They say that the last thing you want to do in your first years of marriage is to “rock the boat.” But on the Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, one of the world’s luxury liners, newlyweds and lovers won’t find their marital passions the least dampened here. Rather, they may have just found a new playground to inspire newfound romance.
Just a glimpse at the sleek blue and white exteriors of the gigantic modern ship, while it docks at the Marina Bay Cruise Center in Singapore, will send chills up and down one’s spine. Standing taller than the cruise center itself, measuring over 1,000 feet long and almost 200 feet wide, and composed of 15 decks, which house more than 3,000 guests, the Voyager of the Seas is a truly breathtaking sight. Say goodbye to the days when we thought cruises were just for old, moneyed retirees. In fact, cruising is the new hip, luxury way to travel — and a stylish one at that!
Couples who love to travel and who love variety will not be disappointed with the unique experience the Voyager of the Seas offers. Depending on the cruise package you avail yourself of, you can visit as many as six different cities/countries in a week.
Oasis of Calm
Admittedly, couples may initially be overwhelmed by the sheer size and the overflowing activities they can do onboard. But a vertical and horizontal inspection of all 15 decks proves immensely fascinating.
At the tip of the boat, on Deck 14, lies the quaint but beautiful Skylight chapel, available to lovers who would like to renew their vows. But most couples, in search of a new thrill, opt to spend their time on Deck 13 where the Voyager’s first rock climbing wall is mounted. From the top of the rock climbing wall, you have a perfect view of the ship’s mini golf course and basketball courts. Cooling down after working up a sweat is an easy walk down to Deck 11 where you will find the highly popular Solarium bar and 10 swimming pools.
Couples who love to read together can find a quiet corner at the ship’s library. A slower paced date can also be had at the ship’s ice skating rink. (Yes, despite being out at sea and sailing the tropics no less, you can find a grand theater of ice!)
At least one night during the cruise, the skating rink transforms into an enchanting stage for the Ice Odyssey.
It won’t take you long to realize that the ship is abuzz. At any point in time, there are at least 10 activities that are simultaneously happening, says Captain Charles Tiege, the Voyager of the Seas’ handsome ship captain. “So if you get bored, it’s your fault!” he chuckles.
“The activities and the ship may seem overwhelming at first. But what is liberating about the cruise experience is that it is your choice — to do as much or as little as you like,” says Joy Abrogar, senior vice president and COO of Arpan Air Inc.
Heart of the Sea
Most of the activities may be anchored on the upper deck, but the true heart of the ship beats along the Royal Promenade. The marble street, which covers three-fourths the length of the ship, is home to a row of specialty diners and luxury shops. Buy your partner Fendi, Gucci, Chanel and other duty-free luxuries.
“It’s more fun to shop onboard because the transactions are cashless,” shares Joy. Shopping is made more convenient because with your Assist Card, all your purchases will be put on tab. The Assist Card, which is issued upon boarding, does not only serve as a key to your room and travel pass when you dock for the day, but it also allows you worry-free, stress-free shopping onboard. No more digging for change and the hassle of going to the money changer. Swipe all you want and at the end of your trip, you can conveniently pay your bills at the reception when you check out.
Aside from being the shopping alley (the ultimate playground of the wives and girlfriends, they say), the Royal Promenade also serves as a venue for sales, parades and nighttime raves. Just the other night, we saw the charming blonde, blue-eyed cruise director Gordon Whatman don a leather vest and gyrate to Saturday Night Fever when he hosted the ‘70s night festivities. While the party-goers boogied to the Bee Gees staples, right below the Promenade, the casino thundered with high rollers who were playing their luck for the night. (The next morning, in a more PG 13-rated event, the same space was packed with doe-eyed children and their parents as the cast of Dreamworks’ Shrek and Madagascar paraded through the Promenade.)
Regardless of the activity, when out at sea, the minutes melt into hours of fun and you won’t notice the time until your belly makes itself audibly clear that you need to munch on something good. The Voyager of the Seas has taken into consideration the varying tastes of its discerning travelers and has come up with every menu imaginable: formal four-course meals at the three-tiered, regal main dining hall, German beer at the Pig’s Whistle’s bar, international buffet at Windjammer Café, classic Italian cuisine at Portofino Restaurant, American classics at Johnny Rockets and snacks and coffee at La Promenade café. Debunked is the myth that food on cruises is as bad as the ones on planes! Even a simple romantic, candlelit dinner in your suite can be easily granted.
It’s important to note that cruise packages already cover all dining expenses so you can eat as much as you want, all day, any time! An exception lies with Portofino restaurant, where you are required to pay a $20 reservation. (Another note: The cruise hosts at least one formal night at the main dining hall, so be sure to pack at least one cocktail dress or a suit. Take the opportunity to dress to the nines and dine in glorious fashion. )
When dining, try to forget about the calories! But if you can’t quite get it out of your head, don’t worry. You and your hubby can always work off the extra calories together at the ship’s fully-equipped fitness center and relax with an ultra-luxurious spa treatment at the Day Spa.
The Voyager of the Seas is a dream escape, not only because it can take you to your dream destinations, but it offers lovers so many opportunities to be together. Travelling on a gigantic ship, with an endless array of activities and possibilities, you can easily be swept off your feet and find love again.
(For more information, call your preferred travel agent or contact Arpan Air Inc., the international representative in the Philippines of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, at 892-2701 to 03 or email rylcaribbean@arpanair.com.ph.)
as first published in Philippine STAR and PEOPLEASIA magazine
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