KarryOn was among 1,400 agents and industry media given the chance to experience the recently renovated Voyager of the Seas during an exclusive one-night sailing from Sydney.
While we didn’t use the opportunity to catch a few waves on the first surf simulator at sea Down Under, we did get to explore the vessel and experience her $80 million refit.
The biggest (and most exciting change) onboard is the FlowRider, which replaced the rollerblading inline track on deck 13.
Allowing guests to surf and cruise at the same time – the surf simulator is already popular aboard the line’s Oasis-class and Freedom-class ships and it was definitely a hit yesterday amongst industry members.
Even the ship’s Captain took time out from his duties in the bridge to catch a few waves.
That’s no pro, that’s Captain Charles Teige catching a few waves on his break.
Dining on the ship has never been so diverse!
The main dining room, Sapphire, received a complete refit with new chairs, carpeting, chandeliers and best of all – a new menu!
For the first time, Voyager offers Japanese food at the sophisticated Asian fusion restaurant, Izumi. Replacing the Cloud Nine & Seven Hearts bar, the venue serves everything from sushi to sashimi and tableside cooking preparation using Hot Rocks.
Voyager’s Asian-fusion restaurant, Izumi
We chose to dine at the traditional Italian venue, Giovanni’s. Located where the Vault nightclub use to be – the restaurant is an intimate specialty restaurant serving incredible Italian food such as antipastos, risotto, spaghetti and more!
Of course, with Giovanni’s now onboard, the line decided to remove the other Italian restaurant, Portofino’s. Steakhouse, Chop’s Grille has replaced the 88-guest Italian restaurant on deck 11.
The American-style venue serves dinner only and the menu includes ‘Grilled Alaskan Halibut’, ‘New York Strip Steak’ and ‘Veal Chop’.
Giovanni’s replaces Portofino as the Italian restaurant onboard
For the young-ones Voyager now offers more room to play at the Outdoor youth area. The young space replaces the old Adventure Beach and offers an outdoor place for them to unwind at the ping pong table or on a lounge.
Golf enthusiasts may be a little disappointed to see the 19th Hole replaced with the Diamond Club – a space exclusive to Royal Caribbean Diamond members.
Oh and how could we forget! Guests will have an ocean view no matter what category cabin they choose.
The line has fitted indoor rooms with virtual balconies, which project real-time sights and sounds of the sea on an 80-inch high definition screen framed to the cabin wall.
There’s also a new 220-square-foot outdoor 3D cinema screen by the pool.
Virtual balconies give all travellers an ocean view