VANNYSKY: Voyager of the Seas Day 1

1st day - 10 May 2016

Booked a 7 nights 8 days cruise with Royal Caribbean from 10 May 2016 to 17 May 2016 on the Voyager of the Seas. The destination of this cruise is to Hong Kong, with two port stopovers at Thailand and Vietnam. We did it directly on the international website instead of going through the travel agencies so it is easier to plan the dates. Singapore's website gave us some problem at the time of booking, hence we did it on the international website. Payment has to be paid by a credit card the currency was actually seen in USD but can be converted to SGD upon checkout. We chose to prepay all our gratituities (the tipping custom) instead of later so we know exactly how much we are paying.

They have different classes of ships and ours is under the Voyager class which ranks in the middle in terms of size and features. We chose a stateroom on deck 7 with a balcony so that we could have a nice view of the sea. We were given the choice to choose the exact stateroom number we want and the time we would like to have our dinner at the main dining room. There is traditional dining (fixed dinner time: 5.30/8.30pm) and my time dining (make reservations everyday at your preferred time) at the main dining room. I remembered we wanted 5.30pm slot as 8.30pm is too late but there's was no slot then. Hence, we selected my time dining and put ourselves under the waiting list for our desired choice. In the end, we got it and it is reflected on the seapass card (time reflected as 6pm though which is better for us too). We have booked our trip at the end of January and we waited patiently for the time to arrive!

I was so excited that on the day before, I just cannot do anything else! Bf came to fetch me about 12pm to the cruise terminal along with his parents. We have done the online check in at least 3 days prior to the sale date, so we did not need to fill up any forms other than the illness declaration form. We chose to link our seapass card to bf's credit card for any payment on board. This is really a good choice so that on the day before you disembark, you don't have to waste time queuing at the guest service counter just to pay your bills! The queue on our 7th day was really long.

The queue to check in was fast and we got our seapass card very soon. Headed up the ship with a few rounds of verification by the crew and handed over our passports to them so that they can clear customs at the various countries. A welcome photo was taken for us from the start. All the photos taken professionally by the RC crew can be reviewed at the photo stations at deck 3 before we decide to purchase. We did not purchase any of them though.

We started the embarkation process at about 1.30pm and reached our room at about 2.30pm. My luggage was already outside our stateroom but his was nowhere to be seen. Our luggage were left too far apart when we checked in, and they probably transported them in separate groups. We quickly went for lunch at the Windjammer restaurant [omg the fries is so good] at deck 11 before it closes. Emergency drill was set at 4pm and everyone was to report for it. This was when our stateroom attendant, Yadav Babban, introduced himself to us and guided us to our stations for the drill. I think he comes from India and he is a very friendly and approachable person. By this time, bf’s luggage finally found its way to our room.

We proceeded to our station stated on our seapass card, C10, at deck 4. We stood in single files, closed together, and that was quite stuffy as time goes by. Attendance was taken to ensure the passengers all go through this important drill. RC provides wrist bands which identifies with specific reporting stations. Children are expected to wear these wrist bands linked to their respective stations at all time. Parents, if separated from their children, were reminded to report to their stations immediately during emergencies as the crew would escort the children to them. This is a such an effective and efficient way, isn't it.

Windy!

After the drill, we went back to the room to chill, unpack, and watch the ship sail away! We had a dinner reservation at 7pm at Giovanni’s Table. This is a speciality restuarant in which we had to pay an additional amount of fee to enjoy the food. We made the reservation online directly and had paid in advance for it [about 70 SGD extra in total]. There were like 4 courses to choose from, the appetizers, pastas, mains and dessert. It seems to be so much to eat but since we have already paid for it, both of us chose one from each category.

We were served quickly during our time there as there were only a few tables occupied. Most people are probably trying out the main dining room on their first night. The table size at Giovanni's was just right and ambience was not bad. Our waiter, from China, introduced himself to us and for the whole time, he provided prompt service to us. Although we did have some problems depiphering some sentences and food items, his overall communication is good.

Before we choose from the menu, we were given some warm bread which taste really good, despite it being a little hard. He recommended this bread dipping which consist of olive oil, vinegar and cheese. At first, we were kind of freaked out by this combination but the result was a good mix of sour and salty taste. Olive oil is really not oily tasting afterall :P. However, butter still wins the battle.

The next dish that arrived was this cold dish, consisting of cold cuts, weird vegetables and cheese. This kind of cheese is a little too smelly. The cold cuts are rather salty and not appetizing to me. And I don't actually eat those greens presented to us. We were debating about whose appetitizer choice was it but it just does not make sense. This does not look like toasted bread or scallops. We asked our waiter and realised that this is complimentary from the kitchen to make sure we eat till our heart's content. On the other hand, our real choices is very yummy, garlicky well done scallops with parma ham and cheese bread.

For soup, we both had seafood based because vegetable soup is just not appealing enough. The soup is separated from the ingredients and only added when placed in front of us. Here we are, a seafood soup with no soup!

From the pasta category, we chose the risotto and ricotta. The risotto has a strong mushroom taste which I find it okay if I was not full already. The ricotta is a spinach wrap with creamy cheese sauce. The sauce is very rich so 1 each was more than enough before we get sick from the taste.

Before our maincourses arrive, bf was given a much larger knife to cut his steak. I cannot remember the taste of the steak but the fish was a little dry. Also, just look at the portion of the fish, which restaurant serves 3 large pieces of fish in one dish?! I was shocked because we were already quite full then. The potato side dish is really good though because of the cream sauce and crunchiness of the potato.

When the customers beside us has finished their dinner, the waiter brought out the dessert in a push trolley and explained the details of each dessert to them. I was listening to him and so I already knew what desserts I would like to try. I was expecting them to keep the desserts back to the chiller or something but it was left right there. I prefer cold desserts to taste a bit harder so I was not expecting much from our last portion of food. The desserts really do not taste good, whether chilled or not.

We walked around the ship, exploring the decks, the activity places, the chapel. Deck 5 is where parades and events are held. We found a dance dance revolution machine at the arcade but, it was out of order! Disappointed, if not we would sure be spending some money there. There are a number of shops like Solera, Coach and Swarovski for us to shop for duty free items. Throughout the cruise, there are also multiple sale events for these brands. If you have forgotten to pack some of your basic necessities, fret not. There is a store which sells toothbrush, sanitary pads, deodorant, sunscreen and so on.

At the same level, there is a Cafe Promenade which opens 24 hours, so we always go there to refill our water bottles. Of course, there is a kettle provided in the room for us to boil some water but the tap water already has some funny smell. The boiled water taste weird too. Remember to bring your water bottles for convenience although they do not allow direct refilling of water from the dispenser [just pour into your cups first].

Before we ended the day, we sat at the Star Lounge to listen to the singers perform.
I remember my mood that day to be of anticipation and bliss. <3