Need help first time on RCCL!

[judyf]

I've been searching for a cruise to take from now till when school starts here in Sept. I need to get in another vacation before I start the routine again for fall and winter. There's only certain weeks I can take between now and then due to job requirements.

 

I found a last minute deal on RCCL ship Voyager of the Sea, leaving Cape Liberty, NJ on May 21st going to Ocho Rios, Grand Caymen, Grand Bahama Island and not sure on Labadee yet.

 

I've been wanting to try RCCL so here's my chance. Problem is I have very little time to search for info on ship or ports! I like to plan ahead and have months to organize, this one is going to be an exception.

 

Can you tell me anything I should know about RCCL? Can you book excursions online? What drinks are free? What do you need to pay extra for? Is there an open seating for dinner like on NCL? If not what times are early and late seatings? I have so many questions and no time. If you can fill me in I want I should know it would be much appreicated.

 

I plan to book my cabin after work today!

 

Thanks for any info on RCCL and the ports.

 

Judy

CCL Inspiration 4/4-4/11/04

NCL Sea 4/14-4/27/03

Wonder 5/16-5/19/02

Wonder 5/3-5/8/01

Fantasy 2/15-2/18/01

 

[jessmitchell98]

Judy - I am on the 5/21 cruise as well. I am a first timer, but you can book excursions online, up until I think 10 days prior to your cruise (you will need your booking number to do so). We booked Dunns River Falls and a Dolphin Swim in Ocho Rios, and I am doing the Sting Ray Snorkel on Grand Cayman. I am *hoping* Freeport/Grand Bahamas will be a shopping day.

 

So far, it is looking like we will go to Cococay instead of Labadee. All of the reviews I have read on it are great, it is a little stretch of paradise.

 

There are two dinner times. I think the main seating is 6:15 ish, and the late is maybe 8:30. I was told iced tea, lemonade, and water were free, and perhaps juices at breakfast. All other drinks you pay for. You can get a soda card if you would like (about $6 a day) for unlimited Soda. Onboard shows are free - and I hear the ice skating show is awesome.

 

You would pay extra for Spa services, tips, Drinks (ie malts, shakes) at Johnny Rockets, Alcoholic beverages, soda's. As far as I know, there is no charge for Mini-golf, the rock climbing wall, roler blading or ice skating.

 

I am very excited for this cruise. Everyone has told me that this is one of the nicest ships out there.

 

Hope this all helps, hope to see you on board. If you book, make sure you sign up for the Meet and Mingle!

 

Jessica

[alexkrn46]

Voyager of the Seas is one of my favorite ships. The RCCL web site is quirky but usually you can book excursions no problem as wel as all the pre boarding documentation. You can choose the excursions from your TV after you board. Never been on NCL but I have been happy with RCCL.

I don't think the ship will be going to Labadee since that is Hatii ( which was a beautiful stop). Alex

[judyf]

Thanks for the tips. I did it I just booked this cruise! I'm so excited!!

 

Jessica,

 

How do I sign us up for the Meet & Mingle? I will start looking at the excursions. I plan on Dunns River.

 

Any other tips send them my way!!

 

Thanks

 

Judy

CCL Inspiration 4/4-4/11/04

NCL Sea 4/14-4/27/03

Wonder 5/16-5/19/02

Wonder 5/3-5/8/01

Fantasy 2/15-2/18/01

 

[DFritz]

Go to the Cruise Critic homepage and you should see a link for Meet and Mingle. You will be able to look up your specific sailing.

 

Free beverages include: lemonade, iced tea, standard coffee, hot tea, tap water, milk and some juice at breakfast. Hot tubs and saunas in the spa area are generally free of charge.

 

Things that may cost you extra include:

bar tabs

photographs

casinos and arcades

tips and gratuities ( already added to bar bills) ( don't forget a couple of extra dollars for the room service delivery person)

shops on board

spa services and salon services

some fitness classes

non-alcoholic beverages that are not on the free list above

 

Get extra sleep before you go because you aren't going to sleep much once onboard a Voyager class ship

 

If you take motion sickness pills like Dramamine or Bonine consider taking it at your evening dinner so that you are drowsy when you want to be instead of in the middle of the day

 

Have Fun

 

'Til my next cruise

 

[cbcloud]

DFritz just about covered it all... We just got off Voyager on 4 April, same itinerary... A really WONDERFUL cruise..!

 

Here is a link to pics from the Voyager cruise..

 

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Legend of the Seas - 8/2002

Rhapsody of the Seas - 3/2003

Brilliance of the Seas - 1/2004

Voyager of the Seas - 3-4/2004