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Royal Caribbean's Voyager Class
Nancy Norris
TrvlJrnlst@aol.com

Calling all first time cruisers, families, active couples and singles!  Come aboard one of Royal Caribbean’s five mega-ships for the mega-adventure of a lifetime.  The 142,000 ton Eagle Class ships were designed with you in mind.  How can one ship be a perfect fit for such a diverse group of passengers?  Think revolutionary design offering unparalleled amenities.  Having been fortunate enough to sail three of these spectacular vessels, as both a parent and a solo traveler, let me share some of the rewards of cruising on this innovative fleet.

First, for novice cruisers, let’s dispel the fear of seasickness.  These ships are such marvels of modern engineering that, unless you actually watch the ship sail on the open waters, chances are you will not even be aware that you are moving. Many people are reluctant to take their first cruise for fear of being bored or confined.  Well, that’s virtually impossible on a Voyager Class ship.  In fact, there is so much to see and do that your cruise will end, before you have exhausted your options or even discovered all the ship has to offer.  These ships are like being in a resort city. The expansive Royal Promenade is a shopping and entertainment Mecca with something to appeal to everyone, no matter what their taste. Just a stroll along this city street is an ever-changing adventure. Live theatre, ice skating shows, one of the largest casinos afloat, live bands and a disco that pulses with energy until the wee hours of the morning are just a few of your choices. Dine nightly at a four star restaurant with limitless choices, or dine at a more intimate specialty restaurant.  For those who prefer their vacation be less formal, an alternative casual restaurant is available for your dining pleasure and let’s not forget about 24 hour room service or the cafes and bistros. Forget about feeling confined or claustrophobic!  On these ships, even an inside cabin can offer a room with a view. The open decks with swimming pools, miniature golf and a rock-climbing wall all have limitless views of the ocean.  Commune with nature and marvel at the wonders of our universe from your private balcony. There is no freer feeling on earth!

Royal Caribbean is known for being family friendly, but these ships take that concept to a whole new level.  In my opinion, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean youth program is one of the most comprehensive programs in the cruise industry.  The youth are divided into five groups: ages 3-5, ages 6-8, ages 9-11, ages 12-14 and ages 15-17, with separate programs tailored to fit the interests of each age group. Activities run the gamut from fun and entertaining to educational and creative. Not only are these well-organized programs run by highly qualified and energetic staff, but on the Voyager Class ships each group has its own separate, unique and state-of-the-art facilities.  Johnny Rockets and their own disco/lounge area are favorites of the teen set, as well as the wide variety of optional sports venues.  Anyone who has traveled with a teen-ager knows keeping them happy and content is a major feat in itself    Theme parties, Adventure Beach and the Late Night Party Zone, better known as group babysitting in the evening, are favorites of the younger children. My daughter, who began cruising at the age of  5,  loved everything about the program. While the children are enjoying their own supervised activities, parents have a chance to pursue their own separate interests, or reconnect as a couple.  Special children’s menus make dining a pleasure for the whole family.  And speaking of the whole family, there are numerous activities and facilities on board these ships designed for the enjoyment of all.  A “hassle-free” vacation tailor made to the needs and interests of everyone in the family, now that’s what I call a vacation!

If you are an active adult, single or married, the Voyager Class ships offer activities and facilities guaranteed to keep you moving from morning to night.  Take a morning jog in the open sea air, get an excellent work-out at the fitness center while enjoying an awesome view of the ocean, take a Pilates, spinning or yoga class, play a game of basketball or practice your golf game. And all this is before lunch!  Still not tired, then play a game of basketball, improve your inline skating technique, or perhaps ice-skating is more your speed. Now that you have worked every muscle in your body, why not schedule a relaxing massage, take a sauna, relax in the hot tub, or just lounge at the pool.  On port days you can kayak, wind-surf, scuba dive, snorkel, parasail, ride a bicycle or take a hike.  Once the sunsets a whole new set of options become available. Visit one of the numerous lounges and dance the night away or try your luck in the casino. The sheer size and number of activities these ships offer guarantees that even if you are traveling solo, you won’t be alone.  Whether married or single, you will encounter like-minded souls pursuing similar interests.  Explore, open yourself to new adventures and experiences. Catch the spirit of a Voyager Class cruise!

On a Voyager Class cruise the SHIP is the destination.  The ports of call are an added bonus! If I haven’t convinced you that these ships give new meaning to the term “floating resort” and are the perfect choice for your next vacation, then I challenge you to sample the experience for yourself. Whether you choose The Voyager, The Adventure, The Explorer, The Mariner or The Navigator of the Seas, I know once you have a taste of the adventure that is waiting for you on board the world of cruising will never be the same.  So, select an itinerary and let the voyage begin! Click on the Royal Caribbean banner ad to discover more.