Voyager after dry dock?

[ellbon]

Hey Robin - Yea, the Crown mini suite spoilded us. It's hard down grade.

 

 

the JS is huge after hte tini cabin on the Crown. walk in closet. storage everywhere. no large table fro eating but cabin was great.

I forgot you were on VOS for one of her last sailings before leaving Galveston for the crossing and dry dock. Did the crew say anything about the changes for the upcoming dry dock?

 

how did you forget that great dinner:D i have pictures. will l email them one day. no one said anything but i never asked .to bust having fun at night in the pub.

next three cruises are on Celebrity. one B2B and one 2 week cruise.

hi to everyone..

[gullivertx]

I was on the recent transatlantic of VOS. The room steward said he and others would be helping move everything as they redid the carpets in the cabins - which may mean the other decor there also. I, too, heard about new TVs.

 

Already on the ship in the middle of the basketball court were the supplies for a complete re-do of the mini golf course. I think that whole sports deck was going to be revamped.

 

Painting and repairs of the railings on deck 12 was on-going during the cruise.

 

Based on the menus, I think the freezers were certainly cleaned out by the time we reached Southampton.

[Texas Teen]

I was on the recent transatlantic of VOS. The room steward said he and others would be helping move everything as they redid the carpets in the cabins - which may mean the other decor there also. I, too, heard about new TVs.

 

Already on the ship in the middle of the basketball court were the supplies for a complete re-do of the mini golf course. I think that whole sports deck was going to be revamped.

 

Painting and repairs of the railings on deck 12 was on-going during the cruise.

 

Based on the menus, I think the freezers were certainly cleaned out by the time we reached Southampton.

 

That's great news! I like hearing about the new sports deck! Any info about the promenade or the pool areas?

[texreno]

I was on the recent transatlantic of VOS. The room steward said he and others would be helping move everything as they redid the carpets in the cabins - which may mean the other decor there also. I, too, heard about new TVs.

 

Already on the ship in the middle of the basketball court were the supplies for a complete re-do of the mini golf course. I think that whole sports deck was going to be revamped.

 

Painting and repairs of the railings on deck 12 was on-going during the cruise.

 

Based on the menus, I think the freezers were certainly cleaned out by the time we reached Southampton.

 

New carpet, new TVs new sports deck. I can't wait until some of the CC member who debarked today let us know about all the changes.

 

Robin - Have a great time on Celebrity. We're stuck with 7 day sailings and not B2Bs unless my job changes or I win the lottery.

[texreno]

I found this post by CC member MAKEM on the just returned VOS European voyage. His post was a reply to what dry dock changes were made. I'm sure we'll hear more from other returning CC mambers in the morning.

 

 

 

"More like what they didnt do.

Oh boy did they have problems, the ship should have had another 7 days drydock to finish off, not good.

there will no doubt be lots of postings on the problems encountered but really the ship should never have sailed with so much work still uncompleted."

[MAKEM]

Probably paint and carpet. Other repairs are most likely in areas not for the public. My friend is on the VOS's first cruise after dry dock which ends on May 24, I think. If I hear any thing other from her, and if no one has answered yet who is on that cruise, I will post.

 

Oh boy you sure were wrong in your assumptions!

The pool deck and running deck were just unbelieveable!

No pools for 5 days as they were strpped,running track flooring workrd on for 8 days all this while the guests were on deck.

The workmen had masks and complete overalls and ear protectors, pity the poor guests, it was like being in a building site, the noise of drilling too.

They relayed the flooring round the pool with this liquid plastic stuff, then when dry they etched lines in it so it looks like decking,they had to grind this out....the stuff was flying all over the place, stuck to chairs and people alike,then they stained the groves, this was still unfinished when we docked in Barcelona.

There was a big gathering og guests on pool deck the day before barcelona signing something and apparentley one had contacted the British press but no doubt they will be posting when they arrive home and recover.

 

On the plus side, the new Windjammer is very nice and the Prommenade cafe redesigned, as was the Cleopatra lounge.

[texreno]

Thanks MAKEM. What about the new TVs & electronics we read about?

 

Any photos of the new venue makeovers?

[flacruiser]

Has anyone heard of the work done on the ship during the drydock? What happend??? new carpet? new paint??? new ship??? just curious...

 

Thanks,

 

See thread above....

[Cruella de mom]

new tvs??? pictures?

 

Makem - Sorry that the cruise didn't turn out the way you anticipated. Thats always a bummer.

 

Glad to hear that some people were able to make the best of it though.

 

I am in the middle of a huge home remodel so I am living with construction every where and I still have to cook and clean. I hope they have things finished before we sail in July. Heck, I hope I have my house finished by then too...

[MAKEM]

I found this post by CC member MAKEM on the just returned VOS European voyage. His post was a reply to what dry dock changes were made. I'm sure we'll hear more from other returning CC mambers in the morning.

 

 

 

"More like what they didnt do.

Oh boy did they have problems, the ship should have had another 7 days drydock to finish off, not good.

there will no doubt be lots of postings on the problems encountered but really the ship should never have sailed with so much work still uncompleted."

 

Just a little work?

[hellosailer]

Makem - there were only two sea days to enjoy the pool area. Its obviously a pity that you only cruised to enjoy the pool - just like us elderlies!! Most people went on that port-intensive cruise to enjoy visiting the great cities!! But we still managed to enjoy the uncrowded, quiet, pool at the Solarium!!

 

And your photo only shows the side they were working on!!!

 

AF-1 has just posted that his group of 15 also enjoyed the cruise and that he will be reviewing it soon.

 

Unfortunately, some people are only capable of sweating the small things in life. It was a pity that they were still working on the pool deck - but for this particular cruise, it wasn't as important as on a Caribbean cruise where passengers go to enjoy fab weather etc.

 

For the first few days, most of the ship seemed to be seasick anyway!! And we missed the truly horrendous weather in the Bay of Biscay by one day, fortunately.

 

The food and service were on a par with our recent Brilliance B2B - RCCL is making outstanding improvements in those directions.

 

The detractors seem to ignore the enjoyable aspects of the cruise - this never pays in real life - will just spoil the trip!!

[MAKEM]

Makem - there were only two sea days to enjoy the pool area. Its obviously a pity that you only cruised to enjoy the pool - just like us elderlies!! Most people went on that port-intensive cruise to enjoy visiting the great cities!! But we still managed to enjoy the uncrowded, quiet, pool at the Solarium!!

 

And your photo only shows the side they were working on!!!

 

AF-1 has just posted that his group of 15 also enjoyed the cruise and that he will be reviewing it soon.

 

Unfortunately, some people are only capable of sweating the small things in life. It was a pity that they were still working on the pool deck - but for this particular cruise, it wasn't as important as on a Caribbean cruise where passengers go to enjoy fab weather etc.

 

For the first few days, most of the ship seemed to be seasick anyway!! And we missed the truly horrendous weather in the Bay of Biscay by one day, fortunately.

 

The food and service were on a par with our recent Brilliance B2B - RCCL is making outstanding improvements in those directions.

 

The detractors seem to ignore the enjoyable aspects of the cruise - this never pays in real life - will just spoil the trip!!

 

You should never make assumptions Hellosailor, we certainly do not cruise to use the pool although some of our party did not get off in port days and did not like the work going on on decks 11 and 12, they have already had letters back from RCI about their concerns.

the ship did not compare well to our Transatlantic 3 weeks earlier on the Navigator but we put it all down to experience and a love or RCI but we are not blinded to their faults like some appear to be.

That was just one photo, the rest will back up our letter to RCI,personally I dont like the pools on cruise ships but each to their own, if you have paid for a facility then it should be available, or at least a letter to tell you what is going on.

We were well informed on last years TA on the Navigator with the broken stabiliser.

We do not go on organised trips but do our own thing and found some fabulous new ones, which impressed the guest lecturer but it was great to come back to the ship in the afternoon with Caribbean like weather,well it had been 34 degrees in Rome or so I am told.

[hellosailer]

You should never make assumptions Hellosailor, we certainly do not cruise to use the pool although some of our party did not get off in port days and did not like the work going on on decks 11 and 12, they have already had letters back from RCI about their concerns.

the ship did not compare well to our Transatlantic 3 weeks earlier on the Navigator but we put it all down to experience and a love or RCI but we are not blinded to their faults like some appear to be.

That was just one photo, the rest will back up our letter to RCI,personally I dont like the pools on cruise ships but each to their own, if you have paid for a facility then it should be available, or at least a letter to tell you what is going on.

We were well informed on last years TA on the Navigator with the broken stabiliser.

We do not go on organised trips but do our own thing and found some fabulous new ones, which impressed the guest lecturer but it was great to come back to the ship in the afternoon with Caribbean like weather,well it had been 34 degrees in Rome or so I am told.

 

I am certainly not blinded to their faults and am very concerned about two things which happened on the cruise. These were safety aspects and nothing to do with the dry dock maintenance. One of them happened previously on the Jewel - a child running up and down the main aisle during a show and eventually getting on stage. Security? Well, if they were there, the child should have been immediately stopped from running up and down the aisle. If they wern't present.......well, that really requires thinking about - what would happen in an 'incident'? Pirates, terrorists?

 

We were stuck in a lift for twenty minutes. After reporting it on the lift phone and told that someone would be along, no other communication. When we all emerged rather shaken, only two engineers were present who apologised in broken english. I complained that a member of Guest Services should always be present on such occasions to assist anyone who required it. We just staggered back to the CL and had a drink!! There were elderly people and a lady in a wheelchair. It was an inside lift and claustrophobic and we were extremely hot towards the end.

 

These incidents are what I worry about, but was assured that the lift problem wouldn't occur again.

 

Sorry I made an assumption!!

[hellosailer]

Oh yes...the catering at the M&M was indescribable!! Two platters of oblong shaped sandwiches in one large block on each platter, partially covered with clingfilm. Two drink dispensers - one water and one lemonade I think - help yourself. Never seen anything like it since I left school:D:D Absolutely no attempt made at presentation of any kind.

 

Neither the Cruise Director nor Captain attended. No senior member of staff at all. Damp squib!! Usual prizes and the two young ladies from the staff did their best, but most unusual that no-one from senior staff turned up at all to welcome their guests.

 

But we still had a great cruise!! Very enjoyable. The CL upstairs was a nice place to meet people - even though we don't really drink. Did manage to share a bottle of beer a couple of times though!! Neither of the CL Lounges appeared crowded.

 

We have had cruises on ships which were in great condition, but experienced appalling weather. Each cruise is different and I don't believe that any cruise is perfect - too many variables at sea.

 

Sorry Makum - I just think that too much was made of the problems on board - and a very small minority certainly did a great job of winding everyone up!! We didn't get off for very long at any port, except for an afternoon at Pisa - and had no problem getting seats in the lovely solarium!! Why people chose to sit at the pool if they objected to the work taking place, beats me!!! I did ask the English couple at our table and they replied that they had paid for the big pool and it had ruined their holiday. Seemed to enjoy the food, casino, entertainment etc. though!! hehehehe!!!

 

Rolls of carpet lying around don't bother us - they wern't in the main areas on the lower decks, as far as I am aware.

 

I think they are after the discount coupons!!! It happened and most made the best of it and enjoyed themselves. A few made themselves miserable and grouchy - often happens on the best of cruises!!

[MDen]

Good one Cuizer2. I can't wait until we see what they did to our Jr. Suite bathroom.

 

I just finished the best of Europe 11 night cruise last week. We had a Junior Suite, and no it didn't have a flatscreen tv nor was the bathroom fabulously upgraded. All the dining rooms and Adventure Ocean got new carpets and deck 12 got a resurface. The pool deck was also re-finished, thats all I could see anyways.

 

Oh yeah, they did most of it on our cruise :mad:

[northsomerset]

Hi all, just back from Voyager's Western Med cruise (24th-31st May). Sorry to disappoint you all, but the bathrooms were not on the list for the period in drydock!!
Seriously, the ship in in great shape - despite some of the comments on this forum, we did not see any signs of threadbare carpets, poor decor etc. In fact every day, the crew were busy cleaning all the exterior glass panels, sanding teak decking, re-painting decks etc.
We experienced great service from the stateroom attendants, bar staff, dining room staff and guest relations.
Our daughter was ill early in the cruise and we even had great service from the staff in the medical centre (being from the UK we also had the pleasure of the bill for the treatment).
This was our first cruise, so we do not have anything to compare against - but having previously stayed in good hotels both in Europe & USA, I would rate the decor, facilities and service as excellent and will certainly be cruising with Royal Caribbean again.
My only gripe (and it is a very small one) is the charges for the shuttle bus at the ports of call. For those that have not done a Western Med cruise, the majority of ports are large and industrial (the exception being Villefranche - that is a truly wonderful port) and the ship docks a long way from the port entrance, Therefore access the the town centre etc for trains/buses/taxis is not possible on foot. If you have decided to do do your excursion independently, then you have to pay 12 euros each for the shuttle bus to take you to the port entrance/town.
All in all, a great cruise and well done to all the crew on Voyager - a great ship, in great shape.
For anyone with an upcoming cruise on Voyager, I am extremely jealous, have a great time - I am sure you will be impressed.

[signalarmywife]

I just returned from the VOS 5/24- 5/31 and I have to say I was disappointed in this cruise. I have always been loyal to RC but after this past cruise I can say I will be looking at other cruise lines. I don't know if it is the staff on this ship, the cruise director or what but I was not happy with this cruise.

I had not been on the VOS previously but several places you could tell had new carpet and the miniature golf course looked like it had a recent facelift. Our bartender said that several staterooms were worked on as well as new carpet and bar top in [COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Cleopatra’[/FONT][/COLOR] lounge. There was maintenance constantly going on for the duration of the cruise, which was annoying at times. You would see maintenance laying new carpet by the elevators and the pool deck was even shut down one morning so some work could be done. The ship looks to be in a great shape with some minor wear but it looks like they are trying to give her an overall facelift.

My gripe with this cruise was not the on going on maintenance but the activities on the ship or should I say lack of. Can you believe that on a ship this size a lack of activities. What is the point of having all these extras if they are NEVER open and when they are open is during the dinner hour. Seriously?!? I also was disappointed in the service received at Windjammer's Cafe. Like I said I have always been loyal to RC but I think it may be time to look at other cruise lines.

I haven't downloaded all my pics yet but once I do I will post some pics of the ship from this past cruise.

[dutchclogs]

[quote name='signalarmywife']I just returned from the VOS 5/24- 5/31 and I have to say I was disappointed in this cruise. I have always been loyal to RC but after this past cruise I can say I will be looking at other cruise lines. I don't know if it is the staff on this ship, the cruise director or what but I was not happy with this cruise.

I had not been on the VOS previously but several places you could tell had new carpet and the miniature golf course looked like it had a recent facelift. Our bartender said that several staterooms were worked on as well as new carpet and bar top in [COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Cleopatra’[/FONT][/COLOR] lounge. There was maintenance constantly going on for the duration of the cruise, which was annoying at times. You would see maintenance laying new carpet by the elevators and the pool deck was even shut down one morning so some work could be done. The ship looks to be in a great shape with some minor wear but it looks like they are trying to give her an overall facelift.

My gripe with this cruise was not the on going on maintenance but the activities on the ship or should I say lack of. Can you believe that on a ship this size a lack of activities. What is the point of having all these extras if they are NEVER open and when they are open is during the dinner hour. Seriously?!? I also was disappointed in the service received at Windjammer's Cafe. Like I said I have always been loyal to RC but I think it may be time to look at other cruise lines.

I haven't downloaded all my pics yet but once I do I will post some pics of the ship from this past cruise.[/quote]

oh dear, we're on the Voyager in July. Is there still major work being carried out -- what facilities were closed? How was the MDR? Could you tell me the dining times, is this 6.30 and 900, or has this also changed?
Thanks!

[hellosailer]

Hmmm..... same cruise, two very different experiences!! Par for the course I suppose!!

[lady_cruiser]

[quote name='farnamcoach']I cruised the first time out of galveston the past february. I think the issue is how far the airport is from the port. when you fly into miami you can be at the ship in 10 mins. When you go to houston its forever to get to the port in galveston.[/quote]

First I noticed you are from Connectiuct. I was born in Southington so it is nice to see you here. IF you can fly into Hobby airport instead of Bush International you will find that you save a little more than half your time getting to and from the airport. Hope this helps you on your next Voyager cruise.

BTW we were on the Voyager the week of February 22 to celebrate my60th birthday. When were you on it?

[signalarmywife]

[quote name='dutchclogs']oh dear, we're on the Voyager in July. Is there still major work being carried out -- what facilities were closed? How was the MDR? Could you tell me the dining times, is this 6.30 and 900, or has this also changed?
Thanks![/quote]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]None of the facilities were closed for the duration of the cruise. The swimming pool was closed one morning for work. Several times at night they were drained and people were working on them. The day we boarded the entire sports court was closed until the next morning. Just different areas were closed off and on for work. Maintenance was laying carpet in front of the elevator area and worked its way through each deck. Nothing too major just minor things here and there. The maintenance really wasn't too disruptive more of an annoyance then anything else. I will say they did not try to do the work until we were at port or late at night for the most part. [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]We brought our on children on this cruise so we opted for the 6:30 dinning. Seating started at 630 and 700 for the main seating and 900 and 930 for the second seating. We were originally given a 900 dinnertime but were able to change to the 630 with no problems. [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]I took issue with the activities on the ship. For example the inline skating did not open until 500 and ran only to 800 pm. Mind you this cruise had a stop everyday except for Day 2 so most people didn't return to the ship until 600 and then dinner started at 630. I just felt the time things like the inline skating and ice skating were open were very inconvenient. Also on days at port there was no activities going on the ship. Other cruises I have been in the past at least had Bingo, cooking classes. dance classes or something going on not this one. [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]I also took issue with Windjammers. I felt on this particular ship it was more of an assembly line in a factory then a place to eat. The service was horrible. Forget trying to get a soda while in Windjammers it wasn't happening. The last day in Marseille it seemed like a good deal of people did not get off the boat and lunch was miserable. They didn't have enough lines open or staff and Windjammers was the only thing open unless you wanted to take your chances with Johnny Rockets ( wouldn't recommend it was gross) it was insane![/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]It just seemed like they did not have the right amount of staff to keep up with the amount of people on the ship. I don't know if this is because it just came out of dry dock or cost cutting but it was noticeable. [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Overall it was a good cruise and we had a great time. I'm not saying it was a bad cruise just not as good as others or enough to keep me loyal only to RC. I just felt that the level of activities and service was not comparable to other RC cruises I have been on. [/FONT][/COLOR]