mattymay and The Cruise Junkie 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGSLC5 Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 Yeah this refurb looks really really boring compared to Mariner and Navigator.. There are no WOW factors at all.. I am disappointed with this news... Joe01 and The Cruise Junkie 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cruise Junkie Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 4 minutes ago, AGSLC5 said: I am disappointed with this news... Me Too!! It Looks Like ADVENTURE OF THE SEAS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGSLC5 Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 Just now, Jaymac Radio said: Me Too!! It Looks Like ADVENTURE OF THE SEAS. exactly and Adventure hasn't been Amped yet.. that was only a regular dry dock that Adventure got.. The Cruise Junkie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanessa77 Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 10 minutes ago, AGSLC5 said: I am disappointed with this news... Ditto. I am happy about the additions they're making. The Laser tag and slide will be great, but I really just wanted a pool deck refresh. I wanted the mexican pool side food bar, and bamboo room. I wanted Hooked. They didn't say if they're adding an escape room? There are things on the voyager that seem really antiquated that they could do things with like the conference center and the sky chapel. What are they doing with those spaces? Lastly I've heard that the ship as a whole is a bit of the tired side. Are they doing a general refresh as well? New carpets, painting, decor etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zambia-Zaire Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 I was honestly hoping for more...on the level of Navigator; however, I'm not surprised either. Indy's & Adv's amping was disappointing & really nonexisting. Mariner was good; but, Nav is the only one, imo, that hit a homerun. We have yet to see details on the venues for Voy; so, I'm still holding out, it turn out to be at minimum, Mariner level amping. We will know more tomorrow I presume. The Cruise Junkie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ltw Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 3 minutes ago, Vanessa77 said: Lastly I've heard that the ship as a whole is a bit of the tired side. Are they doing a general refresh as well? New carpets, painting, decor etc? Depends, as usually they replace these things as needed. You'll most likely see a general refresh throughout. Back in 2014, Voyager's general color scheme was updated to navy in the hallways and cabins. I doubt this will be changed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGSLC5 Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 2 minutes ago, Zambia-Zaire said: I was honestly hoping for more...on the level of Navigator; however, I'm not surprised either. Indy's & Adv's amping was disappointing & really nonexisting. Mariner was good; but, Nav is the only one, imo, that hit a homerun. We have yet to see details on the venues for Voy; so, I'm still holding out, it turn out to be at minimum, Mariner level amping. We will know more tomorrow I presume. Adventure has not been Amped yet.. That was just a regular dry dock.. Adventure is on the schedule to get Amped in 2021 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zambia-Zaire Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 Great...so there's still hope AGSLC5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ltw Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 25 minutes ago, Zambia-Zaire said: I was honestly hoping for more...on the level of Navigator; however, I'm not surprised either. Indy's & Adv's amping was disappointing & really nonexisting. Mariner was good; but, Nav is the only one, imo, that hit a homerun. We have yet to see details on the venues for Voy; so, I'm still holding out, it turn out to be at minimum, Mariner level amping. We will know more tomorrow I presume. I wasn't expecting this to be to the level of Navigator. I personally like Mariner's upgrades as opposed to Navigator, but that's just me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bretts173 Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 How can you like the voyager amp. I have chatted to an agent on Facebook and they have confirmed no plans to add dining venues or bars just 70 more cabins. Now as a ship that lacks in the dining and drinking areas as it is this is terrible news. The Cruise Junkie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanessa77 Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 3 minutes ago, ltw said: I wasn't expecting this to be to the level of Navigator. Neither was I, but I really was hoping for more. This doesn't even compare to the Mariner amplification. Mariner won an award for best refurbishment of the year, can't see the changes they're making here even warranting any impact at all. The Cruise Junkie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F1guynz Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 I think it is fair to say there has been a mixed reaction to the changes. From a personal point of view, I was hoping for some new dining venues but according to RCI there are no plans to add new venues. I was hoping for a Izumi hibachi or Hooked. As they are adding more cabins I am worried things will seem much busier than previously with no new areas to disperse into. We don't have kids so don't really care what they do with this area. I do use the gym everyday so I will be interested to see what that is like. I was hoping for an Escape room but there is no mention of this. Sometimes I feel they don't understand what people in Australia / New Zealand market and adapt to local conditions. Playmakers would a perfect venue for this area but then they would load it with U.S sports rather than the local sports we watch. Don't get me wrong, I am happy they are investing in upgrades but I feel somewhat underwhelmed by these changes. We are on Independence next, before we go on Voyager to I will have something to compare it to. The Cruise Junkie and KWofPerth 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phillo Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 21 minutes ago, ltw said: I wasn't expecting this to be to the level of Navigator. I personally like Mariner's upgrades as opposed to Navigator, but that's just me. I would be happy if it was at the level of Mariner, however its not even to that level. Vanessa77 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanessa77 Posted June 27, 2019 Report Share Posted June 27, 2019 7 minutes ago, F1guynz said: I think it is fair to say there has been a mixed reaction to the changes. Sometimes I feel they don't understand what people in Australia / New Zealand market and adapt to local conditions. Playmakers would a perfect venue for this area but then they would load it with U.S sports rather than the local sports we watch. I agree with both of these points. Regarding your first point, regardless of your over all opinion, they aren't giving us any added incentive to spend more money on board. I was hoping for more restaurants, because my cruise is 9 nights I thought I might try a dining package. But with two steak houses (no variety), and an a le carte essentially snack bar, I can't say that it would be good value. I know the bamboo room has drink prices outside of the deluxe package, but I was willing to spend extra to try them, but nope nothing there. I honestly can't believe they aren't adding Playmakers. Australia and NZ are huge sport cultures. Even if it isn't Aussie sport. My dad often just has the sports channel on regardless of whats on. My partner gets up a 5am to watch the bloody soccer cup, and spent a week off last year watching the NBA play offs. Do they think that just because we're part of the commonwealth that we like English pubs haha? F1guynz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phillo Posted June 27, 2019 Report Share Posted June 27, 2019 2 minutes ago, Vanessa77 said: I know the bamboo room has drink prices outside of the deluxe package, but I was willing to spend extra to try them, but nope nothing there. I honestly can't believe they aren't adding Playmakers. Agree!! I wonder if its partly to do with the ship spending the other half of the year in Asia? I have no idea what the figures are like (obviously RCCL do) what people from different cultures spend on cruises in addition to their fare. I am sure Australian's spend more at bars etc.... however, do the chinese, japanese etc... spend more on board? who knows? The information on this page is illuminating: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-are-culturally-enriching-cruises-from-mainland-china I wonder if their considerations toward the chinese market has influenced what this ship is having done to it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bretts173 Posted June 27, 2019 Report Share Posted June 27, 2019 I really believe it is designed for the asian market. The upgrade in spa suggests that and they like the buffet and are not massive cocktail drinkers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zambia-Zaire Posted June 27, 2019 Report Share Posted June 27, 2019 38 minutes ago, ltw said: I wasn't expecting this to be to the level of Navigator. I personally like Mariner's upgrades as opposed to Navigator, but that's just me. Hmmm...Royal has been hyping their amping as a huge deal, advertising the amount of money investing...and giving how they are charging for "everything" to recoup some of the expensive; yes, I was expecting amping on the level of the Nav...anything less would be disappointing. Just One Ship gets all the Bells & Whistle so many hope for, for a nearly 20 yr old ship, after making such a spectacular of the Amping Program. I was expecting venues like Playmakers, Bamboo, Coconut & Lime, El Loco Fresh(or some Down-under version), if not Hooks, then maybe the Bar BQ joint...Blaster water slide, new look pool deck area, and yes, throw in an Escape Room. There's nothing enticing about Voyager before amping & apparently not after….absolutely no "WoW" factor, after a week long count down. Certainly, a let down. Vanessa77 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zambia-Zaire Posted June 27, 2019 Report Share Posted June 27, 2019 38 minutes ago, ltw said: I wasn't expecting this to be to the level of Navigator. I personally like Mariner's upgrades as opposed to Navigator, but that's just me. Hmmm...Royal has been hyping their amping as a huge deal, advertising the amount of money investing...and giving how they are charging for "everything" to recoup some of the expensive; yes, I was expecting amping on the level of the Nav...anything less would be disappointing. Just One Ship gets all the Bells & Whistle so many hope for, for a nearly 20 yr old ship, after making such a spectacular of the Amping Program. I was expecting venues like Playmakers, Bamboo, Coconut & Lime, El Loco Fresh(or some Down-under version), if not Hooks, then maybe the Bar BQ joint...Blaster water slide, new look pool deck area, and yes, throw in an Escape Room. There's nothing enticing about Voyager before amping & apparently not after….absolutely no "WoW" factor, after a week long count down. Certainly, a let down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattymay Posted June 27, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2019 We need our own full time ship! While close to Asia I think most people are more suited to an American influenced ship. Personally, I love Playmakers and watching American sports. I'll continue to spend the extra money and cruise from the U.S. as it's a much better experience in my opinion. I was all prepared to book a Voyager cruise but now I am going to book Oasis out of Cape Liberty instead! KristiZ, Phillo, Vanessa77 and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phillo Posted June 27, 2019 Report Share Posted June 27, 2019 1 hour ago, mattymay said: We need our own full time ship! Agreed!! are the economics right for it? It would probably need to be home ported out of brisbane for winter months though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F1guynz Posted June 27, 2019 Report Share Posted June 27, 2019 1 hour ago, mattymay said: We need our own full time ship! While close to Asia I think most people are more suited to an American influenced ship. Personally, I love Playmakers and watching American sports. I'll continue to spend the extra money and cruise from the U.S. as it's a much better experience in my opinion. I was all prepared to book a Voyager cruise but now I am going to book Oasis out of Cape Liberty instead! I think this is the problem, Asia and Australia/NZ are very different markets. Generally we want more bars, eateries, shows, entertainment and places to chill around the pool whereas ships out of China / Asia want bigger casinos, don't need bars, don't care for the shows and prefer the buffet. I don't understand why they could reimagine the ship for the Australian market and have it year round as they already have two other ships for the Asia market. It would be nice to be able to cruise up to the warm Pacific Islands in July. Matt, The Cruise Junkie, Phillo and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattymay Posted June 27, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2019 16 minutes ago, F1guynz said: It would be nice to be able to cruise up to the warm Pacific Islands in July. Spot on! Phillo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F1guynz Posted June 27, 2019 Report Share Posted June 27, 2019 We need a regional Presidents Cruise to state our case for a full time ship to Susan Bonner. Phillo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted June 27, 2019 Report Share Posted June 27, 2019 Have her booked in 2021. I wonder if the Cuba situation caused them to scale it back several million. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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