Looking for NEWS on VOYAGER-Galveston!!!

[TxCruiser64]

Suz, Thanks for posting. We leave on Jan 25 and can not wait. Sounds like we should check out Derek Lewis. What bar does he usually play in? How were the evening shows in the theater and how was the food? Sorry, just had to ask.

I am glad you had such a great cruise.

Jane:D

 

The thing about food is that it is very subjective. However, I will give you my thoughts as a first time cruiser.

 

For me a dining experience is not simply the food, but the atmosphere. We had a wonderful waiter, Alexander from Bulgaria, who was very attentive but quiet. That went to always having a very relaxed, congenial atmosphere which was a very pleasant experience.

 

With that being said, I would rate the food, overall, as superior. The entrees were not exceptional, but very good. If I had to choose one entree to recommended, it was the Black Angus steak (no additional charges for steak noted on any menu!). The steak had a wonderful char grilled flavor and had a wonderful texture. The salads and soups were, in my opinion, simply average with nothing standing out, however, I particularly enjoyed the shrimp ceviche.

 

Where I think the kitchen did a wonderful job was with the vegetables and rice. Considering that they were cooking for 2000-3000 people, I was amazed at the success of the kitchen with things that could have easily been overcooked. I always received perfect rice and crispy vegetables -- no limp asparagus or overcooked zuchinni for me. As I said, food is subjective, but to have received good appetizers, very good entrees, and perfect side dishes was enough for me to rate each dining experience as superior (4 -star type).

 

The desserts are hard to rate, because my kids seemed to like everything. However, if there is just one dish that I would have to recommended it would be the Choco-Chino Trilogy, which includes a flourless chocolate cake that was absolute heaven. If you see it on a menu DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT pass it up!!

 

We also dined one evening at Portofino which was exceptional. My father-in-law had difficult ordering in the MDR because everything seemed to contain alcohol or chocolate, neither of which he can have. However, at Portofino, his meals were always to order and very enjoyable to him. Be careful when ordering though. We had a waiter that was very attentive to our body language and mumblings. If I said that I would like to try something (even though I really didn't intend to order it), somehow it showed up at our table. Here, everything was exceptional -- however, I would say that the sampler dessert tray, even though it was very good, did not hold a candle to the Choco-Chino Trilogy that I had ordered in the MDR the previous evening.

 

I did not like the Windjammer Cafe, not because of the food, but because of the atmosphere. The buffet style setting lent a busy, hustle and bustle atmosphere, that ruined my dining experience each and every time. Therefore, I cannot give an accurate assessment of the food, because I hated eating there.

 

Johnny Rockets had OK food--- nothing that excited me (although my daughter's eyes almost fell out when she saw the Oreo Sundae headed her way), but the atmosphere was very jovial and fun. We ate there twice, just because the kids enjoyed the singing and dancing, and the look and feel of the place.

 

The final forum for food that I can review was the Cafe Promenade -- absolutely wonderful. They had pizza at all times -- and it was great every time. It was the cheese!!! Wonderful. They also had desserts and coffee that was very good--- but we would find ourselves gravitatiting to the Cafe Promenade almost daily just for a quick slice of pizza-- it was an addiction.

 

 

So in summary we would rate the food on our subjective rating scale as superior (4 -star ) -- a few stand out dishes, but mostly average to above average food. Some places had good ambience, others had terrible.

 

However, I would recommend almost anything at Portofino, the Choco-Chino Trilogy in the MDR, and the pizza at Cafe Promenade.

 

I can say that I can not remember a negative food experience with the exception of trying to order room service at 4:30 p.m. (when the ship was set to leave port) upon my return from Costa Maya. I waited for 1 1/2 hours for an order that never arrived. I ended up going to the Windjammer for a dry burger and fries. Yuck. However, I understood both then and now that ordering room service the instant I got back for a full day's activities, tired and hungry, when the ship was just setting sail was a bad idea.

[TxCruiser64]

CruzinSuz & Lilhut, did they have the Mystery Dinner Theater on the cruise? I keep getting conflicting information from RCI and the web site will not let you make reservations.

 

Thanks

 

 

The Voyager had both the Wine and Dine at Portofino (Thurs) and the Mystery Dinner Theater (Wed). We did not attend either, but we had our online reservations "canceled" from Thursday because the Wine and Dine was scheduled for that evening.

[FlorenceItaly]

The Voyager had both the Wine and Dine at Portofino (Thurs) and the Mystery Dinner Theater (Wed). We did not attend either, but we had our online reservations "canceled" from Thursday because the Wine and Dine was scheduled for that evening.

 

How were you notified, and were you given the option of re-booking? We made on-line reservations(and paid for) for Thursday(Costa Maya). I appreciate the heads up. I really want to dine at Portofino.

 

Marie

[luvscruising2007]

Thanks for your food review. I think your assessment is about what I have thought on our previous cruises. And I agree, I love the choc-chino trilogy.

We have yet to try a specialty restaurant because we have always enjoyed our tablemates, we didn't want to miss dining in MDR.

How about the shows? We go to all of them anyway because we enjoy the "free" live entertainment.

Thanks again. Can't wait for our cruise.:D

j

[BecciBoo]

On Voyager and fleetwide, one of the best desserts, hands down IMHO is the sugar free coconut cake. I've recommended it to many people and they all agreed...you'd never suspect it to be sugar free. It doesn't have "that taste" you know!

I never pass up the lamb shank, absolutely exquisit! and the duck. They are both my favorites. But a well kept secret. I know some don't care for either. But I pine until the next cruise to get it!:o Only 19 more days!!

[sailor moon]

Can't wait until Spring Break! Don't wear out the ship before we get there.... :)

[baabtx]

Thanks for the update all - we'll be on her 1/4/09 and really want it to go well as we'll be cruising with my folks and 3 sisters who have less than stellar cruise experiences in the past. (for my folks it's been about 17 years)!

 

BTW does anyone have any information or stayed recently in one of the Handicapped Accessible balcony saterooms? Would like to share any info with my folks if possible prior to sailing.

[retnuh281]

Can't wait until Spring Break! Don't wear out the ship before we get there.... :)

We too will be heading out during spring break. (March 15th)

I am with TXcruiser about the food and the ambiance, think I would like you as a table mate.

Good friends, good service and good wine go along way when enjoying a meal.

[ikirumata]

The thing about food is that it is very subjective. However, I will give you my thoughts as a first time cruiser.

 

For me a dining experience is not simply the food, but the atmosphere. We had a wonderful waiter, Alexander from Bulgaria, who was very attentive but quiet. That went to always having a very relaxed, congenial atmosphere which was a very pleasant experience.

 

With that being said, I would rate the food, overall, as superior. The entrees were not exceptional, but very good. If I had to choose one entree to recommended, it was the Black Angus steak (no additional charges for steak noted on any menu!). The steak had a wonderful char grilled flavor and had a wonderful texture. The salads and soups were, in my opinion, simply average with nothing standing out, however, I particularly enjoyed the shrimp ceviche.

 

Where I think the kitchen did a wonderful job was with the vegetables and rice. Considering that they were cooking for 2000-3000 people, I was amazed at the success of the kitchen with things that could have easily been overcooked. I always received perfect rice and crispy vegetables -- no limp asparagus or overcooked zuchinni for me. As I said, food is subjective, but to have received good appetizers, very good entrees, and perfect side dishes was enough for me to rate each dining experience as superior (4 -star type).

 

The desserts are hard to rate, because my kids seemed to like everything. However, if there is just one dish that I would have to recommended it would be the Choco-Chino Trilogy, which includes a flourless chocolate cake that was absolute heaven. If you see it on a menu DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT pass it up!!

 

We also dined one evening at Portofino which was exceptional. My father-in-law had difficult ordering in the MDR because everything seemed to contain alcohol or chocolate, neither of which he can have. However, at Portofino, his meals were always to order and very enjoyable to him. Be careful when ordering though. We had a waiter that was very attentive to our body language and mumblings. If I said that I would like to try something (even though I really didn't intend to order it), somehow it showed up at our table. Here, everything was exceptional -- however, I would say that the sampler dessert tray, even though it was very good, did not hold a candle to the Choco-Chino Trilogy that I had ordered in the MDR the previous evening.

 

I did not like the Windjammer Cafe, not because of the food, but because of the atmosphere. The buffet style setting lent a busy, hustle and bustle atmosphere, that ruined my dining experience each and every time. Therefore, I cannot give an accurate assessment of the food, because I hated eating there.

 

Johnny Rockets had OK food--- nothing that excited me (although my daughter's eyes almost fell out when she saw the Oreo Sundae headed her way), but the atmosphere was very jovial and fun. We ate there twice, just because the kids enjoyed the singing and dancing, and the look and feel of the place.

 

The final forum for food that I can review was the Cafe Promenade -- absolutely wonderful. They had pizza at all times -- and it was great every time. It was the cheese!!! Wonderful. They also had desserts and coffee that was very good--- but we would find ourselves gravitatiting to the Cafe Promenade almost daily just for a quick slice of pizza-- it was an addiction.

 

 

So in summary we would rate the food on our subjective rating scale as superior (4 -star ) -- a few stand out dishes, but mostly average to above average food. Some places had good ambience, others had terrible.

 

However, I would recommend almost anything at Portofino, the Choco-Chino Trilogy in the MDR, and the pizza at Cafe Promenade.

 

I can say that I can not remember a negative food experience with the exception of trying to order room service at 4:30 p.m. (when the ship was set to leave port) upon my return from Costa Maya. I waited for 1 1/2 hours for an order that never arrived. I ended up going to the Windjammer for a dry burger and fries. Yuck. However, I understood both then and now that ordering room service the instant I got back for a full day's activities, tired and hungry, when the ship was just setting sail was a bad idea.

 

Thanks for the review!

 

-jeff

[IowaLad]

Thanks for the review. Can you advise what nights were "Caribbean" or "Get Out There" dinner theme menus?

 

DW and I are on the 1-11 cruise.

 

Thanks again!!!!

[IowaLad]

May I please ask for the e-mail address also for the concierge.

 

lwegmann@acromfg.com

 

THX

[crazy 4 cruising]

Hi Suz,

 

Perhaps you will have the opportunity to see him when you cruise in Feb. He is alot of fun. We are on the same sailing as you all so maybe we will see you at the Pig N Whistle.

I do understand when having late dining it is sometimes hard to get to certain evening activities. I hope the casino was good to you :).

 

 

Marie

 

I can't wait to see Derek when we sail In March. I talked to him in August on the Rhapsody & he said he felt like he would probably have to tone down his act since he would be in the P N W---wonder if he has?????

 

On Voyager and fleetwide, one of the best desserts, hands down IMHO is the sugar free coconut cake. I've recommended it to many people and they all agreed...you'd never suspect it to be sugar free. It doesn't have "that taste" you know!

 

I never pass up the lamb shank, absolutely exquisit! and the duck. They are both my favorites. But a well kept secret. I know some don't care for either. But I pine until the next cruise to get it!:o Only 19 more days!!

 

ALL of the sugar free desserts are wonderful, ecept the cookies, they aren't as good as the regular ones. We go to the sugar free FIRST--not because we have to, but because we LOVE them. I agree about the coconut cake. Sure wish they could figure out how to mame the coconut cookies sugar free:rolleyes::D

[wolfganghowell]

Some of you asked about the concierge. I don't have his email but Martin was the concierge last year and we found him to be quite pleasant and professional. (And <ahem> quite easy on the eyes. ;) He got our ice show tickets, poured a great drink and was always very gracious. We look forward to our return - and hearing that Derek is back is just an added dose of mischief. :D

[prc]

A question about dining times...

 

last April, main seating was at 5:30pm, and second was at 8pm. The WJ did not open until 6:30pm. has any of this changed?

[CruzinSuz]

Dining times are still 5.30 and 8.00pm.

 

Didn't see Derek in the Pig N Whistle but he's playing there.

[CruzinSuz]

My most important question, HOW WAS THE FOOD? Really, some people go for the ports, I go to eat. We are leaving Jan. 25, and are really looking forward to the trip. We have been in Cozumel many times, and have been to Roatan 3 times. We are looking foward to Costa Maya, we have never been there.

 

Mikefast: I would say the food was no better and no worse than when you went early in the year. A few items have changed, but nothing drastic. I was happy with everything that we got. I've decided that I'm not a lobster person anymore....I order the Thai Chicken which is the Chef's recommendation that night. I've had it a few times and it's great...if rice in coconut milk and Thai type food is down your alley that is! Next time we plan on going to the Cafe Promenade for light sandwiches for lunch instead of the buffet. Something we've never done.

 

RancherDave: Martin Sanchez, the concierge is very good in person. He just got on board Nov 22. I don't know why he hasn't responded.

 

Regarding the restaurants in Costa Maya that have the grilled fish, (someone asked), they're all right along the beach. We were at El Faro. If you've never been before, expect, rustic Mexico like it was probably 20 years ago as far as the ambiance. It's absolutely gorgeous looking out at the various blues of the Caribbean and you can swim right by your table!

[jhannaway]

I am heading out of Galveston for a Voyager of the Seas cruise this Sunday. I will let you guys know how it went when I return.

[Cindy]

Good friends, good service and good wine go along way when enjoying a meal.

 

Wine? Did somebody say wine?:)

[MICHIGAN MAMA]

Is Derek Lewis doing kareoke in the Pig & Whistle like he did on the Rhapsody? What a blast that was. You never knew when you would be "chosen". :D

[crazy 4 cruising]

Is Derek Lewis doing kareoke in the Pig & Whistle like he did on the Rhapsody? What a blast that was. You never knew when you would be "chosen". :D

 

I am curious how his show will be too. not thinking that he can have his exact same show in P& W,:D:p;) but I could be wrong

[C2CMH]

Hi, Just wondering from anyone who just returned from Voyager. If you sailed her earlier this year or last year, have the menus in the dining room changed? Also curious where the Voyager docked in Cozumel?

 

Thanks for any info on anything new. Did they still have the chilli cook off by pool?

[Rancher Dave]

(And <ahem> quite easy on the eyes. ;) He got our ice show tickets, poured a great drink and was always very gracious.

 

Oh yeah, like that is so important to us guys....:D That would really be important if he was a she...:D

 

If only he would email back and confirm our Portifino rez I'd be much happier.

[Rancher Dave]

I am heading out of Galveston for a Voyager of the Seas cruise this Sunday. I will let you guys know how it went when I return.

 

 

jhannaway, if not already reading and posting on the Roll Call do go sign up. We will likely gather a group together on Boarding day to say howdy...last I knew the Meet and Mingle is Monday at 11am up in the Viking Lounge...one of the smaller lounge rooms to be more specific.

 

C-U aboard!

[crazy 4 cruising]

Oh yeah, like that is so important to us guys....:D That would really be important if he was a she...:D

 

If only he would email back and confirm our Portifino rez I'd be much happier.

 

roflmao. actually I wasn't impressed with him last year on our TA--YES he ain't hard to look at, that is a fact, so your wife will be happy:D

[albean99]

We just got back and I will be writing a recap but will comment on a couple of things. We had a great time overall. The ship was beautiful and still in great condition. The dining room was wonderful as was our waiter, Joseph from India. The biggest shortcoming for us involved the Windjammer. The choices were close to being the same every day so became boring fast. We were on the Conquest our last cruise and their comparable casual dining had many more options including a sandwich place, one for Asian food, and a seafood place along with the buffet. VOTS only had a buffet with made to order pasta with very limited options (omelets for breakfast). We tried to go to the dining room as often as possible because of this. The other thing was our boys (18 & 21) like to eat later and the only option was the Promenade cafe which had pizza and an odd selection of sandwiches. The first night our youngest was starving but the only options there was pizza and blue cheese sandwiches and he has a dairy allergy. He had to get room service. My guess is they want you to go to Johnny Rockets which we did once and it was pretty good.

 

Those things didn't stop us from having a wonderful vacation. We did enjoy seeing Derek. He usually does Kamikaze Karaoke which is fun and he had regulars that knew what to do and say. I know someone complained that he should have been at the Schooner bar because it's bigger and they might have a point but the P&W was fun anyway and he did attract people passing by. We also loved our cruise director, Eric (can't remember his last name but will look it up for my recap). He didn't even seem to mind the goofy elf costume for one of their taped pieces. The activities director, Tracy, was also good and they had a funny rapport.