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| The view from the Viking Crown Lounge, deck 14. |
1. Don't pack 3 bottles of sunblock and no cleanser
3. Read the daily cruise newsletter, placed in your stateroom every afternoon. There are a lot of activities listed, and those which you have to pay for are clearly marked. Highlights are in bold.
2. Everything is US-style. Food portions are American sized, the power points are meant for US-style plugs and the currency accepted on board is the US dollar
4. Activities are timed so that you can move on to something else starting 15 minutes later. Plan your day accordingly.
8. The performance on the first evening is always worth seeing. Actually the other performances are also excellent too.
5. Arrive early for anything. You are usually allowed to enter. Except for meals, when they open on time.
6. There will be crowds at meals and after popular activities. Look for another lift, use the stairs or (my favourite) take the lift going elsewhere.
7. Watch movies under the stars in good weather – images are clear and there is a great sound system
8. The performance on the first evening is always worth seeing. Actually the other performances are also excellent too.
9. 'Washy-washy' with Purrell (sanitiser) everywhere, because germs
10. Strategy 1 for getting a seat for the buffet: go early so you are at the head of the queue. There is no strategy 2.
11. Strategy 1 for sitting together for free-seating fine dining: make sure the whole group is already there. There is no strategy 2.
Cafe Promenade is also great if you need to grab a drink.
15. The library (deck 8) has some pretty interesting books, in different languages. Also a book exchange area.
18. The poolside movies on deck 11 are really clear even in the daytime. Finding a seat where you have an unobstructed view of the movie may be the challenge.
19. Have fun on board in the games room on deck 7. Tables and chairs are limited though!
The most ergonomic table and chair arrangements for using a laptop are at the library/games room on decks 8 and 7 respectively. Admittedly neither area is meant for using your own laptop.
21. Do remember anyone who gave you excellent service (which is everyone), either with a tip or through a review on social media. An envelope is provided on the last day of the cruise but you can get more at deck 5, guest services.
Explore:
Browse the album of cruise photos on Facebook
Hashtag: #cruisexperience, #royalcaribbean, #voyageroftheseas
12. You can order as many dishes as you like for fine dining.
13. Favourite buffet breakfast food: the upama at Windjammer (deck 11). Dishes containing pork or beef at the buffet are clearly marked. There are Jain and vegetarian sections a little further in.
14. Plus: snacks at Cafe Promenade (deck 5) just about anytime. Minus: no seating available.
16. Want to follow someone in mass dancing? Deck 5 is a common venue, outside the cafe. This means you don't chat in the cafe.
17. Want to chat? There are deck chairs on deck 4, deck 11 poolside, deck 12 overlooking the pools, and deck 14. There are armchairs in the library and games room too.
17. The best view is at deck 14, at the Viking Crown Lounge. It may be booked for private events though.
18. The poolside movies on deck 11 are really clear even in the daytime. Finding a seat where you have an unobstructed view of the movie may be the challenge.
19. Have fun on board in the games room on deck 7. Tables and chairs are limited though!
The most ergonomic table and chair arrangements for using a laptop are at the library/games room on decks 8 and 7 respectively. Admittedly neither area is meant for using your own laptop.
20. Staterooms are cleaned 3x a day. Please spare a thought for your friendly stateroom attendant.
21. Do remember anyone who gave you excellent service (which is everyone), either with a tip or through a review on social media. An envelope is provided on the last day of the cruise but you can get more at deck 5, guest services.
22. Order wheelchair services early, both for getting on board and leaving the ship. Instructions are not very clear on this point. Your best bet is to enquire at deck 5, guest services.
23. They use facial recognition with photos, but if you don't see the ones you want in the system, you can ask for them.
Explore:
Browse the album of cruise photos on Facebook
Hashtag: #cruisexperience, #royalcaribbean, #voyageroftheseas
*Royal Caribbean did not sponsor this review in any way. The author would like to thank the crew of the Voyager of the Seas and the staff at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre for being so helpful in making her parents' cruise an excellent one.
