Vacationing on a cruise ship is a fantastic experience for the whole family. Imagine staying in a luxury resort that keeps moving from one place to the other, allowing you to enjoy the facilities of the resort and also see a different country every couple of days. As the children had a week off for spring break, we decided to take a cruise from Singapore. The Voyager of the Seas was our choice for this as it was a four-day cruise covering Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. The ship boasted of 14 decks, 10 pools and 13 bars, clubs and lounges.
After spending a day sightseeing in Singapore, we took off for the marina and completed the immigration formalities to get on board the ship. While over 1,500 people check in during three hours, the process is simple and efficient with multiple check-in counters and friendly staff. After check-in, your passport is taken away and you receive your sea pass card that acts as your credit card on the ship as well as your ID card when you get on and off for shore excursions.
(Photo: www.royalcaribbean.com)
Our two-bed suite on board the ship was an absolute delight with floor-to-ceiling windows, which allow you to enjoy the panoramic views of the ocean without leaving your stateroom. All suites had an attached balcony. The ship is equipped with wifi on board and roaming for your mobile phone, so those of us who need to be connected to work, could do so while we were holidaying.
We spent four days enjoying the ship and there is something for everyone! Breakfast was a choice of elaborate buffets on three decks — a continental buffet, the Asian buffet or the Indian buffet of north and south Indian breakfast delicacies. For those who like it quiet, one restaurant served a fixed menu with seated service.
The ship docked in Kaula Lumpur on one day and Phuket on another day. Those who wanted to go and see both places could get off the ship and spend their day doing what they liked and head back before we set sail again. The cruise ship’s excursion desk also has options for an organised trip for those who want it all taken care of. The ones who choose to stay on the ship are spoilt for choice! For the active lot, you can conquer the rock-climbing wall or play basketball or mini golf on the designated decks.
(Photo: www.royalcaribbean.com)
For those who like to relax, you can swim and hang out by the pool and watch movies and sporting events on the 220 square foot outdoor screen. The casino is open all day for anyone who wants to try their luck. And for those wanting to indulge in retail therapy, the shops on board offer a great choice of clothes, shoes, bags, make up and other accessories.
If you’re hungry, the cafes and restaurants on the ship offer so many options ranging from quick bites to elaborate meals and it’s all included in your package. All you have to do is flash your sea pass card. For those who like to relax with a jug of beer or an exotic cocktail, the many bars and taverns on the ship will leave you wanting more. And while you sip on your drink at the bar, you’re treated to live music at most of them.
The ship also boasts of a relatively large spa with trained therapists offering services ranging from anti-aging to weight loss packages or just the basic massage. The attached all glass state-of-the art gym allows you to burn off the extra calories. A workout followed by a 90 minute massage was my daily treat!
The children on the ship never have a dull moment. If it’s not the pool or outdoor sports, they spend time in the kids clubs called Adventure Ocean. You can check your kids in and pick them up when you like. The baby sitters keep them entertained with lots of activities and they get to play and interact with other children as well.
My kids and their friend enjoyed the Dreamworks Parade where they got to dance and take pictures with their favorite characters like Shrek, Fiona, Puss in the boots, penguins of Madagascar and others. Evenings are a time for the whole family to dress up and party. We had four fantastic nights. One night was an elaborate ice-skating show with performers from all over the world.
The next night was a Broadway style musical and another night a one hour performance by an X! Factor finalist. After the shows, we would sit down and have an elaborate four-course meal while catching up with each other about our day. And after dinner, the kids would call it a day while most adults hit the nightclubs.
